Tonight’s games:
Boston @ New York
LA Lakers @ Golden State
Boston Celtics
Last 10 Games: 8-2
2026-27 Cap Outlook:
Projected Salary Cap: $165,000,000
Functional Cap Space: -$19,928,835
1st Apron Space: $24,135,165
2nd Apron Space: $36,809,165
14 players on Standard Contract (8 Gtd.)
All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Biggest Questions
What happens outside of Brown, White, and Tatum this offseason? Is there a better combination of players around them?
How will leadership handle their newfound flexibility after taking a year outside the tax?
Impact Free Agent
Nikola Vucevic
Impact Extensions
Neemias Queta
Tradable Contracts
Sam Hauser - $10,848,214
Payton Pritchard - $7,767,857
Biggest Decisions
Center Rotation
After shoring up their center rotation at the deadline with Vucevic, the front office has theoretically already solved this part of their rotation. However, the question is whether Vucevic sticks long term seeing as he is a free agent this summer.
Youth in Prominent Roles
This year the Celtics are leaning on young players in very important roles for their team. How these young rotation pieces perform in the playoffs could very well inform how the team moves forward in the offseason.
New York Knicks
Last 10 Games: 7-3
2026-27 Cap Outlook:
Projected Salary Cap: $165,000,000
Functional Cap Space: -$41,739,360
1st Apron Space: $2,040,758
2nd Apron Space: $14,714,758
9 players on Standard Contract (9 Gtd.)
Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Biggest Questions
How do they utilize Mitchell Robinson and shore up the defense?
Does the contender status in the East signal a big move or standing pat?
Impact Free Agent
Mitchell Robinson
Jose Alvarado (PO)
Impact Extensions
Josh Hart
Miles McBride
Tyler Kolek
Offseason Tradable Contracts
Josh Hart - $20,923,760
Mikal Bridges - $33,482,145
Biggest Decisions
KAT’s Future
The KAT experience has been a roller coaster since the blockbuster trade last summer. There have been times where the KAT-Brunson connection looks seamless, but the top heavy nature of their roster means that any time that KAT fades into the background the void is glaring. KAT could continue garnering trade calls this summer which should be worth monitoring.
Defensive Makeup
Even with their first Conference Finals appearance in years, New York’s defense has been a huge concern for the better part of this year and last. KAT is not a traditional rim protector and Robinson seems to have a sweet spot around 18-20 minutes. This could be addressed on the perimeter or on the interior but New York is still searching for an answer.
LA Lakers
Last 10 Games: 6-4
2026-27 Cap Outlook:
Projected Salary Cap: $165,000,000
Functional Cap Space: $54,815,696
1st Apron Space: $101,595,864
2nd Apron Space: $114,269,864
10 players on Standard Contract (9 Gtd.)
Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Biggest Questions
How do Reaves, Luka, Lebron, mesh in a lineup, specifically on the defensive end in the playoffs?
Is there a big roster overhaul this summer with so many contracts coming off of the books?
Can Knecht or other young players carve out a role?
Impact Free Agents
Lebron James
Austin Reaves (Player Option)
Rui Hachimura
Impact Offseason Extensions
None
Most Tradable Offseason Contracts
Jared Vanderbilt - $12,428,571
Jake LaRavia - $6,000,000
Biggest Decisions
Lebron’s Future
Lebron will likely be the ultimate last-say, but the Lakers also have a decision on whether this is a sustainable partnership.
Center Position
The Ayton signing made some sense, especially if he can become consistently aggressive as a roll man. But past that, returning Jaxson Hayes and not upgrading in rim protection could spell trouble for the Lakers driving them right back to the drawing board for a center this summer.
Golden State Warriors
Last 10 Games: 4-6
2026-27 Cap Outlook:
Projected Salary Cap: $165,000,000
Functional Cap Space: -$20,553,789
1st Apron Space: $24,444,704
2nd Apron Space: $37,118,704
9 players on Standard Contract (9 Gtd.)
Noah Salzman, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Biggest Questions
Does the Buter injury force a big swing in the summer?
Is Porzingis being brought in for a long-term fit, or only expiring salary?
Is there enough in the arsenal to make another pivot?
Impact Free Agent
Draymond Green (Player Option)
Al Horford (Player Option)
De’Anthony Melton (Player Option)
Impact Offseason Extensions
Steph Curry
Draymond Green (?)
Offseason Most Tradable Contracts
Moses Moody - $12,500,000
Biggest Decisions
Age and Injuries
This core has proven that they can win together, but Butler’s injury on an already truncated window simply due to age brings the move to bring in Porzingis under the microscope. If Porzingis and Butler can get and stay healthy for the stretch run next season, this could be the last run for Curry and Green.
Next Step
Simply put, the question we have been asking for years, what happens when Steph and Draymond move on?