(The original article was published on June 29, the author is an NBA expert group on ESPN website, and the content of the article does not represent the translator's views)

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Cleveland Cavaliers

offseason winning key: theoretically, the Cavaliers can maintain their current lineup, but the luxury tax will exceed $250 million next season alone, which is unbearable for a team that has just won 64 wins but failed in the second round of the playoffs. The more likely scenario is to follow the example of the Celtics sending Ju Holiday and Porzingis away, circumventing the cruel second tyrant line by splitting away from one or two key players.

Must-do: If the Cavaliers boss is unwilling to pay a sky-high luxury tax, he is expected to trade at least Jarrett Allen or Struth (or even two) to relieve salary pressure. The Cavaliers have sent out signals: exchange Ocorro for Lonzo Ball and sign a four-year contract with Merrill (both operations occurred during Garland's recovery from toe surgery), and basically announced that they would not renew their free agent Jerome, and retaining other players would only further push up the total salary for next season. ——Chris Herring

Boston Celtics

The key to winning the offseason: By using Porzingis and Ju Holiday to get George Nian and Anthony Simmons, the Celtics have successfully avoided the second rich line and are expected to save $260 million in salary and luxury tax expenses next season. However, with Porzingis leaving the team and Horford and Connet becoming free agents, there is no reliable inside line in the Celtics lineup, and this vacancy needs to be filled while avoiding triggering the restriction of the second rich line.

Must-do: If George Nyan can trade for a second time and send Sam Hauser away (a high-quality shooter and underrated defender with 42% three-point shooting percentage) in his career, he can release about $18 million in salary space. This operation not only retains room for renewal of Horford and Connett, but also maintains the lineup framework for Tatum's return next year. ——Zach Kram

New York Knicks

The key to winning the offseason: In addition to finding new coaches and establishing a tactical system, it is urgent to strengthen the substitute depth. Former head coach Thibodeau has been criticized for his excessive reliance on the main players. Data shows that the Knicks' substitute scores and playing time are both at the bottom of the league. Although Mikal Bridges and Towns improved their starting strength through trades last summer, the recent championship win between the Thunder and the Celtics proved that winning the championship requires a more balanced lineup depth.

Must-made measures: While avoiding triggering the second rich line, use a $5.7 million mini middle class special case to sign high-quality rotation. Potential goals include players like marksman Luke Kennard and all-rounder Bruce Brown who have the ability to start but are willing to be substitutes. Another key issue is to deal with the renewal of Mikal Bridges: How big is the contract the Knicks are willing to offer? Is there a possibility of trading him for a deep lineup? ——Chris Herring

The key to winning the offseason: In addition to two major variables, the core lineup that reached the finals this year is expected to return. Although it cannot compensate for the loss of star point guard Halliburton's Achilles tendon tear in the tiebreak battle, the team must reach a long-term contract renewal with free agent center Turner. The Pacers have no deep reserves in this position, and it is difficult for the external market to find a replacement after Turner leaves the team.

Must-do: renew Turner's contract for $80 million for three years. Turner may be worth more in theory, and he has every reason to ask for 90 million in three years, but the tightening of salary space between the league teams will limit bidding space. This discount offer will not only allow Turner to get a significant salary increase and long-term guarantee, but also save Pacers money to deal with contract renewal needs next summer and beyond. ——Zach Kram

Milwaukee Bucks

Offseason win key: Ensure Antetokounmpo is satisfied with the team. With Lillard occupies $54 million in salary space during his recovery from a tear of Achilles tendon, it is difficult for the Bucks to form a fully competitive lineup, but it is even more necessary to avoid the "transition season" that triggers Antetokounmpo's application for a deal. This means using all resources to build a more competitive lineup around Antetokounmpo, including deciding whether to renew or replace free agents such as Lopez and Gary Trent Jr.

Must-made moves: Use a $7.2 million trading exception to exchange for Cavaliers' forward Dean Wade. The shooter (37% career three-point shooting percentage) and solid defender are a perfect complement to the Bucks' frontcourt, and the Cavaliers at the second-rich line are likely to let them go to save money. Although Dean Wade has a history of injury, data shows that the team's performance continues to improve while on the court. ——Zach Kram

Detroit Pistons

Offs: This team that has just achieved a historic counterattack and returned to the playoffs does not need to make a big splash, but just need to carefully deal with the renewal of the wing free agents (Tim Hardaway Jr. and Schroeder) and introduce a key player. It is worth mentioning that 23-year-old guard Jaden Ivey (averages 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and excellent efficiency) is about to return to the team due to injury.

Must-do: Dig up the Grizzlies' restricted free agent Aldama. Although it is not difficult to grab someone from the Grizzlies, the 24-year-old space-type four position can strengthen the Pistons' substitute power forward. Stewart's injury during the playoffs made this position a shortcoming. ——Chris Herring

Orlando Magic

Offs: Similar to the Rockets, the Magic have basically completed the main operations before the free agent market officially opened. Bain is introduced, and rookies Jace Richardson and Noah Ponda are selected, and are expected to renew Ban Kairo with a maximum salary of $247 million in five years. Despite adding Bain and Sargers can recover, the Magic still need to sign experienced organizers, ranking last in the league this season in assists per game.

Must-do: Sign Tyame Jones for two years $14 million (including second-year player option). The point guard has a 5-1 assist-turnover ratio with the Suns this season, and has averaged double-digit points per game for three consecutive seasons. According to the Cleaning the Glass website, Tyame Jones has ranked among the top 10% of the league in assist usage in the past seven years. ——Bobby Marks

Atlanta Hawks

Offseason win key: Last week, the acquisition of the basket protector and space insider Porzingis from the Celtics who cut their wages through a tripartite transaction, has taken a key step. Two tasks are required to complete: renew the four-time All-Star Trae Young at a price below the maximum salary (this requirement is perfectly reasonable given the Hawks' repeated suspensions during their maximum salary) and seek a reliable backup for the commander to enhance the rotation. In the East where injuries occur frequently, this lineup is completely powerful to create waves.

Must-made measures: Make every effort to promote a sign-and-after-transfer transaction with the Timberwolves, and get wing free agent Alexander Walker. The Timberwolves, who just renewed Naz Reed for $125 million in five years and $100 million in three years, has given the opportunity to take advantage of the Hawks, who have capacities and a $13 million deal exception (generated by Bogdan Bogdanovic's deal), and Alexander Walker is the versatile player this renewal team needs. ——Chris Herring

Chicago Bulls

Offseason winning key: Draft Night Bulls general manager Mark Eversley expressed his unwillingness to "skip the necessary steps" in "semi-rebuilding", which is a wise strategy for teams that lack a clear direction in the past decade. It would be stupid to try to make a radical reinforcement while the Eastern Conference is weak and aggressively. The All-Star record of 17 wins and 10 losses after the weekend does not represent real competitiveness.

Must-doubled measures: Renewal of restricted free agent guard Josh Giddy (averages a quad triple-double in mid-February), but we need to avoid repeating the mistakes of the high-paying contract renewal of Raven, Vucevic and Pave in recent years. Considering that Gidey has obvious playoff limitations and limited external suitors (only the Nets have substantial salary space and have stockpiled first-round picks at the same position), if the offer reaches the Quickley level (175 million in five years), it will be a big mistake. ——Zach Kram

Miami Heat

Offs season win key: trying to get restricted free agent Kumingga. Due to the lack of room to directly offer qualifications, the Heat need to use a combination of players and draft picks to attract the Warriors to sign first and then exchange, and the Heat can trade up to two future first-round picks. The addition of Kumingga will inject athleticism into the starting lineup composed of Hero, Adebayo and Creer Wel.

Must-documented measures: This transaction is very complicated to operate. First, the Heat plan to sign David Mitchell for two years and $24 million will reach the first tyrant line, and signing first and then switching will allow the Heat to trigger the hard salary cap of the first tyrant line; secondly, Kumingga's trading salary is only calculated at half of the contract, so third-party teams such as the Nets may need to take over Duncan Robinson's contract to facilitate the transaction. ——Bobby Marks

Toronto Raptors

Offs: After parting ways with the team's long-time president Ujerry, the Raptors should optimize the lineup structure while reducing their salary burden. Despite owning Scotty Barnes, Ingram, Quickley and Barrett, the team that may miss the playoffs has faced a $137 million salary burden next season. Trading Barrett, whose annual salary is nearly 28 million, can not only alleviate the problem of top-heavyness of the lineup, but also obtain more flexible salary chips for future trading.

Must-documented measures: exchange Barrett for future assets and small contracts. The Raptors are reportedly open to trading the top left-handed player, who just made his best career-performing season (averages 20+ consecutive games and hits a new high this season). If a team is willing to make a first-round pick in exchange for its scoring firepower, the draft pick can become an important bargaining chip for packing Antetokounmpo (if he applies to leave the team) in the future. ——Chris Herring

Brookly wins the offseason: The first priority is to maximize the accumulation of assets and ensure high picks in next year's draft lottery. The start of this season exceeded expectations (on December 20 last year, still ranked in the playoffs with 11 wins and 16 losses) forced the team to trade Finney Smith, Schroder and others many times to lower their winning rate, and finally only won the eighth pick. If the trading strategy is activated in advance, it will be more conducive to competing for the No. 1 pick.

Must-do: Trading the most market-worthy veteran striker Cameron Johnson. This 3D player with a career three-point shooting percentage of 39% is suitable for any championship team. In addition to dealing with Cameron Johnson, the Nets need to renew their contracts with restricted free agents and top scorer Cameron Thomas at a reasonable price while retaining enough veterans to guide the five first-round picks this year. ——Chris Herring

The Philadelphia 76ers

The key to winning the offseason: The 76ers showed three highlights in a bad season: McCain led the same rookie per game, Grimes, who traded in the mid-season, and Abussele, who returned to the NBA, showed his all-round contribution. While McCain will miss early next season due to a meniscus tear, the Sixers must also actively retain Grimes (restricted free agent) and Abussele (complete free agent).

Must-made measures: In addition to renewing two players, the 76ers can trade Michael Porter Jr. around Paul George and the Nuggets. The win-win deal will allow the Nuggets to raise the cap around Jokic (they were interested in Paul George before), while the Sixers gain younger players and enhance financial flexibility in the future. Given Paul George's performance in his first season with the Sixers, the team should seek restructuring. ——Zach Kram

Charlotte Hornets

Offs: The new management adopts a solid reconstruction strategy, and this policy is likely to continue this summer. Draft night trade Mark Williams (second time) won two first-round picks and selected scorers Kneiper and McNeley to strengthen the outside. The lineup has basically taken shape next season, and the main task is to ensure the health of Lamero Ball and Brandon Miller (the two have only played 74 games in total this season).

Must-made measures: establish Diyabat as the starting center. The former Clippers player has performed well in 71 games (8 starts) after signing a two-way contract with the Hornets last year. According to statistics from PBP Stats website, when the 2.11-meter French center and Lamero Ball are on the court at the same time, the Hornets' net score is positive, and if Brandon Miller is added, the net efficiency of the trio reaches +5.4. Although the sample size is small, Diarbat's unsecured contract next season is worth turning into a regular basis, especially after Mawei leaves the team, he should seize the opportunity to start. ——Zach Kram

The key to winning the offseason: Selling Jordan Poole back to McCollum may be the biggest move. The Wizards will have about $90 million in cap space next summer, partly to convert McCollum, Middleton and Smart’s expiration contracts into long-term contracts.

Must-document: Contact the Nuggets to discuss using Middleton to trade Michael Porter Jr. and Saric. This move will save the Nuggets a luxury tax for next season and a salary of $40.8 million in 2026-27. Although the Nuggets may require additional 2032 first-round picks as compensation, it is worth a try. ——Kevin Pelton

Original text: NBA Insiders

Compiled by: Li Taibai