Denver Nuggets
Needs: Frontcourt athleticism, re-sign Peyton Watson, depth, salary cap management
Picks: 26, 49
The Denver Nuggets find themselves at something of a crossroads. Nikola Jokic remains one of the best players in the world, but Denver is beginning to feel the pressure of maximizing what remains of its championship window. Jamal Murray is playing some of the best basketball of his career, but beyond him and Jokic there are growing questions. Aaron Gordon has struggled to stay healthy, the Cam Johnson trade has not delivered the impact Denver hoped for, Christian Braun took a step backward, and Peyton Watson is headed toward free agency. Because of their cap situation, finding meaningful roster upgrades will be difficult, but standing pat may not be enough. The Nuggets cannot afford to waste prime years from Jokic.
Do they explore moving Cam Johnson? They would likely be selling low, but he is entering the final year of his deal. Could they gauge Aaron Gordon’s market? Gordon remains a critical piece of what Denver does, and it’s hard to envision a trade bringing back comparable value. Re-signing Peyton Watson could also become a major priority, even if it means moving closer to the second apron. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Denver’s offseason will be whether they make a significant move simply to shake things up and avoid stagnation.
With only two picks and limited financial flexibility, Denver may be forced to focus on finding inexpensive rotation help through the draft. One area that could use attention is backup point guard, as the Nuggets have often struggled when Murray is off the floor. Prospects such as Ebuka Okorie or Jack Kayil could be attractive options at No. 26 if they remain available. Okorie would bring speed, scoring ability, and shot creation, while Kayil offers size, feel for the game, and a more traditional playmaking approach. Denver could also look to strengthen its frontcourt depth with a player such as Henri Veesaar, whose passing ability and floor spacing fit well within the Nuggets’ offensive philosophy, or Jayden Quaintance, whose elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and long-term upside could give Denver a much-needed injection of youth and athleticism in the frontcourt. Neither route would immediately solve all of the Nuggets’ depth concerns, but finding cost-controlled contributors may be just as important as any headline-grabbing move this offseason as Denver looks to maximize what remains of its championship window.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Needs: Point guard, reconfigure frontcourt
Picks: 28, 59
The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the offseason with two clear priorities. The first is finding stability at point guard. Mike Conley is nearing the end of his career, and Minnesota believed it had solved the position long term when it drafted Rob Dillingham. Unfortunately, that experiment has not worked out as hoped, forcing the Wolves to rely heavily on Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland. Both are headed toward free agency, making it important to retain at least one, and potentially both. The draft could also provide an opportunity to address the position. At No. 28, prospects such as Jack Kayil or Ebuka Okorie could receive consideration. Kayil offers better positional size, outstanding playmaking instincts, pace, and feel for the game, while Okorie brings greater scoring ability, quickness, shot creation, and upside as an attacking lead guard. Neither would be expected to immediately solve Minnesota’s point guard situation, but both could develop into valuable backcourt pieces behind Anthony Edwards and eventually compete for a larger role.
The second objective is reshaping the frontcourt. Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle represent Minnesota’s most significant trade assets, but the trio has not fit together particularly well. Randle is probably the most productive player of the group right now, though his long-term fit has been a question throughout his career. Reid remains one of the league’s best values, making him difficult to move. Meanwhile, Jaden McDaniels has developed into a key piece whose defense and improved shooting have become essential to Minnesota’s success. If the Wolves move one of their big men, McDaniels is well-positioned to absorb additional minutes and responsibility.
Minnesota remains firmly in win-now mode around Edwards, but resolving the point guard situation and creating a cleaner frontcourt rotation are likely the two biggest priorities standing between the Timberwolves and another deep playoff run.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Needs: Salary cap relief, frontcourt muscle, Jalen Williams getting healthy
Picks: 12, 17, 37
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in an interesting position. This is a 64-win team led by the league MVP and arguably the deepest roster in basketball. Because they fell short in the Western Conference Finals, they may be more motivated to make improvements than they would have been after a championship run. Their biggest challenge is navigating an increasingly expensive roster. Fortunately, Oklahoma City has enough depth to be flexible. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is firmly established as the franchise point guard, while Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace, and Jared McCain provide impressive young depth behind him. That could make veterans such as Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, or even Lu Dort expendable if the front office looks to create financial flexibility. Any major trade would likely require including Isaiah Hartenstein, though after seeing how valuable his physicality was alongside Chet Holmgren, it would take a significant upgrade to justify moving him.
With two first-round picks, Oklahoma City has plenty of options, but roster space could ultimately make it difficult for the Thunder to keep both selections. Between their established rotation, the expected additions of Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber, and a deep pipeline of young talent already on the roster, OKC is not widely viewed as a team likely to make and keep both first-round picks. A trade up the board remains a possibility if the front office identifies a specific target, while moving one of the selections for a future first-round pick may be even more realistic. The Thunder have consistently shown a willingness to kick assets down the road in order to maintain flexibility and avoid roster crunches. If Oklahoma City stays at No. 12, Hannes Steinbach could be a particularly intriguing target. While Hartenstein remains an important part of the current roster, Steinbach possesses many of the traits the Thunder value in their big men and could eventually develop into a long-term replacement if financial realities force difficult decisions down the road. Other prospects who could fit Oklahoma City’s emphasis on versatility, intelligence, and long-term upside include Yaxel Lendeborg, Labaron Philon, and Allen Graves.
Regardless of what happens this offseason, Oklahoma City projects as one of the NBA’s elite teams entering next year. Injuries played a major role in their playoff exit, particularly Jalen Williams’ postseason health issues, and the front office could determine that improved health, internal development, and the arrival of Topic and Sorber are enough to push them back into championship contention. Still, looming second-apron concerns and an increasingly crowded roster could force some difficult decisions as the organization looks to balance competing now with sustaining long-term success.
Portland Trail Blazers
Needs: Trade big contracts if possible, get Lillard healthy
Picks: None
The Portland Trail Blazers exceeded expectations by finishing 42-40 as Deni Avdija emerged as an All-Star and one of the league’s most improved players. Despite the disruption caused by Chauncey Billups’ departure after just one game due to legal issues, Portland still managed to reach the playoffs. Now, there are rumors the organization is looking to accelerate its timeline. The biggest question surrounds ownership. Tom Dundon took over and immediately made several cost-cutting decisions that raised concerns about his long-term vision for the franchise. Ownership can have a major impact on a team’s direction, and Portland’s next steps will reveal whether the organization is committed to building a true contender.
A trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo appears unlikely, but Portland does possess several large contracts and future assets that could be used in pursuit of a star if one becomes available. Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant both carry sizable deals, though attaching draft capital could make them movable. Both also have player options next season that they are expected to exercise, limiting flexibility. Damian Lillard is expected to return, bringing a franchise icon back into the fold alongside Avdija. Scoot Henderson has begun showing signs of progress, while Donovan Clingan and Shaedon Sharpe remain important long-term pieces. This is a team that could continue improving organically, but in a Western Conference led by teams like Oklahoma City and San Antonio, incremental growth may not be enough. Without a draft pick, any major improvement will have to come through trades or free agency.
Utah Jazz
Needs: Their top pick to be a star, perimeter defense
Picks: 2
The Utah Jazz are a franchise that has historically struggled to attract star-caliber players, so when they get an opportunity to draft one, they need to capitalize. It appears likely they land Darryn Peterson with the second pick, and an elite, ball-dominant guard could significantly raise the ceiling of the roster. Utah took a major swing last season by acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., and the pairing of Jackson and Walker Kessler (a restricted free agent after a shoulder injury limited him to just five games) gives them tremendous interior defense and rim protection. Lauri Markkanen remains one of the league’s better face-up power forwards, while Ace Bailey provides size and versatility on the wing. Keyonte George continues to emerge as a talented offensive weapon. The concern is on the perimeter, where the defense projects to be a major weakness. The second overall pick likely won’t solve that issue immediately, but adding another high-end talent could create more lineup flexibility. If Utah can eventually add one or two lockdown perimeter defenders, it would go a long way toward balancing the roster.
One interesting wrinkle heading into draft night is that Darryn Peterson reportedly refused to work out for Utah, choosing only to work out for Washington. Despite that, league sources generally do not expect the decision to impact the Jazz’s plans if Peterson remains their preferred player at No. 2. Utah could also consider Cameron Boozer, but after trading for Jaren Jackson Jr., adding another frontcourt star becomes a more questionable fit. Markkanen and Jackson are both most comfortable playing power forward and are both tied to significant long-term contracts that could prove difficult to move. Drafting Boozer would create a crowded and somewhat awkward frontcourt rotation, making Peterson appear to be the cleaner fit. Another possibility would be trading back, potentially to No. 5, while adding assets and targeting a prospect such as Mikel Brown, who could still address the team’s need for a dynamic lead guard while providing additional roster-building flexibility.
The Jazz have assembled an intriguing collection of talent, but questions remain regarding the overall fit of the roster. Kessler and Jackson should form one of the league’s better defensive frontcourts, while Markkanen, Bailey, George, and potentially Peterson would give Utah plenty of offensive firepower. The challenge will be finding enough perimeter defense and lineup balance around those pieces. Markkanen and Jackson are not particularly easy contracts to move, which could limit Utah’s flexibility if the current core fails to mesh as hoped. Still, this is a franchise that is focused more on long-term growth than immediate results. After winning just 22 games last season, the Jazz could be poised for a significant improvement if their young players continue to develop and Peterson delivers the star-level impact the organization desperately needs.
