The Finals are barely in the rearview mirror, but NBA free agency is just around the corner. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents at 6 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 2. The salary cap for 2021-22 is expected to go up only 3%, a pre-negotiated number between the union and the league to help offset losses due to the pandemic in each of the previous two seasons.
To illustrate what to expect this offseason, we've separated all 30 teams into four tiers, ranging from teams who can easily generate cap space to those in the luxury tax. We've also highlighted which prospects teams can sign while addressing the challenges that lie ahead.
Will Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, New York or San Antonio make a splashy signing? Or can title contenders finagle a way to acquire another cornerstone player? Here's the latest intel on what each franchise can potentially do moving forward.