sports
NBA teams face roster and salary decisions after early offseason moves
Several trades and signings have already altered team lineups. Front offices now must address remaining roster gaps and salary-cap constraints before free agency opens next week.
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The NBA offseason has produced several high-profile player moves, including a reported trade sending one guard to the Minnesota Timberwolves and a new contract for a Lakers guard. With the draft completed, each franchise must now decide on additional signings, trades, or cost-cutting steps to stay under salary thresholds.
The Thunder added a seven-foot-three center from Michigan and drafted an Iowa guard. Officials must still move at least one more player to create roster space. Veteran rotation players appear most exposed in those decisions. One option under consideration is retaining or re-signing a center who has started in recent playoff series.
The Spurs drafted two frontcourt players to add depth.
Team officials are also expected to offer a five-year maximum extension to their star center that could reach more than $300 million. The roster still lacks a proven power forward to pair with that center, a gap that surfaced during the recent playoff series.
As defending champions, the Knicks must balance retaining core players while managing salary-cap limits. The owner has indicated reluctance to enter the second apron, which could affect decisions on the backup center.
