NBA Notebook: Can the Celtics keep Al Horford and Luke Kornet in free agency?

Free agency negotiations begin in the NBA on Monday at 6 p.m. EST, which could become the day that determines whether the Celtics retained a roster capable of competing or are poised to take a significant step back in 2025-26 due to injuries and roster losses. Al Horford, Luke Kornet and Torrey Craig enter unrestricted free agency, and all three have expressed that they'll explore their options. Boston also holds a team option on JD Davison and a decision to extend a qualifying offer to Drew Peterson, both due on Sunday. 

"It's hard to say you wouldn't stay in Boston with the city and the fans and the team, and the history of everything that comes with Boston," Craig told The Garden Report recently. "I think anyone would love to be here in Boston, with the coaches and the players, things of that sort. So yeah, of course, but it's also a business and you also have to make the right decision that makes the best sense for yourself as well. So that's when, once free agency hits, I'll talk to my representatives, my agents, and then we'll sit down and go through some things and see which team makes the best sense for me." 

Horford and Kornet made similar statements in their exit interviews ahead of an uncertain Celtics season and free agency class, where both players could command mid-level exception interests from rivals that need center depth. Boston traded Kristaps Porziņģis this week, which reduced the team's tax bill significantly while avoiding the second apron by roughly $5 million. That increases the team's flexibility to make additional salary-reducing deals, but leaves little room to compete with teams that offer the full MLE ($14.1M). 

The Celtics do have two advantages in Horford and Kornet negotiations -- familiarity and Bird rights. While other teams need to utilize cap space or exceptions, which create hard caps, Boston can offer either player however much it wants in salary and up to five years. That makes opening the mid-level exception ($5.7M) irrelevant, since the team probably won't be active for outside free agents and doesn't have much room beneath the second apron, which the smaller MLE hard caps you at once you use it. The Celtics have roughly $7.3 million in room beneath the second apron. That's enough for Boston to offer minimum contracts to both Horford and Kornet, but both project to garner more significant offers. 

The Athletic used its BORD$ projection, which measures an expected contract by productivity from the previous season, and valued Horford at $18.9 million and Kornet at $13.8 million. While that's not indicative of the offer they'll actually receive in a tight free agent market due to cost-cutting going on around the league and next to no cap space exiting outside Brooklyn, it highlights how significant of a hometown discount both players would need to take compared to their actual value to remain in Boston. Brad Stevens prioritized retaining both players during his NBA Draft press conference while acknowledging that they'll inevitably see what's out there this week. 

"We talk about everything as it goes, and obviously, as I just told you, and I'll repeat it over and over and over, we need to regain our flexibility," he said. "We need to maximize assets in return and we need to regain some flexibility here. And whatever that means from a final cost standpoint is what it means. But I think the biggest thing is, as you look at the rest of the team and what we're trying to do, there's no question our priorities would be to bring Al and Luke back. Those guys are huge parts of this organization. They're going to have, I'm sure, plenty of options all over the place, and that's well deserved, but I think that would be a priority. At the same time, I don't want to put pressure on them. It's their call ultimately, but we would love to have those guys back."

Let's start with Horford, who turned 39 in June and by all accounts intends to continue playing. He returned to the Auerbach Center earlier this month to work out with teammates, another sign he'll continue his career next season after saying he'd assess his future with family following the loss to New York. Most teams would love to add Horford to their frontcourt. Fewer stand out as capable of competing for championships, have mid-level space available and would make sense for Horford as a destination without separating himself from or uprooting his family, who have become a fixture at Celtics games, and his five children have become a responsibility he balances alongside his playing career. Cross off Brooklyn, Chicago, San Antonio, Charlotte, Washington, Milwaukee, Sacramento, Portland, Philadelphia and New Orleans among teams that can offer mid-level exceptions. 

The Pistons will likely use their mid-level to retain Malik Beasley or free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker, so although they emerged as a playoff team last year and Horford family members reside in Michigan, they're not a likely destination either. The Atlanta Hawks, however, make some sense. Horford still spends time and owns property near the city where he began his NBA career, and the Hawks will court a compelling starting five between Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher and Onyeka Okongwu. Off the bench, Horford would reunite with Porziņģis, who he became close to in Boston. The Hawks currently have $49 million in room under the first apron, which can fit free agent Caris LeVert through Bird rights, draft pick Asa Newell, Horford on a mid-level and 2-3 other players. Horford's ability to play the four next to Okonwgu and Porziņģis makes him a better fit for their MLE than Kornet. 

Other potential championship contenders who have mid-level space include the Rockets and his former head coach Ime Udoka. The Clippers also make some sense, though those may prove to be difficult moves. The Warriors and Lakers probably won't have the flexibility to use the full MLE, but could instead present multiple years of the taxpayer MLE with more significant roles. Horford could potentially start for both. Ian Begley reported the Knicks, who could probably only offer an MLE or minimum, will explore adding Horford, who's close to Karl-Anthony Towns. There has been some New York buzz throughout the summer, and it would keep him in close proximity to his family. The Thunder stand out too as defending champions who Horford played alongside in 2021, though Oklahoma City just drafted center Thomas Sorber and signed Jaylin Williams to a long-term extension. 

Horford has made roughly $285 million in salary in his career, making money a lesser consideration than respect, a significant role, comfort and the chance to win a championship. If the Celtics align a path to contending again when Jayson Tatum returns to full strength in 2026-27 and return Horford to his starting role, that should be enough to get the two sides to agree on a two-year deal, perhaps worth just north of the minimum. Kornet, who's only garnered $14.2 million through his career, faces a more difficult decision. 

"Regarding going forward, we'll figure out stuff when it comes to it," Kornet said in May. "At this point, you're trying to unwind and spend some time with family. You don't even know what everything's going to look like because you just got done playing. That's what it is for now." 

Kornet explained last summer, when he had a one-year, $7 million offer from the Jazz, that he chose to return to Boston for the league minimum because of how he fit with the team and having the chance to attempt a championship repeat with nearly the entire roster returning. He even earned a no-trade clause through the type of deal he signed. That won't be the case this summer, with two starters from the title already traded. Kornet also had a breakout season where he showed he could fill in for spot starts and thrive, including in Game 5 against the Knicks -- the best performance of his career that helped save Boston's season for one night. 

Numerous teams could pursue Kornet, who turns 30 in July. The San Antonio Spurs plan to, according to Jake Fischer, with their mid-level available to fill significant center minutes alongside Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs could easily offer two years, and roughly $29 million. The decision over whether to guarantee a third season, bringing that number to $44.4 million would likely cement San Antonio or others pulling Kornet away from Boston. That third, 2027-28 season, would mark the first of Wembanyama's rookie extension and the second of De'Aaron Fox' forthcoming new contract. Stephon Castle would remain on his rookie deal for one more season. The Spurs look like a serious threat to sign Kornet, who played high school basketball four hours north. 

Other contenders for Kornet could include the Jazz, who pursued him last offseason. Danny Ainge originally acquired Kornet from Chicago as Boston's GM in 2021 and Will Hardy coached him in 2022. His former Bulls make some sense as well, the Bucks might need a center if Brook Lopez departs in free agency, and he played for them briefly in 2022 as an emergency COVID signing. The Clippers could use some depth behind Ivica Zubac, and the Pelicans need another center after trading Kelly Olynyk. Charlotte also doesn't have much center depth, and Charles Lee also coached Kornet in Boston. The Heat, Nuggets and Kornet's former Knicks would need to offer the smaller MLE. 

As for the Celtics, until the team makes an expected Anfernee Simons, Georges Niang or Sam Hauser follow-up move to their trades this week, they're too close to the second apron to compete with the $10-14 million average annual value Kornet could find in free agency. A structure where the Celtics offer the minimum this season ($3.3M), with 8% raises over a five-year deal would secure Kornet a guaranteed $19.5 million. That's at least comparable to a two-year contract Kornet might find in free agency, and Boston can guarantee him a significant role in a system he's succeeded in. Can that offer counteract a payday elsewhere in what could be Kornet's only chance to cash in? The Celtics have the opportunity over the next day to make a deal that'll secure them more room under the second apron to approach $10 million, but for now, that's probably the best they can do. 

"I kind of knew the whole time it’d be hard to go anywhere else,” Kornet told CLNS Media last year. “I knew that Boston, in terms of what was available for us too, was kind of limited, but to be able to play with this team — and my family’s been here. There were some great options to go other places, but you notice … is there anywhere else I’d want to play with a different group of people? I feel like the group that feels like you’re making the most out of what you’re trying to accomplish and being able to compete at the highest level. Honestly, the five years that I’ve been here have made it difficult to want anything else, especially with the group having basically everyone back. It’s an honor to be able to play here and play with these guys.”

Here's what else happened around the NBA this week...

Atlanta: Traded Terence Mann, Georges Niang and their No. 22 overall pick in a three-team deal with the Celtics and Nets that acquired Kristaps Porziņģis. The Hawks addressed their need at center alongside Onyeka Okongwu with Clint Capela inevitably departing by picking up Boston's starter from the last two seasons, who's struggled to stay on the court. They allowed Boston to save significant money by re-routing Mann to Brooklyn, the Celtics' incentive to do the deal while only taking on Niang's expiring $8.5 million contract. Atlanta retained the No. 13 pick from the Kevin Huerter trade with Sacramento, and traded back 10 spots to No. 23 in exchange for Bucks pick swap rights next year that New Orleans owned from the Jrue Holiday trade. The Hawks selected Asa Newell at No. 23, a 19-year-old forward from Georgia who plays more like a center at 6-9. Atlanta is expected to have interest in fired Raptors president Masai Ujiri. The Hawks recently restructured their front office, with Onsi Saleh taking over as GM. Marc Stein, however, reported that Atlanta moved on from its Ujiri interest despite still pursuing a team president. 

Boston: Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis both said goodbye to Boston after two seasons where they became the finishing touches on a championship roster alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. The Celtics traded Holiday back to the Trail Blazers, who originally re-routed him to Boston in 2023, for two second-rounders and Anfernee Simons. It's unclear if Simons and Georges Niang, who arrived in the Porziņģis trade, will remain Celtics or be rerouted for further savings. The trades shed nearly $30 million in salary and $200 million in luxury taxes from the Celtics' payroll. They're no longer a second apron team, allowing them to aggregate salaries, sign a mid-level free agent and more, though they're only about $5 million under the line, so further moves could follow. Despite numerous reports that the team fielded calls for Brown and Derrick White, assistant GM Mike Zarren said there was nothing close to serious. 

Brad Stevens stressed acquiring assets and regaining flexibility in his press conference after the draft, signaling a step back for the franchise before a season where they'll put no pressure on Jayson Tatum to return from his Achilles tear. He and Brown (meniscus) have made progress in their recoveries, he added. Boston further showcased their future focus by drafting 19-year-old guard project Hugo Gonzalez from Real Madrid with the No. 28 overall pick. Evaluators mostly lauded the pick, with ESPN's Jonathan Givony and others once considering Gonzalez a lottery talent. He played limited minutes with his club this season, and could play Eurobasket with Spain. It's unlikely he will appear in Summer League with second round fliers Amari Williams, a Kentucky center, and Max Shulga, a shooting guard from VCU that the Celtics selected later in the second round after trading back with Orlando from No. 32. Boston acquired two future second-rounders in the deal, including its own back from the 2021 Evan Fournier trade. Williams and Shulga will likely play on two-way deals, Zarren said. Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman and two-way wing Miles Norris will join them at Summer League, among others. 

Brooklyn: Used all five first-round picks the team acquired, selecting BYU point guard Egor Demin, young guard Nolan Traoré from France, defensive stopper Drake Powell from UNC, then selecting back-to-back passers Ben Saraf, who played in Germany, and big man Danny Wolf from Michigan. The Nets clearly placed an emphasis on finding its future offensive orchestrator, and leaned into youth as Brooklyn's rebuild continued. As expected, Brooklyn helped the Celtics offload salary by taking Terance Mann on in exchange for the Hawks' first-rounder, which became Powell. The trade cut roughly $18 million from the Nets' projected $50 million in cap space this summer, so there's more to come here. 

Charlotte: Traded Mark Williams, the ascending big whose physical nixed his trade to the Lakers in February, to Phoenix for a 2029 first that's the least favorable of Cleveland, Minnesota and Utah's firsts. The Suns originally acquired that pick for more trade flexibility. Charlotte drafted Duke wing Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 pick, before using the No. 29 selection it also added from the Suns to draft Liam McNeeley, an acclaimed wing prospect who didn't meet expectations in his freshman year at UConn. The Hornets also brought back Vasilije Micic, who went to Phoenix in a trade deadline deal in February. In the second round, Charlotte drafted Ryan Kalkbrenner from Creighton and Duke's Sion James. 

Chicago/Cleveland: Traded Lonzo Ball to the Cavaliers following his comeback season from missing over two years with a knee injury and signing a two-year, $20 million extension with the Bulls. Ball turns 28 next season after averaging 7.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 3.3 APG on 36.6% shooting (34.4% 3PT) in 35 appearances in 2025. The Bulls acquired Isaac Okoro, who stayed with the Cavs last summer in restricted free agency before emerging as a screen-and-roll wing who improved as a shooter (37.1% 3PT). He's signed for two more seasons at $11 million per year. Ball projects to help the Cavs sustain during Darius Garland's absence after the guard underwent toe surgery and is expected to recover through the beginning of next season. The Bulls drafted Noa Essengue, a defensive wing from Germany, with the No. 12 overall pick. The Cavs grabbed Duke's Tyrese Proctor and Saliou Niang from Italy/Senegal in the second round. Lachlan Olbrich from Australia went to Chicago in the second. 

Dallas: Didn't shock anyone by selecting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick, Nico Harrison reacting to the Mavs' improbable lottery win for the first time by saying fortune favors the bold. Harrison also shot down continued speculation that Jason Kidd could move to the Knicks this offseason, asserting that Kidd will coach the Mavericks again this year with contract negotiations clearly the backdrop of the Knicks reporting. At guard, where Kyrie Irving will miss roughly half of next season following ACL surgery, Dallas will reportedly pursue Chris Paul with its $5.7 million mid-level exception, but there's some sense Paul prefers to return closer to Los Angeles following his season with the Spurs. They're worth watching as an Anfernee Simons re-trade destination. Dallas extended Daniel Gafford for three years, $54 million beyond next season, keeping him trade-eligible. 

Denver: Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke bizarrely mentioned the prospect of trading Nikola Jokić this week. Even though it was hypothetical in describing what the Nuggets would need to do if they got injured while above the second apron line, it didn't create a positive feeling around Denver's outlook, even if it's completely accurate. Shams Charania later noted that Kroenke and Denver have no interest in trading Jokić, and that the star wants to remain with the Nuggets. He's signed for two more seasons through his 2027 option.

Detroit: Missed out on expected target Naz Reid as the team pursues a floor-spacing big man, and could pivot to Santi Aldama, according to Jake Fischer. The Pistons are also expected to pursue Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and were planning on retaining free agent Malik Beasley, Fischer wrote. Then, on Sunday, Shams Charania reported that Beasley is under investigation by the US District Attorney's office on allegations related to gambling on NBA games. Charania reported that the investigation, which does not include any charges for now, put a three-year, $42 million offer on hold. Dennis Schröder and Tim Hardaway Jr. also enter free agency Monday, with Schröder fielding interest from the Kings. 

Golden State: Extended a qualifying offer to Jonathan Kuminga ($7.9M) that makes the 22-year-old a restricted free agent ahead of a new deal that'll keep him with the Warriors or a sign-and-trade elsewhere. Only the Nets can sign Kuminga to an offer sheet worth more than $20 million per year when free agency begins on Monday. Teams far below the first apron line, which is required to execute a sign-and-trade, includes the Bulls, Pistons, Hawks, Spurs, Hornets, Jazz, Rockets and Bucks, among others. The Warriors and Gary Payton II could reportedly part ways in free agency. 

Houston: Fred VanVleet and the Rockets are expected to agree to a two-year, $50 million deal after Houston declines his $44.9 million player option, a move that sets the Rockets up for more flexibility after the Kevin Durant trade. While another deal isn't imminent, the team still has Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, both extension-eligible, along with Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore available if the Rockets decide to make further additions. Shams Charania reported that Durant expects to finish his career with the Rockets. He's eligible to extend for two years, and either $112 million or $124 million, depending on when he signs it. Houston will also reportedly re-sign Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green. 

Indiana (lost 3-4 vs. OKC): Tyrese Haliburton fell just seven minutes into Game 7 with a torn right achilles that derailed the Pacers' chance of winning a championship in a 16-16 game and will extend into next season, where Haliburton will almost certainly remain sidelined through the regular season. Bennedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam still fought through halftime, with Andrew Nembhard delivering Indiana a one-point halftime lead with a three in the final minute. TJ McConell scored 12 points midway through the third quarter to keep the Pacers in it, but eight turnovers in the frame powered a 9-0 Thunder run that kept Oklahoma City in control the rest of the way before winning, 103-91. Haliburton's achilles tear marked the eighth of this NBA season, with no other year recording more than five since tracking began. It was the third for the Pacers. 

Clippers: LA will make retaining James Harden a top priority when free agency begins, the star expected to opt-out of his $36 million player option this weekend. He had previously been predicted to remain with the Clippers for two years, $75 million. The Clippers, who have access to their full mid-level exception, could also explore a reunion with Chris Paul. 

Lakers: LeBron James' opted into his $52.6 million player options, but agent Rich Paul expressed a desire to contend for a championship this season. James will reportedly continue to assess his Lakers future.. Dorian Finney-Smith opted out of his $15.6 million options and will explore free agency, with LA capable of signing a new contract worth three-years, $54 million or four-years, $90.2 million. The Lakers will address Luka Dončić's future later, since he's extension-eligible on Aug. 2. Then, he can sign a more lucrative four-year, $229 million deal, but if he agrees to a three-year, $165 million contract now, he can opt-out in 2028 and become eligible for the super max based on service time. Dončić lost access to the super max now due to Dallas trading him in February. 

Memphis/Portland: Traded up to draft Cedric Coward from Washington State, a former Division III recruit who worked his way up the draft board to become one of the best prospects in the class. Portland traded out from No. 11 and acquired the 2028 Magic first-rounder from the Desmond Bane trade, along with two future seconds. The Blazers drafted Yang Hansen after moving back to No. 16 overall, a stunning move to acquire a prospect mostly ranked in the high or middle of the second round despite his standout draft combine. Yang is 7-1 with a 253-pound frame and passing ability that intrigued some teams. He's only 20 and has a 7-3 wingspan that could allow him to play drop defense, but Portland made a big bet on him expanding his offensive range, hitting more free throws and translating to the NBA from China athletically. The Blazers marked a turn toward trying to win on Monday by acquiring Jrue Holiday's three-year, $104 million contract that doesn't, on paper, seem to fit his younger teammates' timeline. Holiday reportedly wasn't thrilled with the move to the Blazers. 

Miami: Signed Davion Mitchell for two years, $24 million and drafted Kasparas Jakučionis, a point guard prospect out of Illinois, expected to go much higher than No. 20 overall. The Heat missed out on Kevin Durant, a pursuit they reportedly didn't extend themselves far for with an offer that featured Andrew Wiggins and Terry Rozier, among others. The Heat held Jaime Jaquez, Nikola Jovic, the No. 20 overall pick and even Haywood Highsmith off the table in Durant talks, according to Shams Charania. Miami realized that even with Durant, they're not in position to win a championship. 

Minnesota: Re-signed Naz Reid to a five-year deal worth $125 million before his highly anticipated player option. Reid would've become one of the most coveted free agents in this class, but he likely saw the signs that sign-and-trade and cap space opportunities weren't out there, which allowed the Wolves to retain him on a favorable deal. The same appears likely with potential free agent Julius Randle, whose $30.9 million option decision looms this weekend. Randle opting in would pull the Wolves within $8-million of the second apron before addressing Nickeil Alexander-Walker's free agency. The Clippers, Hawks and Magic could all emerge as suitors for Alexander-Walker, who made only $4.3 million this year.

New Orleans: Made the most bizarre decision on draft night, trading their 2026 pick swap rights with the Bucks ahead of Milwaukee's uncertain season with Giannis Antetokounmpo for a trade up to the No. 13 pick to select Derik Queen, an intriguing playmaking center out of Maryland. It's still unclear what the Pelicans' direction is under Joe Dumars after another curious trade that sent CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Wizards for Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey, who's coming off a torn ACL. 

New York: Interview former Hornets coach James Borrego after assessing Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown as it becomes increasingly likely the Knicks won't lure Jason Kidd from the Mavericks. Timberwolves assistant Mikah Nori also interviewed for the position. Borrego is a CAA client, connecting him to Knicks president Leon Rose. According to The Athletic, James Dolan played a larger role than most owners in the decision to fire Tom Thibodeau after an east finals run. They had previously reported that Thibodeau had Rose and Jalen Brunson's support. Then, a meeting between ownership and the players led to a different result, Thibodeau's firing, than many expected. 

Oklahoma City (won 4-3 vs. IND): Won their first championship since moving to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won Finals MVP unanimously, sweeping West Finals and NBA MVP honors in the same season, the first to complete that feat since the league established conference finals MVPs in 2022. Gilgeous-Alexander struggled to shoot in Game 7, finishing 8-for-27, but recorded 12 assists and led the Thunder through their decisive stretch alongside Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. He averaged 30.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 5.6 APG on 44.3% shooting. Gilgeous-Alexander pulled Williams aside in the championship celebration and stressed that he was also the MVP, Williams averaging 23.6 PPG in the Finals. In a subdued celebration, Williams revealed he didn't drink prior to that night, while a tame scene followed outside due to police presence and a sparse crowd attended the parade. The Thunder will have a similar opportunity to what the Celtics had in 2025 to repeat as champions for the first time by any team since the 2018 Warriors. Then, financial challenges will face the team beginning in 2026-27, but they're well-equipped to face them with their draft capital. The Thunder, days after the title, drafted Thomas Sorber, an intriguing center prospect from Georgetown with the No. 15 pick from the Paul George trade. 

Still, Tyrese Haliburton's Game 7 injury will go down as one of the league's great what-ifs. Haliburton started the game 3-for-4 from three in seven minutes before exiting. 

Philadelphia: Drafted V.J. Edgecombe with the No. 3 overall pick, passing on Ace Bailey after he declined their workout and going with a wing prospect they became increasingly high on in recent weeks. At 6-4, he shot below his high school standard at Baylor as a freshman, but flashed defensive and complementary skills that could fit in better on a 76ers team with multiple stars already filling the roster. Despite rumors that the Sixers could trade back to move off Paul George's contract, the star wing stayed on the roster this week. Philadelphia drafted Johni Broome from Auburn at No. 35 following his season, where he finished alongside Cooper Flagg as the two best players in college basketball. Joel Embiid is expected to be healthy for training camp, the Sixers announced in a positive sign after a disastrous season. 

“He’s very engaged, attacking rehab,” Daryl Morey said. ”Doing everything he can to be out there. He had a meeting with (the surgeon) this week. All things, to use a NASA term, are nominal. Things are going well and expected and we expect that to continue ... things are on track to be ready right around (camp)." 

Phoenix: Followed through on their interest in acquiring center talent by trading for Mark Williams before drafting South Sudanese center Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 overall pick they acquired in the Kevin Durant deal. Maluach thrived at Duke after competing in the Olympics at 18 in the same group as Team USA with a strong South Sudan team. William nearly went to the Lakers in a trade deadline deal, but finished the year healthy with Charlotte instead after LA nixed the deal due to his physical. The Suns also drafted Rasheer Fleming, a long wing prospect from St. Joseph's, at the start of the second round by trading up to No. 31 ahead of the Celtics, who reportedly intended to pick Fleming before they moved back. The Suns parted with No. 36 and two future seconds in the deal. Later, they selected Kentucky sharpshooter Koby Brea. Phoenix will now address Bradley Beal's future, which could become difficult after failing to trade him before the deadline. The Athletic noted how buying out EJ Liddell and Nassir Little could prevent the Suns from waiving-and-stretching Beal, which would pay him $22-million annually over five years, but is currently illegal due to teams not being allowed to stretch more than 15% of their cap space annually. Beal would have to give back some money in the agreement. 

San Antonio: Stayed at No. 2 and 14 in the draft despite rumors they could look to supplement their roster with veterans, taking Dylan Harper as expected and Carter Bryant, a wing from Arizona. Harper began his time with the team by declaring that the Spurs will make the playoffs this season. At the moment, they'll build around Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, rookie of the year Stephon Castle, and Harper, who will look to become the third straight San Antonio player to win the award. 

Toronto: Fired Masai Ujiri after 13 seasons that included the franchise's first championship in 2019 after his risky trade for Kawhi Leonard on an expiring contract. The team remained competitive despite Leonard's impending departure, pushing the Celtics to seven games in the Bubble before a downturn that followed. The Raptors later traded OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, and struggled to find footing after Nick Nurse's departure under new head coach Darko Rajakovic. Lottery luck landed them Scottie Barnes, but the team will now assess a new direction, internally through GM Bobby Webster or externally. 

Utah: Drafted Ace Bailey with the No. 5 overall pick after the Sixers and Hornets passed on him, the Jazz declining to do the same despite Bailey not working out there and reportedly preferring not to land with Utah. He'll report to the team this weekend, according to reports, despite speculation that he could hold out. Bailey's draft stock took a hit due to his unconventional representation and approach to seemingly slide down the draft board for both a preferable destination and team he can play right away for. Austin Ainge oversaw his first draft for the Jazz, taking the risk on Bailey and later selecting Walter Clayton Jr., the leader from Florida's NCAA championship run. Brad Stevens joked he could've predicted Ainge would take Clayton. Ainge left the Celtics organization earlier this offseason to become the Jazz' top decision maker alongside his father.