Nico Echavarria wins the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP. Poston earns $1.53 million bringing his 2024 on-course earnings to $2.53 million and his career on-course earnings to $3.56 million. 

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As MLB flips into offseason mode, Spotrac offers a snapshot look at projected Opening Day 40-Man Tax Payrolls, arbitration salary totals, notable upcoming option decisions, & pending free agents for each team.

Atlanta Braves

Projected 40-Man CBT: $225.1M (6th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 14 ($151.2M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 5 ($16.7M)
The Braves spent another large portion of a season without Ronald Acuña Jr., battled through injuries for Ozzie Albies, Sean Murphy for much of the year, and of course lost ace Spencer Strider for its entirety. And still, they found a way into the postseason at the final hour before relinquishing their spot to San Diego. The starting pitching (Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach especially) was excellent. Marcell Ozuna remains one of baseball’s top power threats, and most notably - this roster remains largely intact for 2025 (and beyond).

Notable Options
Marcell Ozuna (DH, $16M Club), Travis d'Arnaud (C, $8M Club), Aaron Bummer (RP, $7.25M Club), Luke Jackson (RP, $7M Club)

Notable Free Agents
Max Fried (SP), Charlie Morton (SP), A.J. Minter (RP), Whit Merrifield (INF)

Miami Marlins

Projected 40-Man CBT: $85.7M (28th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 2 ($13.2M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 7 ($24M)
The Marlins went from bad to worse in 2024, selling off key parts at the deadline to boot (Tanner Scott, Jazz Chisholm, Bryan De La Cruz, Josh Bell). The result? A roster comprised of Sandy Alcantara’s pre-arb extension, 7 relatively inexpensive arbitration salaries, and 30+ pre-arbitration players. With that said, when all healthy, there’s a 4-5 man starting rotation already in place, Xavier Edwards & Jake Burger are reliable bats, and the farm system boasts a few prospects that could be ready to go in 2025.

New York Mets

Projected 40-Man CBT: $179.4M (10th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 6 ($119.6M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 8 ($22.3M)
2024 was a tale of two seasons for the Mets, who began the year as one of the worst teams in MLB, then took the Dodgers to 6 games in the NLCS. Having now survived a year with $92M of retained salary, the Mets being 2025 as barely a Top 10 financial team. However, their pending free agent list includes 3 starting pitchers, 3 notable relievers, and the face of the franchise in Pete Alonso. Name a top free agent this winter: The Mets are in on him.

Notable Options
Sean Manaea (SP, $13.5M Player), Phil Maton (RP, $7.8M Club)

Notable Free Agents
Pete Alonso (1B), Jose Quintana (SP), Luis Severino (SP), Jose Iglesias (INF), Harrison Bader (CF), J.D. Martinez (DH)

Philadelphia Phillies

Projected 40-Man CBT: $286.4M (1st)
Guaranteed Contracts: 11 ($220.5M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 9 ($39.3M)
The Phillies rolled through the NL East this year, but clipped by the magical Mets in the NLDS. Outside of a few bullpen arms set to hit free agency, this talented roster is set to be run back in 2025, barring forecable change. Philly boasts the highest projected payroll in baseball at the moment, but are still considered a contender for Juan Soto this winter.

Notable Free Agents
Jeff Hoffman (RP), Carlos Estevez (RP), Spencer Turnbull (SP/RP)

Washington Nationals

Projected 40-Man CBT: $105.6M (22nd)
Guaranteed Contracts: 2 ($41.25M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 11 ($32.3M)
The Nats outkicked their coverage a bit in 2024, as their rebuilding team showed plenty of development & future potential in most areas. Are they ready to spend around the young core and make a push up the NL East? The best play might be to buy a veteran starter, rent a bat or two, and try to be the 2024 Orioles. James Wood, Dylan Crews, Jacob Young, Jake Irvin, & Mitchell Parker may all become household names in 2025.

Notable Free Agents
Patrick Corbin (SP), Trevor Williams (SP/RP), Joey Gallo (DH/1B)

The November 5th trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the list of names hitting the hypothetical trade block is growing by the hour. We’ve attempted to pull together a candidate list that makes sense both from a football & contract standpoint, including the financial ramifications for each player going forward.

Jarrett Stidham / Zach Wilson (QB, Broncos)

Stidham: $2.485M
Wilson: $527,500

It stands to reason that one of the QBs could be shopped in the next week, especially if an unfortunate injury pops up in Week 8 or 9 action. Both players are on expiring contracts and are late round draft pick targets at best.

Miles Sanders (RB, Panthers)

2024: $2.01M (guaranteed)
2025: $6.7M (non-guaranteed)
2026: $5.5M (non-guaranteed)

Sanders has already been usurped by Chuba Hubbard, and Jonathon Brooks’ return to health will only further push Sanders out of favor in this offense. Carolina can pay down this salary to the minimum ($1.44M retained) to make Sanders a more attractive rental piece.

Mike Williams (WR, Jets)

2024: $697,222 (guaranteed)

The addition of Davante Adams and the continued to development of Garrett Wilson have reduced Williams' role immeasurably. He's a cheap acquisition this week for a contending team looking to add depth - or replace an injured player.

Treylon Burks (WR, Titans)

2024: $783k (guaranteed)
2025: $2.6M (guaranteed)
2026: 5th-Year Option (unlikely)

Burks could become the latest “Kadarius Toney” type acquisition, where a team takes a chance on a former high draft pick with 1 ½ years of guaranteed salary remaining. His time in Tennessee appears all but over, and Will Levis’ lack of improvement could mean another full-slate rebuild for the Titans as it stands.

Diontae Johnson (WR, Panthers)

2024: $3.5M (guaranteed)
2025: UFA

The Panthers swapped a player (Donte Jackson) and late round draft picks to take on Johnson’s expiring contract this year. He’s been one of the better offensive players on an overall dreadful team, and a little retained salary ($2.1M would lower him to a minimum) might bring them back a decent pick this week.

Daniel Bellinger (TE, Giants)

2024: $492,500 (non-guaranteed)
2025: $1.1M (non-guaranteed)

Despite signs of relevance in 2022-2023, Bellinger has become nearly invisible in a disjointed Giants’ offense. He’s a low cost, low risk, late round draft pick swap acquisition for a team looking to bolster their TE room this fall. 

D.J. Jones (DT, Broncos)

2024: $4.9M ($4.75M of salary, $240k of per-game active bonus)
2025: UFA

As far as deadline moves go, Jones’ is a bit expensive, and the 2nd-place Broncos certainly don’t need to rush into seller-mode, but Denver is purging, rebuilding, and attempting to contend all at the same time in 2024.

Khalil Mack (OLB, Chargers)

2024: $627,500
2025: UFA

The 33-year-old refuses to slow down (#3 among PFF Edge Defenders). Mack renegotiated a pay cut to remain in LA this season, a move that lowered his base salary down to near minimum. This makes him an extremely attractive rental piece at the deadline - if the Chargers are willing to cut bait with arguably their most important defensive player.

Josh Uche (OLB, Patriots)

2024: $890k ($650k in salary, $240k in per-game active bonus)
2025: UFA

Uche surprisingly took a suppressed 1-year deal to remain in New England this past March, despite more lucrative offers from elsewhere. The move now makes him a bonafide trade target this week, setting up an opportunity for the Patriots to pull back a much needed draft asset.

Calais Campbell (DE, Dolphins)

2024: $605,000
2025: UFA

The 38-year-old has been a factor for Miami through much of the season. If the Dolphins fall out of line in the AFC, a swap to a contender makes sense for everyone.

Greg Newsome (CB, Browns)

2024: $1.2M (guaranteed)
2025: $13.377M (guaranteed)

It’s been a bit of a stepback year for Newsome (and most of the Browns, all things considered), and the time to consider a multi-year extension for the former 1st round pick is right around the corner. If Cleveland doesn’t have Newsome in their long-term plans, pulling back a Top 100 draft pick for the 24-year-old makes sense.

Budda Baker (S, Cardinals)

2024: $7.1M (guaranteed)
2025: UFA

The 28-year-old, 6-time Pro Bowler is likely on his last leg in Arizona, who find themselves in the thick of a messy NFC West as the deadline approaches. Baker is an expensive rental at cost, but player for player trades have become commonplace for the Cardinals of late, which would help lessen the financial burden of a receiving team here.

As MLB flips into offseason mode, Spotrac offers a snapshot look at projected Opening Day 40-Man Tax Payrolls, arbitration salary totals, notable upcoming option decisions, & pending free agents for each team.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Projected 40-Man CBT: $167.6M (13th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 4 ($63M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 9 ($29.45M)
Christian Walker’s looming free agency is an area of concern, but the rest of this Arizona roster is surprisingly intact. Righting the ship with Jordan Montgomery (who will almost certainly exercise his $22.5M player option) will be a priority, though it’s possible that a trade could be on the table as well. Club options for Eugenio Suarez ($15M) & Merrill Kelly ($7M) are no-brainers.

Notable Options:
Eugenio Suarez (3B, $15M Club), Joc Pederson (DH, $14M Mutual), Merrill Kelly (SP, $7M Club)

Notable Free Agents:
Christian Walker (1B), Kevin Newman (INF), Paul Sewald (RP)

Colorado Rockies

Projected 40-Man CBT: $145M (17th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 7 ($81.8M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 7 ($27.7M)
The Rockies have already made-public their intent to shed payroll in 2025. How they go about doing that remains to be seen. Pitching remains an issue (last in ERA), but the Coors Field-based franchise will never attract high-end offseason arms. Look for this front office to aggressively shop higher-priced arbitration players in favor of younger callups from their farm system. It could be an ugly few more years in Colorado.

Notable Options:
Jacob Stallings (C, $2M Mutual)

Los Angeles Dodgers

Projected 40-Man CBT: $281.5M (2nd)
Guaranteed Contracts: 10 ($209.8M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 9 ($28.2M)
With the exception of Teoscar Hernandez, the starting-core of this Dodgers’ roster remains intact for 2025. None of the arbitration eligible players are entering their final year of control, and it’s conceivable that the complement of Tyler Glasnow, Dustin May, Shohei Ohtani, & Bobby Miller all fully healthy next spring could automatically bolster this pitching rotation to one of the league’s best. With that said, this has never been a front office that has sat on their hands and rolled over the same old roster for another go. Look for everything to be on the table here - including - but not limited to - a serious run at Juan Soto.

Notable Options:
Miguel Rojas (INF, $5M Club), Austin Barnes (C, $3.5M Club), Clayton Kershaw (SP, $10M player)

Notable Free Agents:
Teoscar Hernandez (OF), Jack Flaherty (SP), Blake Treinen (RP), Enrique Hernandez (UTIL),  Walker Buehler (SP)

San Diego Padres

Projected 40-Man CBT: $243.8M (3rd)
Guaranteed Contracts: 8 ($145.7M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 8 ($47.7M)
The Padres were a team that shook things up early, battled through injuries mid-season, then came together perfectly down the stretch just in time for a run into the postseason. This is a turn-key roster for 2025, with hopes that Yu Darvish & Xander Bogaerts can return to full health/usage. Replacing SP Joe Musgrove (UCL) and one of the 2024 Best Values Jurickson Profar (UFA) will be a top priority. But GM A.J. Preller - one of MLB’s most aggressive execs, likely already has a laundry list of ideas in mind.

Notable Options:
Ha-seong Kim (SS, $7M Mutual), Wandy Peralta (RP, $4.3M Player)

Notable Free Agents:
Jurickson Profar (OF), Tanner Scott (RP), Kyle Higashioka (C), Elias Diaz (C) 

San Francisco Giants

Projected 40-Man CBT: $170.3M (12th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 6 ($88.125M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 4 ($22.4M)

A disappointing season led to a complete turn over of the front office this Fall. Buster Posey is now tasked with a roster that has a few key players (Logan Webb, Matt Chapman, Ryan Walker, Patrick Bailey), but there’s a very real world where multiple shakeups happen elsewhere around the roster. Blake Snell’s looming opt-out, and Robbie Ray’s $50M option decision could leave SF with more than few rotation spots to replace.

Notable Options:
Blake Snell (SP, $30M Player), Robbie Ray (SP, 2 yr $50M Player Option)

Notable Free Agents:
Michael Conforto (OF), Mark Canha (OF), Curt Casali (C)

As MLB flips into offseason mode, Spotrac offers a snapshot look at projected Opening Day 40-Man Tax Payrolls, arbitration salary totals, notable upcoming option decisions, & pending free agents for each team.

Athletics

Projected 40-Man CBT: $50.6M (30th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 0
Arbitration-Eligible: 5  ($12.25M)

The city-less A’s enter the offseason with $50M projected toward their 40-man roster - by far the lowest in MLB, an unfortunate par for the course for this franchise. The Athletics have 5 players eligible for arbitration, led by DH Brent Rooker, who enters for the first time. There are no guaranteed salaries or options on this roster right now.

Notable Free Agents:
Scott Alexander (RP), Ross Stripling (RP/SP), T.J. McFarland (RP), Alex Wood (SP)

Houston Astros

Projected 40-Man CBT: $233.7M (5th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 8 ($126.9M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 9 ($63.5M)
Final arbitration years for SP Framber Valdez & OF Kyle Tucker have the Astros carrying 8 tax salaries north of $12.5M right now, with Jose Altuve’s $25M per year extension beginning in 2025 as well. It’s reasonable to expect a little bit of change to the current outlook, but with their window of contention seemingly closing sooner rather than later, one last big push this offseason isn’t out of the question either.

Notable Free Agents:
Alex Bregman (3B), Jason Heyward (OF), Hector Neris (RP), Yusei Kikuchi (SP), Justin Verlander (SP)

Los Angeles Angels

Projected 40-Man CBT: $171.9M (11th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 4 ($94.5M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 11 ($41M)
Anthony Rendon & Mike Trout represent 38% of the Angels’ projected total right now. Rendon has 2 years remaining on his deal, while Trout remains under contract through the 2030 season. Notable SPs Patrick Sandoval & Griffin Canning are nearing the end of team control, but it seems more likely that LAA will be buying heavy instead of selling big this winter.

Notable Free Agents:
Hunter Strickland (RP), Kevin Pillar (OF), Willie Calhoun (OF)

Seattle Mariners

Projected 40-Man CBT: $162.4M (14th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 7 ($70.7M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 13 ($52M)
The Mariners roster is loaded with arbitration level talent that should keep this payroll tempered - even with a few splashy signings or acquisitions this offseason.Mitch Haniger holds a $15.5M player option that he’s expected to opt-in to, while Seattle has a $12M decision on Jorge Polanco ($750,000 buyout) this winter. This is a roster with very little dropoff from 2024, so the Mariners will need to be aggressive to improve (not a problem for this front office).

Notable Options:
Mitch Haniger (OF, $17.5M Player), Jorge Polanco (INF, $10.5M Club)

Notable Free Agents:
Yimi Garcia (RP), Justin Turner (DH/3B)

Texas Rangers

Projected 40-Man CBT: $187.2M (9th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 6 ($126.5M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 6 ($30.2M)
The lack of certaity surrounding the Rangers’ television broadcast future has to be a factor in how the team utilizes resources in the immediacy. A clean bill of health from Jacob deGrom would certainly be a good start for a team looking to re-find it’s 2023 magic, while Nathan Eovaldi ($20M player option) & David Robertson ($7M mutual option) are both expected to hit the open market. If 2025 becomes a scale back season, look for the Rangers to field offers for 1B Nate Lowe, who enters Year 3 of a 4 year arbitration path this winter.

Notable Options:
Nathan Eovaldi (SP, $20M Player), David Robertson (RP, $7M Mutual), Andrew Chafin (RP, $6.5M Club)

Notable Free Agents:
Kirby Yates (RP), Andrew Heaney (SP), Max Scherzer (SP)

The 2nd & 3rd highest luxury tax payrolls in MLB will take the biggest stage this weekend for a chance to secure the 2024 World Series title. The Dodgers (who yes, benefited greatly from Shohei Ohtani’s $68M cash savings, & $24M tax savings) pumped over $1.2B of guaranteed contracts into their organization last winter, but had to piecemeal together a starting rotation for the better part of the last few months to keep themselves on the train tracks. The Yankees, who acquired their big fish Juan Soto via trade, put together a postseason run that went about as according to plan as possible: timely pitching and a bevy of home runs.

We dive into 7 players of note set to play out the final series of the year, including two of baseball’s highest-paid, a player vying to be next in line for that label, and a few pending free agents who can further their financials over the next two weeks.

Shohei Ohtani (DH, Dodgers)

Obviously. The most exciting player in the game finally earns a trip to its biggest stage, though only as a hitter (maybe?). Ohtani posted a 9.22 WAR in the regular season (3rd overall), and is coming off of an NLCS where he went 8-22 with 9 walks at the top of the Dodgers lineup. His 10 year $700M contract runs through the 2033 season (though the deferred payments cover 2034-2043 respectively), giving the Dodgers a decade-long reason to keep their foot on the gas pedal.

Juan Soto (RF, Yankees)

Also obviously. Soto already has a World Series ring (as a 19-year-old in Washington), and now has a chance to snag another on the cusp of free agency. With that said, the Yankees can get mercy-rule swept with Soto posting an 0-The Series at the plate, and a dozen teams will still have a $500M+ offer sheet ready to hit the fax machine. He’s about to turn 26-years-old. He holds a 36.4 combined WAR in just 7 seasons (Trea Turner has the same WAR across 10 years). He’s both disciplined and a killer at the plate altogether, and when put in seemingly the most perfect of settings for 2024 (in front of Aaron Judge, at Yankee Stadium), he somehow exceeded expectations. The bidding war will be one for the ages, and the Yankees would be fools to lose it.

Aaron Judge (CF, Yankees)

Almost everything about Aaron Judge’s 2024 season comes with a “career-best” next to it, including his first trip to the World Series this week. The 32-year-old presumptive AL MVP led the league in HR, RBI, BB, OBP, SLG, OPS, OPS+, TB, & WAR. He just completed Year 2 of his 9 year, $360M deal with NY that contains no opt-outs,options, or deferred payments.

Gleyber Torres (2B, Yankees)

The ultimate example of “smelling free agency”, Torres was a player that at more than a few points over his 6 years in NY was being booed out of Yankee Stadium for one reason or another. But his production & effort both at the plate and in the infield has been a spark plug for the Yankees down the stretch in 2024. The pending free agent has bolstered his overall value, especially now that he’s a proven leadoff hitter in big moments. His arbitration compensation suggests a contract in the $16M-$18M range, though at just shy of 28-years-old, don’t be surprised to see a team or two push higher here.

Teoscar Hernandez (OF,  Dodgers)

Hernandez turned $30M over 3 years of arbitration into a 1 year, $23.5M free agent contract to join the Dodgers. 32 doubles, 33 homers, 99 RBIs, and a career-high 4.29 WAR later, Hernandez will hit the open market this winter as one of the best available power hitters. The 32-year-old will be limited from a length standpoint, but it’s not inconceivable that a 4 year, $100M guarantee comes his way soon.

Jack Flaherty (SP, Dodgers)

Arguably the biggest pitcher to move at the deadline (via Detroit), Flaherty posted consistently good numbers down the stretch for the Dodgers. In the postseason, 2 out of his 3 starts were sloppy (to say the least), but his NLCS Game 1 start against NY was the stuff of legends. The pending UFA entered 2024 with a $23.3M valuation (4 years, $95M), and can really hit the market on a high note with another memorable moment on the mound this week.

Luke Weaver (RP, Yankees)

Weaver signed a 1 year, $2M contract with the Yankees last winter after posting a 6.40 ERA across 25 starts with the Reds, Mariners & Yankees in 2023. It was an afterthought signing for the Yankees who were simply hoping to find a role for him (likely not as a starter). But an offseason of change (new delivery, new mindset as a reliever, increased velocity) completely transformed the 31-year-old’s career path. The catch? NY added a $2.5M club option to his deal, locking him in for 2025 as a veritable steal if he can remain his good standing as their 9th-inning man.

NBA Opening Night is here! It doesn’t come with quite the fanfare of Major League Baseball’s Opening Day or NFL Kickoff Weekend, but the NBA is back. The Boston Celtics will get their rings and raise a record 18th banner to the rafters. Then, the chase for the 2025 title is on.

With the regular season upon us, NBA teams have finalized their opening night rosters. The league’s financial landscape has never been more complex. The days of being under the cap, over the cap or over the tax are long gone. Now, we have first and second aprons, and 10 different ways to become hard-capped at those aprons.

But don’t fret! We’ve got you covered with where each team stands with the 2024-25 NBA season tipping off.

Team Salary Landscape

There are now five buckets that teams fall in, depending on how much team salary they are carrying. We’ll run through them in order of most to least expensive.

Second Apron Teams

Boston Celtics: $7.6 million over the second apron

Milwaukee Bucks: $6.5 million over the second apron

Minnesota Timberwolves: $17.2 million over the second apron

Phoenix Suns: $31.5 million over the second apron

The full weight of the second apron has come to bear this season. After a transitional year, which saw only some of the second apron restrictions kick in, the NBA’s most expensive teams are handcuffed like never before.

The good news for Boston, Milwaukee, Minnesota and Phoenix? All are title contenders. The bad news? None of this foursome has the ability to add much throughout the year. At least not without subtracting key rotation players to do so.

First Apron Teams

Denver Nuggets: $5.6 million over the first apron

Los Angeles Lakers: $10.8 million over the first apron

Miami Heat: $9.2 million over the first apron

New York Knicks: $7.2 million over the first apron

Philadelphia 76ers: $4.6 million over the first apron

The first apron is only slightly less restrictive than the second apron. It’s a little easier for these teams to make trades and the like, but only a little easier.

Much like the second apron group, the first apron teams all fancy themselves as title contenders. That’s definitely true of the Nuggets, Knicks and Sixers. Lakers and Heat? We’ll see if their veteran stars can drag them there one more time.

Luxury Tax Teams

Cleveland Cavaliers: $1.7 million over the luxury tax

Dallas Mavericks: $5.4 million over the luxury tax

Golden State Warriors: $5.8 million over the luxury tax

LA Clippers: $2.5 million over the luxury tax

New Orleans Pelicans: $1.6 million over the luxury tax

This group is a mixed bag of good teams. The Mavericks are title contenders. The Cavaliers are hopeful of climbing into the contender tier. The Warriors, Clippers and Pelicans are part of a large group of teams battling for playoffs spots in a deep Western Conference.

The challenge for everyone in this group but the Cavs? They are all hard-capped at the first apron. That’s going to make adding to their roster in-season a difficult task.

Over The Cap Teams

Atlanta Hawks: $1.3 million under the luxury tax

Brooklyn Nets: $2.1 million under the luxury tax

Charlotte Hornets: $10.4 million under the luxury tax

Chicago Bulls: $4.5 million under the luxury tax

Houston Rockets: $10.5 million under the luxury tax

Indiana Pacers: $3.2 million under the luxury tax

Memphis Grizzlies: $3.9 million under the luxury tax

Oklahoma City Thunder: $11.5 million under the luxury tax

Orlando Magic: $20.5 million under the luxury tax

Portland Trail Blazers: $3.7 million under the luxury tax

Sacramento Kings: $3.7 million under the luxury tax

San Antonio Spurs: $21.1 million under the luxury tax

Toronto Raptors: $9.3 million under the luxury tax

Utah Jazz: $27.2 million under the luxury tax

Washington Wizards: $11.9 million under the luxury tax

As per usual, the NBA’s largest group of teams is living over the cap, but under the tax. This group is a mix of playoff contenders and rebuilding squads, outside of the Thunder, who are a title contender.

This is where the moves will happen. When there are trades in-season, expect these teams to be involved, either as direct parties or as helpful facilitators.

Under The Cap Team

Detroit Pistons: $10.2 million under the cap

The days of multiple teams hitting the season with oodles of cap space available are over. Teams have to hit the salary floor now, or they miss out on the end-of-year luxury tax disbursement. The Pistons have hit the floor, but enter the season as the league’s lone cap space team.

Detroit is also sitting on an open roster spot (more on that in a bit). That means they’ll be everyone’s favorite third team in complicated trades, especially between hard-capped teams (more on that in a bit too!). That should have new front office boss Trajan Langdon ready to pick off additional assets for his still-rebuilding team.

Hard Caps

Over half of the NBA is facing a hard cap at either the first or second apron. With 10 ways to become hard-capped now, teams are facing more roadblocks than ever to navigate around as they build their rosters. For each hard-capped team, we’ll break down which apron they are hard-capped at, and how much wiggle room they have.

First Apron Hard-Capped Teams

Atlanta Hawks: $5.4 million under the first apron

Brooklyn Nets: $5.2 million under the first apron

Chicago Bulls: $9.5 million under the first apron

Dallas Mavericks: $386,752 under the first apron

Golden State Warriors: $533,659 under the first apron

Houston Rockets: $15.2 million under the first apron

LA Clippers: $4.9 million under the first apron

New Orleans Pelicans: $4.4 million under the first apron

Oklahoma City Thunder: $17.4 million under the first apron

Sacramento Kings: $8.6 million under the first apron

Toronto Raptors: $10.5 million under the first apron

Washington Wizards: $11.6 million under the first apron

For some of these teams, the hard cap doesn’t really matter. The rebuilding teams aren’t going to end up in range for it to really matter.

For others, like the Mavs and Warriors, they are working up against some extremely tight margins. Golden State doesn’t even have enough room to fill their open 15th roster spot at the moment. The Clippers and Pelicans are somewhat tight to apron too. On the flip side, the Thunder continue to have incredible flexibility for a title contender. If there is a deal Oklahoma City wants to make, they can do so without any real hard cap challenges creeping in.

Second Apron Hard-Capped Teams

Charlotte Hornets: $28.5 million under the second apron

Denver Nuggets: $5.2 million under the second apron

Indiana Pacers: $18.9 million under the second apron

New York Knicks: $3.6 million under the second apron

For the Hornets and Pacers, their second apron hard cap is of no consequence. They won’t get anywhere close enough for it to matter.

The Nuggets have a bit of wiggle room, should they want to make an in-season trade.

As for the Knicks…it’s a challenge. New York did a wonderful job navigating all things CBA this summer to avoid a first apron hard cap. But they’ve still put themselves right up against the second apron. Right now, the Knicks have three open roster spots. They only have enough room to fill two of those spots, with one veteran minimum signing and one rookie minimum signing (and that has to be a player the team held/holds the draft rights for). That’s pretty tight to work around. Expect the Knicks to push the boundaries of how long they can go without 14 players on standard deals (up to two weeks at a time or for 28 total days per season) to try to create any form of additional wiggle room.

Open Roster Spots

Recently, we wrote about The NBA’s Vanishing 15th Roster Spot. To start the season, there are 15 standard roster spots open around the NBA. There are also two open two-way roster spots.

Open Standard Roster Spots

Boston Celtics: 1

Cleveland Cavaliers: 1

Detroit Pistons: 1

Golden State Warriors: 1

Houston Rockets: 1

Indiana Pacers: 1

Memphis Grizzlies: 1

Miami Heat: 1

New Orleans Pelicans: 1

New York Knicks: 3

Philadelphia 76ers: 1

Phoenix Suns: 1

Sacramento Kings: 1

We already covered what’s going on with the Warriors and Knicks. For the Celtics, Cavaliers, Heat, Pelicans, Sixers and Suns, this is about managing their luxury tax situation. These teams likely won’t fill their open spots until we’re deeper into the season.

The Pistons, Rockets, Pacers, Grizzlies and Kings are likely waiting for the right player. The latter four teams are also pursuing playoff spots, so keeping some additional flexibility is a smart play. And the Pistons could use their open spot to facilitate in-season trades using their remaining cap space, as mentioned earlier.

Open Two-Way Roster Spots

Detroit Pistons: 1

Orlando Magic: 1

These spots will likely get filled sooner, rather than later. Detroit was rumored to be signing Alondes Williams, but as of this writing that signing hasn’t gone official. Orlando may wait to see if any players shake loose early in the season, or if a G League player pops when that season starts in a couple of weeks.

Offseason Spending

For all of the consternation that the “New CBA is ruining the league and no one wants to spend money” teams doled out record sums this 2024 NBA Offseason.

Between free agent contracts, rookie signings and extensions, team committed to nearly $7.5 billion (yes, billion with a “B”) in new money. Of that amount, roughly $6.7 billion is fully guaranteed.

Last season, teams committed to almost $5.9 billion in new money, with $5.5 billion being guaranteed.

That’s an additional $1.6 billion of new money that was introduced into the system this offseason. And the new media rights deals don’t even start until the 2025-26 season.

The NBA is as healthy as it has ever been. The league is fairly wide open, with multiple teams fancying themselves as title contenders. More money is being spent then ever. And expansion is right around the corner. Life is good for all parties involved in the NBA.

Enjoy the season everyone!

If every team has the maximum active roster spots in use, there would be 364 active players in the NWSL. Looking at the roster and contract situation for 2025, there are currently 236 players signed for 2025 including 21 of the 2025 Free Agents. Additionally, there are four players who haven’t had extensions/options exercised announced but don’t appear on the 2025 Free Agency list as well as 104 unsigned free agents (not including players who have announced their retirements). 

Current 2025 NWSL states. *Indicates the number counts a player loaned out until June 2025

The North Carolina Courage lead the way with 27 players signed at least through the 2027 season, with current NWSL roster rules limiting teams to 26 active players this does mean that one player will need to be released or loaned out in order to meet compliance requirements unless the league expands roster rules moving forward. The Orlando Pride and Racing Louisville are the other two teams who have enough players for 2025 to potentially already be in roster compliance. 

The San Diego Wave have had quite the tumultuous season and right now have the greatest potential to see a high roster turnover ahead of the 2025 season. Six teams currently have less than the required 18 person minimum gameday roster signed for 2025: Kansas City, Angel City, Chicago, Houston, and Portland. 

Looking at the 2025 signings following the midway point in the season, it is clear to see how active some teams were in the secondary window versus in the new free agency period

2025 Roster spots occupied at different times in the year

Houston and Kansas City have been the most active since the new CBA changed free agency, while Houston and Seattle saw their biggest uptick in the Olympic break and through the Secondary Window closure.

J.T. Poston wins the Shriners Children's Open. Poston earns $1.26 million bringing his 2024 on-course earnings to $4.7 million and his career on-course earnings to $20.1 million. 

Black Desert Championship Top 10 Payouts

Full Results

2024 Earnings Leaders Update

Full List

As the 2024 WNBA season comes to a close, Spotrac is flipping the switch to the 2025 offseason, highlighting current roster details and pending free agents for each team heading toward the winter months.

RELATED: 2025 WNBA Cap Tracker

Roster & Financials Notables

• The league salary cap for the upcoming 2025 season is $1,507,100, a $44,000 increase from last year. Teams must also spend to a minimum $1,261,400 floor for next season.
• Rosters must be constructed of at least 11, but no more than 12 players during the season.
• “Training Camp” contracts & first year rookie contract salaries do not count against the salary cap until the first day of the regular season.
• Per the CBA these are the minimum salaries for the upcoming season:
  0-2 Years of Service: $66,079
  3+ Years of Service: $78,831
  Maximum Salary: $214,466
  Super-Maximum Salary: $249,244
  
  RELATED: WNBA CBA Notables

Free Agents Notables

• Reserved/Exclusive Rights free agents have been tendered a qualifying offer and can only negotiate with their current team.
• Restricted free agents may negotiate an offer sheet with other WNBA teams, but the current team has the right to match.
• Unrestricted free agents may negotiate with any WNBA team.
• Teams may re-sign their free agents to a maximum of 4 years, while the maximum contract for a player joining a new team is 3 years in length.
  
  RELATED: 2025 WNBA Free Agents

The Golden State Valkyries

The newest member of the WNBA family joins in 2025, with an expansion draft set for December 6th. Each WNBA team can protect a maximum of 6 players who were on their roster on the final day of the regular season. Golden State may select a player under contract, or a pending free agent from each of the 12 teams, and may also flip selected players to other franchises to acquire other assets.

Still TBD: When are protection lists due? Which spot will Golden State draft next April?

New York Liberty

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 3rd
Option Players: None.
Notable Free Agents: Breanna Stewart (F, 30), Courtney Vandersloot (G, 35), Kennedy Burke (G, 27), Ivana Dojkic (G, 26, Exclusive Rights), Jaylyn Sherrod (G, 22, Exclusive Rights)
Players Under Contract: 7/12
Protected Veterans: 3/6
Offseason Cap Space: $586,923

The 2025 offseason conversation begins and ends with Breanna Stewart, who heads back to the open market this winter. Stewart took a slightly less than maximum $205,000 salary last season to help the team remain competitive. Will she be willing to do it again? A super-max-salary for Stewart in 2025 ($249,244) would nearly cut the LIberty’s available cap space in half, making it difficult to fill out the remaining 4-5 roster spots with any kind of substance. Regardless, it’s tough to imagine the most balanced, well-coached teams in the league doing too much to damage this roster going forward - especially with a few other contending teams potentially sliding backwards.

Minnesota Lynx

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 2nd (from CHI), 3rd
Option Players: None.
Notable Free Agents: Myisha Hines-Allen (F, 28), Natisha Hiedeman (G, 27), Cecilia Zandalasini (F, 28, Exclusive Rights), Olivia Epoupa (G, 30, Exclusive Rights)
Players Under Contract: 8/12
Protected Veterans: 3/6
Offseason Cap Space: $401,278

Arguably the best overall roster in the league on paper, the Lynx have a large majority of their team under contract for the 2025 season. With 1st & two 2nd Rd Picks under their belt, don’t be surprised if Minnesota makes one, aggressive, splashy move this offseason to try to separate themselves from the likes of NY, CON, LV next season.

Connecticut Sun

2025 Draft Picks: 2nd (from NYL)
Option Players: None
Notable Free Agents: Alyssa Thomas (F, 32), Brionna Jones (C, 28), DeWanna Bonner (F, 37), Tiffany Mitchell (G, 30), Astou Ndour (C, 30), DiJonai Carrington (G, 26, Restricted), Veronica Burton (G, 24, Exclusive Rights), Caitlin Bickle (F, 24, Exclusive Rights)
Players Under Contract: 3/12
Protected Veterans: 1/6
Offseason Cap Space: $1,116,264

The Sun mortgaged quite a bit of capital to acquire Marina Mabrey this July, and had moments where they were the most complete team in the league this past season. A nosedive down the stretch led to a semifinal exit in the postseason, but now the fun begins. This is a roster with 3 contracts on it at the time of this piece (only Mabrey protected), setting up a flourish of offseason decisions. It’s rational to assume that a “mini-rebuild” is in order here, especially as it pertains to getting younger, but that won’t be coming via the draft this April. The Sun only possess NY’s 2nd round pick, putting the onus on the front office to work their magic in free agency in order to keep this franchise contending in 2025.

Las Vegas Aces

2025 Draft Picks: 2nd, 2nd (from WSH), 3rd
Option Players: None.
Notable Free Agents: Kelsey Plum (G, 30), Alysha Clark (F, 37), Tiffany Hayes (G, 35), Sydney Colson (G, 35), Queen Egbo (C, 24, Exclusive Rights)
Players Under Contract: 7/12
Protected Veterans: 4/6
Offseason Cap Space: $587,925

The Aces fell short in their bid for a 3-peat, but remained one of the most dangerous teams in the league despite a bit of inconsistency this past season. League A'ja Wilson & 27-year-old G Jackie Young are locked up through 2025, but the biggest question (possibly in the entire league) this offseason comes with Kelsey Plum. Las Vegas has the core contract available, locking her in for one season, but any type of (worthy) max extension for the 30-year-old will immediately drain the financial resources for the Aces this winter. 

Indiana Fever

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Option Players: None
Notable Free Agents: Kelsey Mitchell (G, 28), Erica Wheeler (G, 33), Temi Fagbenle (C, 32, Restricted)
Players Under Contract: 9/12
Protected Veterans: 2/6
Offseason Cap Space: $657,639

Well that went well. The young core of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, & Lexie Hull quickly developed into one of the better offensive units in the league. But Clark’s immediate success goes hand in hand with the continued development of Kelsey Mitchell, who figures to be one of the top free agents this offseason. Indiana may need to drop a salary to afford Mitchell’s return, and it might take a core contract to keep her in the mix.

Phoenix Mercury

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd
Option Players: None.
Notable Free Agents: Diana Taurasi (G, 42), Brittney Griner (C, 34), Monique Billings (F, 28), Mikiah Herbert Harrigan (F, 26, Exclusive Rights), Natasha Mack (F, 26, Exclusive Rights), Charisma Osborne (G, 23, Exclusive Rights), Amy Atwell (F, 26, Exclusive Rights).
Players Under Contract: 4/12
Protected Veterans: 3/6
Offseason Cap Space: $798,966

The Mercury hung tough for much of 2024 but didn’t have the offensive firepower to stay with the top teams in the league last season. Now they’re faced with the task of needing to potentially replace Taurasi & Griner - while also adding size and depth to a roster that requires at least 7 more players right now. It’s a big draft for Phoenix, and the notion of trading a player for additional picks could very much be on the table here.

Seattle Storm

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd (from WSH)
Option Players: None.
Notable Free Agents: Nneka Ogwumike (F, 34), Gabby Williams (F, 28), Mercedes Russell (C, 29), Sami Whitcomb (G, 36), Victoria Vivians (G, 29), Joyner Holmes (F, 26)
Players Under Contract: 5/12
Protected Veterans: 3/6
Offseason Cap Space: $712,377

Seattle pieced together a much improved roster in 2024, including the late addition of Gabby Williams post-Olympics, but her status, along with Nneka Ogwumike, is very much up in the air. The Storm have at least 6 roster spots to fill this offseason, so offering max salaries may prove difficult in the overall landscape of building out a deep enough team to contend.

Atlanta Dream

2025 Draft Picks: 2nd, 3rd
Option Players: None
Notable Free Agents: Cheyenne Parker (F, 32), Aerial Powers (F, 30), Tina Charles (C, 35), Maya Caldwell (G, 25, Exclusive Rights), Lorela Cubaj (F, 25, Exclusive Rights)
Players Under Contract: 8/12
Protected Veterans: 3/6
Offseason Cap Space: $644,298

The Dream finished off 2024 strong, sliding into the postseason after a rough start. Alongside Jordin Canada & Allisha Gray, youngster Rhyne Howard appears to be a core player to build around, and the Dream will be looking to do just that as they flip over a few older pieces this offseason. Though replacing Tina Charles (if she decides not to return) will be much easier said than done.

Washington Mystics

2025 Draft Picks: Two 1sts (1 from Atlanta), 2nd
Option Players: None.
Notable Free Agents: Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (G, 29), Emily Engstler (F, 24, Exclusive Rights), Sug Sutton (G, 25, Exclusive Rights), Julie Vanloo (G, 31, Exclusive Rights)
Players Under Contract: 8/12
Protected Veterans: 4/6
Offseason Cap Space: $523,340

Washington got off to a spectacular 0-12 start last season, putting them in a hole they never crawled out of. If the core is healthy, they’re a contending team, but health has been an issue over the past few seasons. The Mystics lack a true playmaking point guard, their biggest priority this offseason.

Chicago Sky

2025 Draft Picks: Their own 1st could be swapped with Dallas. Also own the rights to Connecticut’s 1st.
Option Players: None.
Notable Free Agents: Isabelle Harrison (F, 31), Brianna Turner (F, 28), Diamond DeShields (G, 29), Chennedy Carter (G, 25, Restricted), Michaela Onyenwere (F, 25, Restricted), Dana Evans (G, 26, Restricted), Nina Milic (F, 30, Exclusive Rights)
Players Under Contract: 6/12
Protected Veterans: 2/6
Offseason Cap Space: $923,625

Despite a blossoming young core, the Sky hold 7 free agents (3 restricted) that could very much change the outlook of this team going forward. Dallas has the ability to swap lottery picks with Chicago, virtually ensuring they won’t be drafting #1 overall this April. The Sky need to aggressively seek 3-Point shooting this winter. 

Dallas Wings

2025 Draft Picks: 1st (potential swap), 2nd, 3rd
Option Players: None
Notable Free Agents: Natasha Howard (F, 33), Satou Sabally (F, 26), Jaelyn Brown (G, 26, reserved), Sevgi Uzun (G, 26, reserved)
Players Under Contract: 7/12
Protected Veterans: 3/6
Offseason Cap Space: $611,573

The Wings have a league-high 45.4% chance of winning the lottery thanks to a pick-swap they acquired from the Chicago Sky in last year’s Marina Mabrey trade. Injuries held back this team in 2024, but that might not stop Dallas from aggressively overhauling a large portion of this roster over the next few months.

Los Angeles Sparks

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (potential CHI 3rd based on lottery results)
Option Players: Li Yueru ($74,019, reserved free agent)
Notable Free Agents: Kia Nurse (G, 28), Aari McDonald (G, 26)
Players Under Contract: 10/12
Protected Veterans: 4/6
Offseason Cap Space: $345,930

The Sparks have a 44.2% chance of winning the #1 overall pick, which likely means the addition of Paige Bueckers for the foreseeable future, and a legitimate young core when including Cameron Brink & Rickea Jackson to move forward with.