2023 NBA Offseason Recap: Northwest Division

Keith Smith
Keith Smith, Resident NBA ExpertSeptember 07, 2023
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NBA training camps open in about a month. Yet, we’re still waiting to see when (if?) Damian Lillard or James Harden gets traded. One situation has been curiously quiet, while the other has been contentiously loud. But both Lillard and Harden remain in Portland and Philadelphia, respectively.

While the Trail Blazers and 76ers wait out superstar trades, everyone else is filling out training camp rosters at this point. That means it’s time to reset where each roster stands. We’re going to look at who is returning, who was acquired and who has departed. We’ll also answer a few key questions about each team.

We covered the Atlantic Division, Central Division, Southeast Division, Pacific Division and Southwest Division already. Next up: The Northwest Division!

Denver Nuggets

Players Returning (12)

Christian Braun, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie (two-way), Aaron Gordon, Reggie Jackson, Nikola Jokic, DeAndre Jordan, Jaman Murray, Zeke Nnaji, Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson

Players Added (6)

 Justin Holiday, Jay Huff (two-way), Braxton Key (two-way), Jalen Picket, Julian Strawther, Hunter Tyson

Players Lost (5)

Bruce Brown, Thomas Bryant, Jeff Green, Ish Smith, Jack White (two-way)

Roster Openings

None.

Cap/Tax Status

Denver is $4.7 million under the second tax apron.

Spending Power Remaining

The Nuggets only have minimum contracts available to offer free agents.

Biggest Move of the Summer

The champs are mostly running it back. They lost a couple of key rotation players, but are ready to elevate younger players into their positions. There were no major free agent or trade additions. In fact, the Nuggets added only one established NBA player on a standard contract, and Justin Holiday isn’t a lock to play rotation minutes.

That leaves the biggest moves as some draft maneuvering to add three players that Denver hopes will eventually take on rotation roles. Julian Strawther is probably the closest to NBA-ready, but he’s in a bit of a crowded wing mix. Jalen Picket could snag a backup guard spot in a somewhat thin backcourt. Hunter Tyson will probably have a developmental season, including lots of time spent in the G League.

Work To Do

The Nuggets roster is complete for the start of the season. Now, it’s about Michael Malone figuring out his rotation. Christian Braun will presumably pick up some more minutes in place of Bruce Brown. Veteran Justin Holiday will battle with rookie Julian Strawther and Jalen Picket, along with second-year player Peyton Watson, for perimeter minutes.

Up front, the situation is even more interesting. Jeff Green was the primary backup big for Denver when it mattered most. The most likely replacement for Green is Zeke Nnaji, who has come and gone from Malone’s rotation the last few seasons. Vlatko Cancar looked poised for a bigger role, but he tore his ACL over the summer and will likely miss the entire season. DeAndre Jordan is back too, but relying on him at this point is pretty questionable. This is a spot where the Denver could look to upgrade in-season.

Lastly, Jamal Murray is extension-eligible. He’s got two years left on his deal, and he’s showing signs of breaking through as an All-Star. If Murray thinks he can reach All-NBA at any point in the next two seasons, he might hold off and wait to see if he can really cash in on a Designated Veteran Extension. But he’s also had a serious knee injury, so the allure of locking in long-term money will be there too. Keep an eye on this one, as the rest of Denver’s core group is signed through 2025-26.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Players Returning (12)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kyle Anderson, Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Luka Garza (two-way), Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Jordan McLaughlin, Josh Minott, Wendell Moore Jr., Naz Reid, Karl-Anthony Towns

Players Added (4)

Troy Brown Jr., Jaylen Clark (two-way), Leonard Miller, Shake Milton

Players Lost (5)

Nathan Knight (two-way), Jaylen Nowell, Taurean Prince, Austin Rivers, Matt Ryan (two-way)

Roster Openings

1 standard roster spot and 1 two-way spot.

Cap/Tax Status

Minnesota is roughly $2.4 million under the luxury tax.

Spending Power Remaining

The Timberwolves have $3.4 million remaining of the Non-Taxpayer MLE left, plus the $4.5 million Bi-Annual Exception.

Biggest Move of the Summer

Signing Anthony Edwards to a five-year, maximum contract rookie scale extension. Edwards is rapidly becoming the Wolves franchise player. Karl-Anthony Towns probably still holds that title for now, but Edwards is really close to snatching that moniker. And deservedly so. Edwards is an offensive superstar, and has plenty of room to improve as a playmaker for others and as a defender. All the signs are there that he’ll continue to grow into his role as a superstar.

Minnesota also extended Naz Reid, which was an interesting move. On one hand, Minnesota got Reid on a very fair value of almost $14 million AAV for three years. That’s essentially MLE money, which Reid is well worth. On the other hand, the Timberwolves already have Towns and Rudy Gobert signed for a combined AAV of $90M over the next three seasons. That’s a lot of money locked up in three guys who are all best when playing center.

In free agency, the Wolves added Troy Brown Jr. and Shake Milton, and re-signed Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Those are all solid depth moves for the perimeter rotation behind Edwards and 16-year veteran Mike Conley.

Work To Do

Minnesota already has a whopping $151 million committed for 2024-25, with max extensions kicking in for Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. But that shouldn’t keep Tim Connelly from extending Jaden McDaniels. We predicted a rookie scale extension of $100 million over four years for McDaniels ahead of the offseason. He should have made the All-Defense team last season, and McDaniels is a better-than-you-think offensive player. He’s an ideal running mate for Edwards and Towns long-term. The Wolves have a soaring payroll, but McDaniels should be extended.

Beyond that, Minnesota has a couple of roster spots to fill. They’ll sign at least one more player to a standard deal, which should allow them to squeak in under the luxury tax line for this season. And one more two-way player will be signed too. From there, it’s about trying to keep everyone healthy and getting off to a good start in a very important season for the franchise.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Players Returning (15)

Ousmane Dieng, Luguentz Dort, Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Joe, Tre Mann, Aleksej Pokusevski, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Olivier Sarr (two-way), Lindy Waters III (two-way), Aaron Wiggins, Jalen Williams, Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams

Players Added (6)

Davis Bertans, Keyontae Johnson (two-way), Vasilije Micic, Victor Oladipo, Cason Wallace, Jack White

Players Lost (2)

Jared Butler (two-way), Dario Saric

Roster Openings

None

Cap/Tax Status

Oklahoma City is $15.5 million under the luxury tax.

Spending Power Remaining

The Thunder have only minimum contracts to offer to free agents.

Biggest Move of the Summer

We’re going to cheat a little here and split this section three ways.

At the draft, the Thunder moved up to get Cason Wallace. This continues a trend of Sam Presti moving up in drafts to get a targeted player. The Oklahoma City guard group is pretty flush with talented players, but Wallace brings a defensive bulldog mentality to that group. And NBA teams have often done well when betting on guards out of Kentucky.

The Thunder also finally brought Vasilije Micic over from Europe. Again, the guard group is pretty stacked, so where Micic fits in will be interesting to monitor. But having him on a three-year deal gives OKC some time to figure it out.

The third biggest move isn’t really a move at all, but it involves another high-profile rookie joining the squad for games this season, as Chet Holmgren will debut this season. Yes, Holmgren is still a rookie, as he hasn’t appeared in an NBA game. You can argue that until you are a blue in the face, but the NBA says Holmgren is a rookie, as is anyone who hasn’t played in an NBA game.

Moving past that, Holmgren is obviously a huge addition to a team that doesn’t have nearly the talent up front as it does on the wing and in the backcourt. Holmgren should be a Day 1 starter and a terrific fit alongside all of the Thunder’s playmakers.

Work To Do

Oklahoma City is still plus-three in terms of players on the roster. They could cut ties with another veteran or two, or they might be forced to trade or waive some young players they like. The obvious waivers have already been made, now the decisions get a little harder.

Beyond that, it’s now up to Mark Daigneault to find minutes for the 12 or so players on this roster that need/deserve them. That’s among the best “problems” a coach can have heading into a new season.

Portland Trail Blazers

Players Returning (11)

Ibou Badji (two-way), John Butler Jr. (two-way), Jerami Grant, Keon Johnson, Damian Lillard, Nassir Little, Jusuf Nurkic, Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons, Matisse Thybulle, Jabari Walker

Players Added (4)

Moses Brown, Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, Rayan Rupert

Players Lost (6)

Drew Eubanks, Kevin Knox, Cameron Reddish, Trendon Watford, Justise Winslow

Roster Openings

2 standard spots and 1 two-way spot.

Cap/Tax Status

Portland is about $3.3 million under the luxury tax.

Spending Power Remaining

The Trail Blazers have the full $12.4 million Non-Taxpayer MLE remaining, as well as the $4.5 million Bi-Annual Exception.

Biggest Move of the Summer

Take your pick, but know whatever you choose, it’ll get blown off the board when (if?) Damian Lillard is traded.

Drafting Scoot Henderson is our choice, because that sets the franchise up for what’s next after Lillard. Henderson was considered by many to be the second-best player in the 2023 NBA Draft, and Portland got him with the third pick. Henderson has the look of a future star at point guard. The Trail Blazers can’t ask for me, given they are looking to trade the best player in franchise history, who happens to also be a point guard.

The Blazers biggest move in terms of salary was locking into a five-year, $160 million deal with Jerami Grant in free agency. Whether that move was made to entice Lillard to stay in Portland, or made because the team believes in Grant, it was made. In reality, $32 million AAV is well below Grant’s possible max salary. It’s also perfectly fair value for a guy who is very good, but on the outskirts of being an All-Star. Having Grant will also help a roster that skews extremely young, much like the role Grant played for the Detroit Pistons prior to being traded to the Trail Blazers.

Portland also matched an offer sheet that the Dallas Mavericks gave to Matisse Thybulle. That might seem curious for a team that is heading towards rebuilding, but that misses some important context. First, Thybulle’s deal has an AAV over about $11 million. That’s less than the MLE, and more than a fair value. Second, he’s by far the best defensive player the Blazers have. That matters for teaching a young group how to defend and win.

Work To Do

It’s obviously finding a trade for Lillard. We won’t be disingenuous and suggest that much else matters before training camp starts. Once that’s done, Joe Cronin and Chauncey Billups can sort through what the roster has become and start figuring out the path forward. Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons, Kris Murray, and re-signed vets Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle, is a pretty good start on a rebuild. Add to that group whatever comes back in return for Lillard and the Trail Blazers are on their way to a bright future.

Utah Jazz

Players Returning (12)

Ochai Agbaji, Jordan Clarkson, Kris Dunn, Simone Fontecchio, Talen Horton-Tucker, Johnny Juzang (two-way), Walker Kessler, Lauri Markkanen, Kelly Olynyk, Micah Potter (two-way), Luka Samanic, Collin Sexton

Players Added (6)

John Collins, Keyonte George, Joey Hauser (two-way), Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh, Omer Yurtseven

Players Lost (5)

Udoka Azubuike, Vernon Carey Jr., Rudy Gay, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson

Roster Openings

None

Cap/Tax Status

The Jazz are $29.3 million under the luxury tax.

Spending Power Remaining

Utah has the full $7.7 million Room Exception remaining.

Biggest Move of the Summer

Acquiring John Collins in a salary-dump from the Atlanta Hawks. The Jazz did great to pick up Collins. He’s a very good player, who landed a big contract and then got caught in the swirl on a too-expensive Hawks roster. Utah had a lot of success playing big lineups with Lauri Markkanen at the three, and adding Collins will allow that to continue. He’ll also be a boon to the team’s rebounding, and Collins can slide over play some small-ball five when the Jazz want to go to a more-conventional lineup.

Renegotiating-and-extending Jordan Clarkson was a nice use of cap space for the Jazz. They were able to bump Clarkson’s salary for this season using some room they didn’t need to spend on an outside addition. That added salary sees Clarkson back for two additional seasons through 2025-26 at about $14 million per season. That’s really good work to retain a popular and productive player.

Utah also had an outstanding draft. Taylor Hendricks has all the physical attributes of being a big-time player. He’s got great size and is a very good athlete at the forward position. Playing time could be a bit hard to come by initially, but we’re betting Hendricks is too good to keep off the floor for very long.

Keyonte George looks like a potential steal as the 16th pick. You don’t want to get too excited about Summer League, but George was one of the best players on the court in both Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. He looked comfortable as a scorer and as a playmaker.

Brice Sensabaugh is a project wing. He can score, but needs to round out the rest of his game. He’ll likely log lots of developmental time in the G League this season, which is fine. He’s got good upside and just needs to play to realize it.

Lastly, keep an eye on the Omer Yurtseven addition. Utah has clearly done well developing bigs, and Yurtseven comes with some polish already on him from his time with the Miami Heat. He’s sneakily good on offense, but needs to rebound better and to hold up defensively to play. Well worth the slightly-above the minimum deal that the Jazz gave him.

Work To Do

This roster is finished. That gives Will Hardy and his staff some time to put it all together. The Jazz have a lot of versatility with this group. They can play those three-big lineups with Lauri Markkanen, John Collins and Walker Kessler across the frontline, with Kelly Olynyk and Omer Yurtseven in reserve. They could go smaller and work Ochai Agbaji and Taylor Hendricks in on the wing. Simone Fontecchio had a “meh” rookie season, but has looked good for Italy at the World Cup. He might factor into the rotation in his second NBA season. The backcourt has solid depth with rookie Keyonte George joining holdovers Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, Collin Sexton and Kris Dunn. Hardy will have to get creative to find enough minutes for everyone, but that’s fine.

On the contract front, Markkanen, Horton-Tucker and Olynyk are all extension-eligible. The Jazz look like they’ll have a decent amount of cap space in 2024, so they might hold off on extending Markkanen. Then next summer, Utah and Markkanen can do a renegotiation-and-extension to get him paid like the All-Star he’s become. Horton-Tucker and Olynyk are probably wait-and-see guys, who will probably reach free agency in July.

 


#nba #denver nuggets #denver nuggets #minnesota timberwolves #minnesota timberwolves #oklahoma city thunder #oklahoma city thunder #portland trail blazers #portland trail blazers #utah jazz #utah jazz
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