We’re two weeks out from the NBA trade deadline on February 8. Unlike the past couple of seasons, NBA teams are in more defined tiers this year. However, those tiers are a little different from the traditional ones of title contender, playoff team and tanking team.

What the Play-In Tournament has done is create a handful of different races. There are a handful of teams in each conference that are still competing for the top seed. But from there, we have a couple of other races to watch. Teams compete for homecourt advantage, but are also competing to simply be in the top-six in their conference to snag one of the assured playoff spots.

From there, several teams are fighting for positioning, or even just spots, in the Play-In Tournament in each conference. And then, of course, you have teams that are prioritizing ping-pong balls, if we put it kindly.

That makes each team’s approach to the trade deadline endlessly more fascinating. Today, we’ll cover where each team seems to stand as far as being a buyer or seller, or either or neither, at the deadline. We’ll also give some thoughts on where we think each team should be at.

Atlanta Hawks

Approach at the deadline: Sellers

The Hawks are sellers, but not in the “Everything must go!” sense. Instead, Atlanta is looking to rebalance their roster, but more importantly their cap sheet.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Sellers 

Atlanta has too many good players on long-term contracts to completely blow things up at the deadline. Instead, if they can shuttle out some of their bigger long-term deals for players who fit better, they’ll come out ahead in the long run.

Boston Celtics

Approach at the deadline: Buyers

This one comes with a caveat. The Celtics buyers like Bob Cratchit at Harrods of London. They might want to get someone great, but they don’t have much to work with. Such is life when your playoff rotation seems mostly set and all the big salaries are tied up in rotation players.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Buyers

Boston should be looking to buy. Maybe they could snag a regular season (and maybe postseason) rotation player on the cheap (both in terms of contract and trade cost) from someone. Maybe they use their $6.2 million TPE to get a player. The Celtics do have a few tradable picks to work with. Ideally, they’d get someone who can help now and has a contract that carries another year or two. Otherwise, this is the same spot Boston will also be in next season. And probably the season after that too.

Brooklyn Nets

Approach at the deadline: Either

It doesn’t seem like the Nets are done fighting for a spot in the Play-In Tournament. But Brooklyn could pivot and try to move off some players to bring in future assets. Or they could try to bring in help to chase a postseason spot.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Sellers

The Nets don’t have to go crazy. Mikal Bridges, Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson should all be considered in the “you have to blow us away with an offer” category. But everyone else should be up for grabs. Sure, the Nets own picks are gone, but that’s a sunk cost. It’s not like Sean Marks hasn’t sailed these troubled waters before and come out just fine on the other side.

Charlotte Hornets

Approach at the deadline: Sellers

Charlotte already moved Terry Rozier III and that feels like it’s just the start. Keeping LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams is smart. They are your building blocks. Everyone else is tradable.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Sellers

Charlotte is going to keep trying, but moving some other players is harder than it seems. Miles Bridges can block any trade, because he’ll lose his Bird Rights if he’s dealt. And losing his Bird Rights might matter, because his salary is so low this season. Gordon Hayward is very available, but his contract is tough to move at $31.5 million. Kyle Lowry can be flipped, but only by himself. P.J. Washington should have good trade value, as he’s on a fair-value contract. Same with Nick Richards, but even more so. The real question: Will Ish Smith find his way to a 14th NBA team?

Chicago Bulls

Approach at the deadline: Either

Chicago might move Zach LaVine, but it won’t be in a “blowing it up” move. The Bulls will be looking to get back players who can help them in their eternal quest for the eighth seed.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Sellers

The Bulls should be selling. Where is this team going with this core this year and next? The Play-In Tournament? The eighth seed? Is any of that exciting anyone? Chicago should blow it up, but they won’t.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Approach at the deadline: Buyers

The Cavs created some wiggle room under the luxury tax when Ricky Rubio took a buyout. But that also removed one of Cleveland’s more tradable salaries. They’re also just about out of draft picks to trade. Unless there is a surprise move coming with a core rotation player, the Cavaliers might more or less sit out the deadline.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Neither 

As stated above, the Cavaliers most tradable player now is probably Isaac Okoro, who has an expiring $8.9 million contract. He’s also Cleveland’s best perimeter defender. So, this is a tough spot to find workable trades. The buyout market is probably more of a thing for the Cavs.

Detroit Pistons

Approach at the deadline: Either

Let’s call Detroit short-term sellers and long-term buyers. The Pistons might move a few vets, but they’d also like to add players who can help them move things forward next season.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Sellers

Let’s be clear: If the Pistons can find a deal for a guy who can help them be a better team next season and beyond, they should do it. We’re just a little doubtful that deal is coming by the trade deadline. Feels more like a summertime thing. Because of that, it’s time to move some of the veterans for draft picks and young players. Then, maximize the cap space this offseason, and not by eating bad contracts for middling draft picks.

Indiana Pacers

Approach at the deadline: Either

Indiana is in a good place. They don’t really need a whole lot, beyond Tyrese Haliburton getting healthy. If only they could trade for that! Otherwise, maybe Buddy Hield gets dealt, but he seems to be in a pretty good spot as a key player on a good team. And that means that the capital to buy with is less than ideal.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Buyers

Presumably, the Pascal Siakam deal was done with an understanding that he’d re-sign this summer. That means Indiana is pretty well set with their core for the next few years. It’s time to supplement that group. If moving a handful of their mid-range contracts (T.J. McConnell, Jalen Smith, Obi Toppin) can bring in another rotation player for this year and beyond, the Pacers should jump on it.

Miami Heat

Approach at the deadline: Neither

The Heat made their move with the Kyle Lowry for Terry Rozier III swap. They don’t have the tradable draft picks, nor the tradable salary to do much else.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Neither

Maybe Miami could find another deal, but at what cost? All of their meaningful salary is tied up in key rotation guys. If there’s a shakeup coming, it’ll come in July, not February.

Milwaukee Bucks

Approach at the deadline: Buyers

The Bucks want another perimeter player, ideally a 3&D option. But they don’t have much to trade. They are out of tradable draft capital, and their best matching salary belongs to rotation players.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Buyers

This is similar to the Celtics situation, but without the draft picks to trade. If Milwaukee does anything “big”, it’ll probably involve Pat Connaughton. And that’s only going to get the Bucks so much.

New York Knicks

Approach at the deadline: Buyers

The Knicks are still looking for upgrades to their rotation. They’ve been linked to guards and wings, even after the OG Anunoby deal. The Knicks could also use another center, given injury issues. With the Evan Fournier contract and some drafts picks to dangle, New York could still make another big move.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Buyers

This isn’t the final window for New York to do something big. If they have a sense that a better deal might be there in the summer, they could pick up Fournier’s option and roll him over to an expiring contract asset through next season. Don’t expect any other big deals by the deadline, but don’t rule it out either.

Orlando Magic

Approach at the deadline: Buyers

The Magic are best termed as cautious buyers. Their history tells us they will do something. It could be a small move or it could be something big. Jeff Weltman has done something at each deadline that he’s run the team. This time, it’s starting to feel like a bigger upgrade could come, as this team is close to a playoff spot.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Buyers

Orlando should be looking to buy. They have sizable expiring contracts in Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris, and a pseudo-expiring deal in Jonathan Isaac. Fultz and Isaac are health risks, and Harris is entrenched as a backup. If the Magic can make a move to solidify the rotation, especially at the guard spot, they should do it. This team is good, but not so good that a playoff spot is guaranteed. Now is the time to make a bigger move to lift the young kids onto the big stage.

Philadelphia 76ers

Approach at the deadline: Buyers

Daryl Morey is going to try to thread a difficult needle at the deadline: Add to the roster, while keeping some flexibility for the summer. Morey has been cautious to maintain the Sixers flexibility. He’s not going to let that go for a marginal upgrade. If there isn’t a big move to made, he’ll stay patient and do his work this offseason.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Buyers

Philadelphia is a title contender. Joel Embiid is playing at an incredible level. Tyrese Maxey is really good too. And the 76ers have a bunch of tradable contracts and a few draft picks to trade too. The real question is if Morey can find a deal that makes sense for next few months, but also the next few years. Otherwise, don’t rule out a shuffle of expiring deals for expiring deals that brings the Sixers a rotation upgrade on the wing.

Toronto Raptors

Approach at the deadline: Sellers

The Raptors finally started the resetting process by trading OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam. They won’t give away guys like Bruce Brown, Dennis Schroder, Gary Trent Jr., or a host of big men. But Masai Ujiri isn’t done resetting this roster either. Note: resetting vs rebuilding. There isn’t a full-scale teardown job. It’s a rest around Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Sellers

Toronto is finally on a path. They aren’t out of the running for the Play-In Tournament, but they shouldn’t be chasing it either. In fact, if trading some of the vets listed above causes the Raptors to fall down around sixth in the draft order, they’d get to keep their pick this year. That shouldn’t be considered a priority, but let’s call it a happy circumstance.

Washington Wizards

Approach at the deadline: Sellers

Washington finally kicked off a rebuild last offseason. They can keep that moving forward by trading more of their veteran players and leaning even further into a youth movement. That seems to be the Wizards approach.

Ideal approach at the deadline: Sellers

It’s been a long time coming, but the Wizards are finally here. No more chasing the eighth seed. If they can find the right moves for guys like Kyle Kuzma, Tyus Jones, Daniel Gafford and maybe even Jordan Poole, Washington should jump on them. Taking on Marvin Bagley’s contract for a couple of second-round picks signaled this is a multi-year rebuild. Lean into that and keep churning the roster in Washington.

Another early postseason exit has Cowboys Nation up in arms, but with news that Head Coach Mike McCarthy will be returning for the 2024 campaign, the immediate offseason focus turns to QB Dak Prescott. We’ll outline a few options that Dallas possesses with their current QB1 in the coming weeks.

Do Nothing

Prescott is entering a contract year in 2024, set to earn $34M cash against a whopping $59.455M cap hit. This represents 24.5% of the projected $242.5M league salary cap for next season (Aaron Rodgers’ league high $40.3M cap hit in 2023 represented 17.9% of this past season’s cap).

Highest Single Season Cap Hits

1. Matt Ryan (2022, IND), $40,525,000 (19.4%)
2. Aaron Rodgers (2023, GB), $40,313,568 (17.9%)
3. Ryan Tannehill (2022, TEN), $38,600,000 (18.5%)
4. Patrick Mahomes (2023, KC), $37.1M (16.5%)
5. Jimmy Garoppolo (2018, SF), $37M (20.8%)

In other words, 24.5% of the league cap would be significantly higher than any team has ever allocated before.

Process a Mini Conversion

There are two elements to Dak Prescott’s cash output for 2024, a $29M base salary, & a $5M roster bonus, set to be paid out March 17th, 2024.

Dak’s contract already contains $36,460,000 of dead cap in 2025 once the contract voids. Any sort of cap conversion will only add to this figure, so if Dallas’ plan may be to move on from Prescott after the 2024 season, they’ll want to tread lightly in this regard.

By converting the $5M roster bonus + $10M of the base salary into a signing bonus, spread out over 5 years (2024 + 4 void years), Dak’s cap hit for next season can drop from $59.455M down to $47.4M, or 19.4% of the projected league salary cap. This maneuver increases the voided dead cap in 2025 from $36.46M to $48.46M. Sounds like a lot (and it is), but keep in mind that the 2025 league salary cap should be in the $260M range, keeping things within compliance from a percentage standpoint.

This option would be the best way for Dallas to manage their roster in 2024 without investing any more guaranteed cash to Dak Prescott.

Process a Full Conversion

If the Cowboys are hesitant to extend Dak this offseason, but still want to maximize their ability to build out a roster around him in 2024, they can process a complete base salary & roster conversion.

This involves lowering his $29M base salary down to a league minimum $1.21M, converting the remaining $27.79M + his $5M roster bonus into a signing bonus.

The move results in a cap decrease from $59.455M down to $33.223M, a savings of $26.2M for the upcoming season. 2024’s pleasure becomes 2025’s pain however, as the dead cap hit waiting when the contract voids has now increased to $62.7M (nearly 25% of the projected salary cap).

This option should only be on the table if the Cowboys are more than likely to extend Dak Prescott before his contract voids (2 days prior to the 2025 league year), but want to wait until the very last possible moment to actually do so (See: The Negotiation Timeline for Dak’s 1st Extension)

Negotiate an Extension

Here’s the thing. Dak Prescott knows a few things that don’t really need to be said out loud.

1. His current cap hit is a problem for the Cowboys, and must be adjusted somehow
2. A viable replacement QB is not currently on the Dallas roster (despite Trey Lance’s draft projections)
3. Based on the void timing & structure of his current contract, if the Cowboys don’t extend Dak this offseason, he will walk into the open market next March - barring an offer that goes above and beyond to prevent him from doing so.

So what does an “above & beyond” offer look like right now? Something like $60M per year, $115M guaranteed, and only 3 new years - allowing Dak to be right back in this situation again before he hits 35 years old.

This is the most expensive option (obviously), but also the most logical one. Dak was a leading MVP candidate for much of the 2023 regular season. The coaching staff may turnover in the next 18-24 months, but it seems unlikely that the QB will as well.

Trade Dak this Summer

It’s only here because it’s an option, & I promised you the options Dallas has available to them. Trading Prescott before June 1st means a dead cap hit of $61.9M (a $2.4M cap loss). So that leaves us with a Post June 1st transaction here.

• Problem #1: His $5M roster bonus gets paid March 17th
• Problem #2: 2024 draft picks wouldn’t be included in the trade
• Problem #3: Dallas would be freeing up $34M in cap space in June, after all of the free agents have been snatched up.
• Problem #4: Trying to trade a player on an expiring contract who will require nearly $200M from his new team at the last minute doesn’t exactly lead to great return value. Once everyone knows you need to trade a player, you might as well start cutting your asking price in half.
• Problem #5: Dak is a great quarterback, in a league that requires a great quarterback to win. Finding another great quarterback isn’t something you can just say you’re going to do - and then do.

Concluding Thoughts

Not much left to be said here. Dallas dragged out Dak Prescott’s first go around at a veteran contract and were forced into a truncated, high-cash structure. That’s exactly where things stand again just 3 years later, so the only likely option is a smaller than usual, top of the market QB extension. Dak and the Cowboys agree on a 3 year, $175M extension, with the largest signing bonus in NFL history (Lamar, $72.5M).

Dallas keeps their QB1, frees up significant 2024 cap space, & locks in WR CeeDee Lamb to pair up with Dak for the next 3 years fully guaranteed. It leads to a few cap casualties throughout the roster, but for the most part, this Cowboys group runs things back in 2024, looking to last a little longer in the month of January this time around.

Adrian Beltre (Third Baseman)

Contracts: 9
Career Earnings: $220M

Signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Dodgers in 1994 for a $23,000 bonus, Adrian Beltre spent the better part of 21 seasons in the majors for LA, Seattle, Boston, & Texas.

He signed a 3 year, $5M pre-arbitration extension in 2000, following his first full season in the bigs that bought out his first run through arbitration. His three year arbitration payout  (2002-2004) totaled just $11M, as it wasn’t until that 2004 season (right before his first run at free agency) that he truly broke out.

Beltre would find a healthy 5 year, $64M free agent contract from the Mariners the following winter, a deal he would play out in its entirety before re-entering the open market in 2010.

The Red Sox would snatch up the 31-year-old on a 1 year, $10M contract that contained a $5M player option in 2011. 50 doubles, 30 homers, and 100+ RBIs later, Beltre would be declining that option, and would cash in on the open market yet again, to the run of 5 years, $80M with the Texas Rangers. Not only did Texas take on an $18M club option in 2016, but they would extend Beltre another 2 years, $36M through the 2018 campaign - the final of his career.

When it was all said and done, Beltre had reeled in over $220M on the field over his illustrious career, a number that ranks him 18th all-time on the total earnings list.

Joe Mauer (Catcher)

Contracts: 4
Career Earnings: $223.275M

Drafted #1 overall back in 2001, Mauer spent all 14 seasons of his MLB career with the Minnesota Twins. He agreed to a $5.15M signing bonus to begin his financial career, filling out two minimum salary seasons in 2005 & 2006 before finding a much heftier pay day.

Prior to the 2007 season, Mauer signed a 4 year, $33M extension with the Twins that would buy out all of his arbitration eligibility. Before entering the final year of that contract, Minnesota re-upped the face of their franchise to the tune of $184M over 8 seasons, placing him financially with another career team captain, Derek Jeter (10 years, $189M for the Yankees).

This massive extension would be Mauer’s last professional contract as 3X batting champ retired after the 2018 season at 35-years-old. He earned over $223M on the field for his efforts, 16th all-time right now, and by far the most ever earned by a catcher (Yadi Molina, $163M).

Todd Helton (1st Baseman)

Contracts: 5
Career Earnings: $164.4M

The #8 overall pick back in 1995 played all 17 seasons of his career as a member of the Colorado Rockies. His financial career began with an $892,500 signing bonus shortly after his draft selection, with his MLB debut coming shortly thereafter (August 2nd, 1997). Helton would play out the 1998 season on a league minimum $190,000, before the Rockies handed him a 4 year, $12M extension to bypass his arbitration eligibility.

Prior to Year 3 of that 4 year extension, Colorado locked in the face of their franchise to a massive 9 year, $141.5M contract, running through the 2011 season. The deal included $13M deferred, the last installment of which was just paid out this past summer.

As he began to age out of his productive ability, Helton & the Rockies agreed to a slight restructure toward the end of the monster contract, converting some of his 2011 salary into signing bonus, while tacking on a 2 year, $9.9M extension to keep him in the fold, but at a more manageable cash/tax salary for the team.

Helton would retire from MLB in October of 2013, having earned over $164M on the field for his efforts.

2024 NBA trade season just keeps on spinning. This time around, it was the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat swapping veteran guards in a move that makes sense for both franchises.

Here are the particulars:

Charlotte Hornets acquire: Kyle Lowry, lottery-protected 2027 Heat first-round pick

Miami Heat acquire: Terry Rozier III

This is a fun trade between two division rivals. Let’s dive in!

Miami Heat

Incoming salary: $23.3 million in 2023-24

• Terry Rozier III (PG/SG, three years, $74.8 million, $23.3 million in 2023-24)

Outgoing salary: $29.7 million in 2023-24

• Kyle Lowry (PG, one year, $29.7 million)

The Miami Heat’s season hasn’t gone exactly as hoped for. The Heat haven’t been bad, but they are in a battle to stay in the top-six and out of the Play-In Tournament. One issue for Miami has been their guard play.

That’s solved by acquiring Terry Rozier III.

Rozier is having the best season of his nine-year NBA career. He’s averaging a career-high 23.2 points and 6.6 assist per game. And they aren’t empty stats either, as Rozier has been efficient this season. He’s shot 45.9% from the field and 35.8% from behind the arc. That’s even more impressive when you factor in that he’s spent long stretches of the season as Charlotte’s best on-ball creator.

On defense. Rozier has slipped some from his days with the Boston Celtics. He’s no longer the bulldog defender he was in Boston, but Rozier is better than he’s showed with Charlotte. He should fit in nicely with the Heat, where having good defenders around him, and something to play for, will help him lift his game.

Losing Lowry is probably more of a shock to the system than it is an on-court impact. Lowry has continued a four-year trend of taking fewer shots than the season before. He’s around his career shooting percentages from the field and on three-pointers, but creating shots has become a challenge. He’s no longer able to create good shots for himself, and that has also limited his ability to create good looks for his teammates.

Lowry’s defense has also slipped considerably. He’s not quick enough to keep up with the better guards, so he gets by on positioning, guile and veteran know-how. But that only goes so far, especially with the Heat dreaming about making another deep playoff run. Rozier will be an upgrade over Lowry on defense, even in his diminished state.

On the cap sheet, Miami is taking on a decent chunk of change long-term. The Heat moved off almost $6.5 million for this season. That gets Miami within about $4.1 million of dropping below the first tax apron. 

That’s important if the Heat wanted get involved on the buyout market. Under the new CBA, teams that are above the apron are prohibited from signing buyout players who made more than the Non-Taxpayer MLE on their previous contract.

Long-term, Miami adds $24.9 million for Rozier for 2024-25 and $26.6 million for 2025-26. The final season of Rozier’s deal is partially guaranteed for nearly the full amount. That season also becomes fully guaranteed if Rozier’s team (now the Heat) makes the second round of the playoffs in either 2024 or 2025, and if Rozier appears in at least 70 games. Essentially, consider both of Rozier’s seasons beyond this one to be fully guaranteed.

That’s not really a big concern for the Heat. Miami projects to be well over the cap for the next two seasons. Acquiring Rozier will have the Heat dancing around the tax apron again next season, but that’s something the Miami front office has become used to.

For what it’s worth, the Heat also created a $6.5 million Traded Player Exception (TPE) in this deal. Miami could use that TPE to absorb a smaller-salaried player ahead of the trade deadline.

Charlotte Hornets

Incoming salary: $29.7 million in 2023-24

• Kyle Lowry (PG, one year, $29.7 million)

Outgoing salary: $23.3 million in 2023-24

• Terry Rozier III (PG/SG, three years, $74.8 million, $23.3 million in 2023-24)

This trade was about creating future flexibility for the Hornets. It’s been reported that Kyle Lowry and Charlotte won’t agree to an immediate buyout. The Hornets will look to trade Lowry in an addition deal, as they look to continue to add to their asset base.

It’s also been reported that the Hornets are open to moving other players, as they look for draft picks and increased flexibility ahead of the 2024 offseason. It’s assumed that the only off-limits players on Charlotte’s roster are LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams. Everyone else is likely available for the right price.

On the court, this trade will have little impact for the Hornets. They are a bad team, and will continue to be so. What this does in the immediate is free up a bit of a logjam when everyone is healthy. For however long they are all on the roster, Charlotte now has starting spots and minutes for all of their guards and wings. To that end, it will be somewhat of a surprise if Lowry suits up for the Hornets before the trade deadline, if ever.

On the cap sheet, the Hornets have freed up a considerable amount of flexibility. Pre-trade, Charlotte was projected to have about $21.7 million in cap space this offseason. Now, the Hornets project to have around $45.5 million in cap space this summer.

No, Charlotte isn’t a prime free agent destination. But cap space can be used to acquire players via trade, or to make the trade process far easier. The Hornets could also take a longer-term approach and “rent out” some cap space in exchange for draft picks and/or young players.

Mostly, the Hornets have created a lot of flexibility for a team that has been basically capped out over the last few seasons. If Charlotte continues to move veteran players like Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington and others, they’ll have a chance to rebuild their roster around Ball, Miller, Williams and a bunch of draft picks and young players.

The key? The Hornets can’t get impatient this time around. They were in cap jail for years, got free and immediately signed Hayward to a questionable contract. If Charlotte sells off their vets, they can’t turn around and sign Tier C free agents to long-term, big-money contracts. Stay the course, build around your cornerstones and find values through your signings and trades. That’s the winning playbook for a small market team. And the Hornets are now set up to be on their way.

The 2023 NFL season is down to it's Final Four, with the #1 Baltimore Ravens, #3 Detroit Lions, #3 Kansas City Chiefs, & #1 San Francisco 49ers set to face off in this upcoming weekend's Conference Championships. We'll take a look back at the 2023 financials that helped bring them here, including offseason spending, notable draft picks, positional spending, & 2024 outlooks.

A Few Notable Notes

• The #1 & #3 overall cap hits (Mahomes $38M, Goff, $31M) have made the Final Four
• The 49ers carried the least amount of total cap ($199.5M) in all of football this season
• At $289M+, the Ravens carried the 2nd highest cash payroll in football.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens held the #2 overall cash payroll in 2023, thanks largely to QB Lamar Jackson’s historic $80M payout this past season. As per usual, the Ravens were near the bottom of the league in terms of free agent spending ($41.5M), bringing in a dozen or so veteran minimum contracts, and a sizable 1 year deal for WR Odell Beckham, Jr. Extensions for Jackson ($260M),  & DT Broderick Washington ($15.75M) drove much of the offseason, while a $14M rookie contract for WR Zay Flowers appears to be one of the best values in all of football out of the gate.

2023 Positional Cash Spending

Eyeing a 2024 Pay Day

DT Justin Madubuike posted a career year (by a mile), finishing 2023 with 13 sacks, 56 tackles & 2 forced fumbles. He projects to a 4 year, $82M contract this March.

LB Patrick Queen excelled next to Roquan Smith, putting himself in line to make a financial splash this March. Tremaine Edmunds’ 4 year, $72M deal in Chicago stands as Queen’s floor.

WR Odell Beckham, Jr. didn’t put together a season of statistics worthy of much attention, but his ability to rise up in big situations may be the single most important difference between Ravens old and Ravens present. Tacking on another year to this contract (around $12M) to keep the current deal from voiding makes sense here.

2024 Cap Outlook

The Ravens are currently operating with an estimated $5.6M of Top 51 cap space in 2024, with only 38 players under contract. Cap conversions for Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, & Ronnie Stanley (to name a few) can open up another $29M more.

Related: Ravens Offseason Analysis

Detroit Lions

The Lions have officially arrived, bringing a mix of Dan Campbell’s grit & toughness with flashes of offensive explosiveness. This is a well built roster, boasting young, inexpensive talent on both sides of the ball. Detroit handed out $67M of guaranteed in free agency this past offseason, adding the likes of CB Cameron Sutton, LB Alex Anzalone, S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, & RB David Montgomery. From a total cash standpoint, the Lions ranked 27th in the league, paying out over $213M in 2023. For the most part though, this season was about the immediate impact of their recent draft - including RB Jahmyr Gibbs, TE Sam LaPorta, & S Brian Branch, all of whom appear to be long-term starters on this roster.

2023 Positional Cash Spending

Eyeing a 2024 Pay Day

WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is entering a contract year in 2024, coming off a 119 catch, 1,515 yard, 10 TD season in Detroit. He projects toward a 4 year, $108M extension in our system.

QB Jared Goff is entering a contract year in 2024, set to earn $26.6M against a $31.6M cap hit. Goff posted an outstanding 2023, finishing the season with 4,575 yards, & 30 TDs while completing over 67% of his passes. He projects toward a 4 year, $150M extension in our system (but $180M seems a more logical floor here).

After 8 seasons in Detroit, LT Taylor Decker finally gets a taste of winning. He enters a contract year in 2024, set to earn $13.7M against a $19.1M cap hit. He projects toward a 4 year, $60M extension in our system.

2024 Cap Outlook

The Lions enter 2024 with around $61M of Top 51 cap space, but with only 31 players currently under contract. It’ll be an offseason full of internal extensions, & free agent signings as this Detroit franchise continues to build up a more long-term window of contention.

Related: Lions Offseason Analysis

Kansas City Chiefs

Betting against Patrick Mahomes in January is not a recommended strategy, as the 28-year-old reminded us over the past two weeks. At $236M, KC held the 21st highest cash payroll in 2023, benefiting from a cheaper arsenal of weapons, and a few notable defensive players still on rookie contracts this past season. A huge portion of their offseason money was allocated to RT Jawaan Taylor ($60M guaranteed), & DE Charles Omenihu ($8.6M guaranteed), while the quick development of 2nd round pick WR Rashee Rice certainly factored in down the stretch.

2023 Positional Cash Spending

Eyeing a 2024 Pay Day

After an unsuccessful holdout, DT Chris Jones’ contract will once again come into focus this winter. Will the two sides come to a compromising multi-year agreement this time around? Jones’ projects toward a 3 year, $85M contract in our system.

CB L'Jarius Sneed remains one of the best kept secrets in all of football, making big plays in big moments every single week. He’s the #2 CB in KC behind Trent McDuffie, but will certainly be seeking near CB1 money on the open market this winter. He projects toward a 4 year, $64M contract in our system.

S Justin Reid isn’t the most decorated DB in the league, but he’s solidified a good, young secondary in KC for two seasons. Tacking on 3 new years to his 2024 season at around $9M-$10M per year makes sense.

2024 Cap Outlook

KC rolls into the offseason with around $27M of Top 51 cap space under their belt, with only 41 players currently under contract. Cap conversions on Patrick Mahomes, Joe Thuney, & Jawaan Taylor can open up over $54M more.

Related: Chiefs Offseason Analysis

San Francisco 49ers

If you can find a 7th round starting QB who costs you $2.6M over a 3-year span, I highly recommend it. The Niners get (at least) 1 more season of ultimate value out of Brock Purdy, who used some of that extra dough to bring in Javon Hargrave ($40M guaranteed), & extend Nick Bosa ($122.5M guaranteed). San Francisco held the 6th highest cash payroll in the league this past season, paying out over $266M in total. Unlike in 2023, the 49ers currently hold all of their Top 100 draft picks, hoping to find their next wave of financial value as they continue their window of NFC contention.

2023 Positional Cash Spending

Eyeing a 2024 Pay Day

Heading toward a fully guaranteed $14.1M 5th-year-option season, WR Brandon Aiyuk remains the 4th option in this Niners offense, but he’s excelled in this offense over the past two seasons. Can San Francisco justify another $20M+ weapon on this team? Aiyuk projects toward a 4 year, $92M extension in our system.

CB Charvarius Ward has more than outplayed the $27.5M earned over the past two seasons. With a cap hit that spikes to near $18M next year, tacking on additional years to lower the 2024 figure makes sense for all parties here. Ward projects toward a 4 year, $50M extension in our system.

OL Jon Feliciano is more of a part-time role player at this stage of his career, but his presence in depth & starting spots has dramatically improved the consistency of San Fran’s OL this past season. Bringing him back on a slightly north of minimum deal (1 year, $4M?) should be attractive for all here.

2024 Cap Outlook

The Niners will hit the offseason with almost no cap space to operate with initially, but they have plenty of avenues to generate room as needed. Cap conversions for core players McCaffrey, Juszczyk, Samuel, Kittle, Williams, Armstread, Hargrave, & Warner can open up over $87M of cap space this coming March.

Related: 49ers Offseason Analysis

Nick Dunlap wins The American Express. He is the first amateur since 1991 (Phil Mikelson, Northern Telecom Open) to win a PGA Tour event and due to his status he earned $0 for the win. 

The American Express Top 10 Payouts

Full Results

2024 Earnings Leaders Update

Full List

Every week, Spotrac calculates the True Value of each NFL player based on their cumulative production in a given season, against their average annual salary. This results in a “Madden Grade” type output for every player, that in turn provides us with our annual Best Value NFL Roster. Here’s how the 2023 campaign shook out:

RELATED: Spotrac’s Calculated Team Value Rankings

QUARTERBACK

Brock Purdy (49ers)

TVS: 96.99

Purdy likely finishes within the Top 3 of the MVP vote when it’s all said and done, due to a combination of outstanding decision making - and a very talented SF roster. Purdy’s $934,252 average salary ranked 89th among active QBs. The 2022 7th round pick isn’t eligible for an extension until after the 2024 season.

ALSO: Josh Allen (Bills, 92.95), C.J. Stroud (Texans, 89.82), Full List

RUNNING BACK

Kyren Williams (Rams)

TVS: 98.81

One of the big reasons the Rams were relevant in 2023 - let alone a playoff team, Williams ran for 1,000 yards more in his second season than he did in his rookie campaign. He caught 32 passes, finding the end zone 15 total times for LA, and his $992,601 average salary ranked 95th among active running backs this past season. The 2022 5th rounder won’t become extension eligible until after the 2024 season.

ALSO: Raheem Mostert (Dolphins, 98.28), Breece Hall (Jets, 91.91), Full List

WIDE RECEIVER

CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys)

TVS: 99.70

Lamb’s production output has significantly increased each of his first 4 NFL seasons, culminating with a monster 2023 (135 catches, 1,749 yards, 12 TDs). His $3.5M average salary ranked 61st among 2023 Wide Receivers, but Dallas’ days of value are likely over. Lamb holds a $17.9M fully guaranteed salary in 2024, and a $28.8M market value in our system. There’s a very real world where he becomes the highest paid WR in the history of football in the coming weeks.

TOP VETERAN: Tyreek Hill (Dolphins, 87.29)
ALSO: Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions, 99.30), Nico Collins (Texans, 98.82), Full List

TIGHT END

Sam LaPorta (Lions)

TVS: 99.71

Year 1 of the LaPorta project exceeded expectations across the board (86 catches, 889 yards, 10 TDs). His $2.3M average salary ranked 36th among active Tight Ends, offering the Lions extraordinary value for at least two more seasons. He’s on track to reset the position financially after the 2025 campaign.

ALSO: Trey McBride (Cardinals, 97.33), George Kittle (49ers, 97.00), Full List

LEFT TACKLE

Christian Darrisaw (Vikings)

TVS: 98.46

For the second straight season, Darrisaw finds himself to be the best value Left Tackle in all of football, carrying a $3.3M average salary (26th among active LTs). The 2021 #23 overall selection is now extension-eligible for the first time in Minnesota, projecting toward a massive 4 year, $98.5M extension in our system.

ALSO: Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers, 97.34), Trenton Brown (Patriots, 93.43), Full List

Guard

Kevin Dotson (Rams)

TVS: 99.08

After a lackluster 2022 campaign, Dotson was acquired by LA from the Steelers in exchange for a few later round pick swaps last August. He proceeded to be one of the most efficient guards in the league, establishing himself as one of the better pending free agents this coming March. Dotson’s $988,454 average salary ranked 116th among active Guards last season.

TOP VETERAN: Greg Van Roten (Raiders, 93.62)
ALSO: Quinn Meinerz (Broncos, 98.68), Samuel Cosmi (Commanders, 97.14), Full List

CENTER

Drew Dalman (Falcons)

TVS: 98.82

Dalman chimed in as the #6 best value Center in 2022, but really took his play to the next level in 2023. The 2021 4th round pick is now extension-eligible for the first time, projecting toward a 4 year, $52M contract in our system.

TOP VETERAN: Connor Williams (Dolphins, 86.65)
ALSO: Creed Humphrey (Chiefs, 96.52), Lloyd Cushenberry (Broncos, 92.46), Full List

RIGHT TACKLE

Penei Sewell (Lions)

TVS: 97.64

After a breakout season in 2022, Sewell soars to the top of the list this past campaign, setting himself apart from the rest of the notable, young, Right Tackles in the league. His $6M AAV ranked 17th among active RTs last season, but this is a player soon to reset his positional financial market sooner rather than later. Sewell projects toward a 4 year, $90M extension in our system.

ALSO: Morgan Moses (Ravens, 89.56), Spencer Brown (Bills, 85.92), Full List

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Justin Madubuike (Ravens)

TVS: 99.05

One of the more underrated stars of the season, Madubuike posted 13 sacks, 56 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles for one of the league’s best defenses. It’s a career, breakout year for a pending free agent who now projects toward a 4 year, $80M contract in our system.

TOP VETERAN: Zach Sieler (Dolphins, 90.86)
ALSO: Christian Barmore (Patriots, 98.51), Kobie Turner (Rams, 97.33), Full List

EDGE DEFENDER

Josh Allen (Jaguars)

TVS: 99.52

The Jaguars faltered down the stretch, but that shouldn’t take away from another outstanding year, & 5 straight seasons of productive improvement from “that other Josh Allen”. The pending free agent is a top franchise tag candidate who projects to a 5 year, $120M contract in our system this winter.

TOP VETERAN: Jadeveon Clowney (Ravens, 96.08)
ALSO: Jonathan Greenard (Texans, 98.07), Micah Parsons (Cowboys, 97.73), DE, OLB

LINEBACKER

Tyrel Dodson (Bills)

TVS: 97.67

Dodson stepped into the starting role for Buffalo in Week 4, as the Bills’ defensive injuries began to pile up. He more than held up his end of a 1 year, $2M contract, factoring greatly into Buffalo’s push into the postseason down the stretch. Will the 25-year-old secure a multi-year guarantee on the open market this time around?

ALSO: Ernest Jones (Rams, 93.74), Kyle Van Noy (Ravens, 89.64), Full List

CORNERBACK

DaRon Bland (Cowboys)

TVS: 99.61

Bland stepped in for the injured Trevon Diggs during the Cowboys’ Week 3 game and never looked back, posting 69 tackles & a whopping 9 interceptions through the remainder of 2023. The 2022 5th rounder has 2 years, $2M non-guaranteed remaining on his rookie contract, providing Dallas with at least one more year of potential value.

TOP VETERAN: Mike Hilton (Bengals, 91.00)
ALSO: Paulson Adebo (Saints, 93.88), Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks, 93.54), Full List

SAFETY

Antoine Winfield Jr. (Buccaneers)

TVS: 99.44

The 1st-Team All-Pro but non-Pro Bowler gave us zero chance to snub it when it came to value. Winfield capped off his rookie contract with 122 tackles, 6 forced fumbles, & 3 interceptions, putting him in line for a 2024 franchise tag while projecting toward a 5 year, $94M contract in our system. This conversation begins at $21M per year however.

TOP VETERAN: Julian Love (Seahawks, 83.85)
ALSO: Xavier McKinney (Giants, 99.29), Jevon Holland (Dolphins, 97.58) Free Safeties, Strong Safeties

KICKER

Chase McLaughlin (Buccaneers)

TVS: 99.94

McLaughlin made 29 of 31 attempted field goals in 2023 while going a perfect 33 for 33 on extra points this past season, all while playing on a veteran minimum $1.1M contract in Tampa Bay. It seems fair to assume that these two sides will continue this marriage in 2024.

ALSO: Cameron Dicker (Chargers, 89.75), Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys, 87.68), Full List

PUNTER

A.J. Cole (Raiders)

While we don’t track punting statistics at Spotrac, it felt necessary to include the 1st-Team All-Pro selection here. Cole led the NFL with a net average of 45.1 per punt, with 34 of them landing inside the 20 yard line this past season. The 28-year-old holds 2 years, $6.3M non-guaranteed left on his $3M per year contract in Las Vegas.

NBA trade season is off to a raucous start! The upstart Indiana Pacers made a major move by acquiring Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. This move should put Indiana firmly in the mix for homecourt advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs, after a three-year playoff drought. At the end of December, Toronto had traded OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickly. Now, Masai Ujiri and his front office staff are continuing the reshaping of the Raptors roster around Scottie Barnes. This deal also includes the New Orleans Pelicans, as they have made a tax-avoidance trade. In actuality, this will end up being two separate trades.

Trade 1:
Indiana Pacers acquire: Kira Lewis Jr., least favorable 2024 second-round pick from the Pelicans or Bulls
New Orleans Pelicans acquire: Cash Considerations

Trade 2:
Indiana Pacers acquire: Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors acquire: Bruce Brown, Kira Lewis Jr., Jordan Nwora, 2024 Pacers first-round pick, least favorable 2024 first-round pick from the Rockets (5-30), Clippers, Thunder or Jazz (11-30), 2026 Pacers first-round pick

Since the Pacers are acquiring Lewis with cap space, they will be able to reaggregate him in the trade to the Raptors immediately. Let’s dive into what it these trades mean for each team!

Indiana Pacers

Incoming salary: $37.9 million in 2023-24

• Pascal Siakam (PF/C, one year, $37.9 million)

Outgoing salary: $30.7 million in 2023-24

• Bruce Brown (SG/SF, two years, $45 million (team option for 2024-25), $22 million for 2023-24)
• Kira Lewis Jr. (PG, one year, $5.7 million)
• Jordan Nwora (SF, one year, $3 million)

The Pacers are off to a 23-17 start and looking to break a three-year streak of missing the playoffs. With Pascal Siakam in the fold, Indiana can start thinking even bigger. Indiana is in a battle with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Miam Heat and Orlando Magic for the fourth through eighth position in the Eastern Conference. This trade should put the Pacers near the top of that group, which would mean homecourt advantage.

All season long, the Pacers have made it work at the power forward position. They tried Obi Toppin for 28 games, but it never quite fit perfectly. Indiana then reverted back to the four-smalls around Myles Turner looks they had some success with last year, but that isn’t ideal either. In recent weeks, Jalen Smith has stepped in as the second big next to Turner, but that look leaves Pacers less versatile than they want. Enter Siakam. And not just for the second half of this season, either.

There’s already been reporting that Siakam is thrilled with the trade to Indiana and will look to re-sign with the Pacers this offseason. Let’s pause from the on-court analysis to take a look at what Siakam’s next contract could look like. Because of this trade, Siakam is limited to extending with Indiana for no more than is allowable by the extend-and-trade rules. That would look like this:

• 2024-25: $39,788,078
• 2025-26: $41,777,482
• Total: two years, $81,565,560

In the summer, the Pacers will have full Bird Rights for Siakam. That means they’ll be able to offer him a five-year max deal that looks like this:

• 2024-25: $42,600,000
• 2025-26: $46,008,000
• 2026-27: $49,416,000
• 2027-28: $52,824,000
• 2028-29: $56,232,000
• Total: five years, $247,080,000

That’s the 30% of the cap maximum with 8% raises. If Siakam was to leave for another team, his max deal would look like this:

• 2024-25: $42,600,000
• 2025-26: $44,730,000
• 2026-27: $46,860,000
• 2027-28: $48,990,000
• Total: four years, $183,180,000

That’s starting at the same 30% of the cap maximum, but with 5% raises and capped at a four-year deal.

The extension option feels a bit light for Siakam, especially in terms of years. The full max seems a bit much for the Pacers. The guess here is that he’ll get some form of four-year deal that pays him in the range of $180 to $190 million. That gets Siakam close to, or more than, the max he could get from another team, but without either side having to lock into a full maximum contract.

One important note: Even if Siakam makes All-NBA this season, he’s no longer eligible for a Designated Veteran Contract, which would start at 35% of the salary cap. A player can only get a Designated contract from the team that drafted them, or a team that acquired them while still on their rookie contract.

Let’s get back to the on-court part of this trade for the Pacers. Indiana now has their power forward of the present and, presumably, the future. Siakam will be a major upgrade over any of the options the Pacers have used over the last two seasons. His three-point shooting has regressed back to the low 30% range over the past two seasons, but Siakam has also limited his attempts from distance too.

As a scorer, Siakam takes over 59% of his shots in/around the paint, with a healthy 28% of them coming right at the rim. He’s also shooting a robust 76.8% at the rim this year. Of the Pacers who attempt more than four field goals per game, no one matches Siakam’s combination of volume and efficiency inside.

Siakam also remains a solid rebounder, which will help an Indiana team that ranks in the bottom-five of the NBA in defensive rebounding. He’s also a good transition player, which fits in the Pacers high-octane offense. And Siakam is a good shot-creator and passer too.

The biggest upgrade might be on defense. Prior to this trade, Indiana didn’t have a four that could defend both on the perimeter and the interior. While Siakam isn’t the shot-blocker he was in his first few seasons, he’s still a solid on-ball and help defender. While no one is stopping Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid, Siakam can at least take his turn making them work. That will free up Myles Turner to roam as a help defender, which is where he really excels. In addition, Siakam is a very good double-teamer, as he uses his length and quickness to make it hard for opponents to find passing outlets.

The Pacers lose some perimeter defense in this deal with Bruce Brown headed to Toronto. But it’s not a massive loss. Indiana still has Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard who can pick up opposing ballhandlers on the wing. On offense, Brown wasn’t shooting as well as the last couple of seasons, and his playmaking was a bit muted in his spot-up role. That means he should be replaceable for the Pacers.

Essentially, Brown’s contract accomplished a few things. First, it helped Indiana to get to the salary floor, which all teams have to be at by the start of the season under the new CBA. Second, it was the exact type of tradable salary the Pacers envisioned it would be if a big move came their way. And last, but not least, Brown is making more money in this one season than he had made his first five years of his career combined.

Jordan Nwora hasn’t been able to lock down a consistent rotation role in his four NBA seasons. He’s a talented shooter and scorer, but Nwora doesn’t offer much else. Maybe he’s a late-bloomer, but it wasn’t going to happen in Indiana.

As for the draft picks…Yes, it’s a significant investment for a pending free agent. But these aren’t premium draft picks, at least not right now. This season’s Pacers pick should land around the early-to-mid 20s. The other 2024 pick is destined to be in the late-20s, pending where the Thunder or Clippers finish in the standings. The 2026 first-rounder Indiana is sending Toronto is more of an unknown, but a team built around a prime Tyrese Haliburton should be able to stay a playoff team.

If Siakam walks, it’ll sting for Indiana for sure. But they didn’t send everything that wasn’t tied down to Toronto here. They made a significant investment in a player who can lift them this season, and likely for the next few years, as well. If it doesn’t work out, the Pacers are out a couple of picks, but still have tremendous cap flexibility moving forward.

Toronto Raptors

Incoming salary: $30.7 million in 2023-24

• Bruce Brown (SG/SF, two years, $45 million (team option for 2024-25), $22 million for 2023-24)
• Kira Lewis Jr. (PG, one year, $5.7 million)
• Jordan Nwora (SF, one year, $3 million)

Outgoing salary: $37.9 million in 2023-24

• Pascal Siakam (PF/C, one year, $37.9 million)

OG Anunoby (who didn’t play in that title run) and Pascal Siakam were the last links to the 2019 champs. That alone signals how much of a reset this is for the Raptors. And make no mistake, this is reset, not a rebuild.

Toronto created an incredible amount of future flexibility for themselves, while gaining some long-term assets in terms of players and draft picks in their two recent trades. This deal, in particular, is likely to deliver more on the cap sheet and in the draft pick vault than on the court.

Sure, Bruce Brown could be a nice player for Toronto. But the Raptors already have a pretty crowded wing rotation. In fact, it’s so crowed that it’d a surprise to see both Brown and Gary Trent Jr. still in Toronto after the trade deadline. Brown can’t be reaggregated with any other players in a pre-deadline move, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have trade value all on his own. As a 3&D wing, who can also handle it some and pass, Brown has a lot of value. It’s likely Toronto is already getting calls to see what it will take to get him.

Lewis and Nwora are flyers as the Raptors reset the rest of this season. It’s not clear how much either will play, as Lewis is behind both Immanual Quickley and Dennis Schroder at point guard and Nwora is behind several other wings and forwards. But if subsequent trades free up playing time, Lewis or Nwora could pop with an increased opportunity.

However, this trade was as much about picking up some additional draft picks, which give Toronto replacements for the ones they sent to San Antonio in the Jakob Poeltl trade. None looks like a truly prime pick, but you never know what will happen, especially a couple of years out.

This trade could have the added benefit of makin Toronto’s own pick better for this year. As it stands right now, the Raptors on the cusp of keeping their own 2024 first-round pick, as it’s top-6 protected. The chances of the Raptors “catching” the Portland Trail Blazers or Charlotte Hornets are pretty low, but again, you never know.

As for the cap sheet, the Raptors books are now pretty clean. They can reasonably create up to $31.5 million in cap space for the upcoming offseason. That would mean clearing the decks of all but their guaranteed salaries, plus cap holds for Quickley and their first-round picks. But that’s not really a big deal, as none of the Raptors pending free agents seem overly likely to return.

Overall, Toronto has set themselves up to build around a new core of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl and whatever they do with their newfound flexibility. That’s why this is a reset and not a rebuild.

New Orleans Pelicans

Incoming salary: None
Outgoing salary: $5.7 million in 2023-24

• Kira Lewis Jr. (PG, one year, $5.7 million)

This trade is pretty simple for New Orleans. The Pelicans were $2.9 million over the luxury tax line for this season. The Pelicans have never paid the tax in franchise history. This year wasn’t going to be the first. That meant finding a trade partner to move some salary too, with Lewis always being the most likely candidate. That’s in part due to moving only his salary being enough to dodge the tax, while also creating a little wiggle room for future transactions. It’s also in part due to Lewis not being a part of the rotation in New Orleans, while being a pending free agent this summer.

The Pelicans will have 14 days to sign a 14th player to a standard contract. That’ll eat into a little bit of the wiggle room they’ve just created. The guesses here for how New Orleans fills that spot are:

• Another trade. This one seems a bit less likely, but could be on the table.
• Converting Matt Ryan to a standard contract. This is possible. The Pelicans like Ryan quite a bit and could get him on a multi-year deal by using part of their remaining Non-Taxpayer MLE.
• Converting Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to a standard contract. Less likely than Ryan, but it would work the same way.
• Signing a player, or players, to 10-Day contracts. This seems most likely, especially in the immediate.
• Signing a player, or players, for the rest of the season. This is also possible, if there is a free agent available that New Orleans feels like they have to get. This could also come after the team undergoes a series of 10-Day “tryouts”, if you will.

Overall, for the cost of one second-round pick, the Pelicans got out of the tax. That’s probably a swing of somewhere between $17 and $20 million to the New Orleans ownership group. That’s big, and will hopefully be remembered when the team has to re-sign some key players down the line.

Notes

As of the writing of this article, the following items hadn’t been fully confirmed:

• Who the Indiana Pacers are waiving to complete the Kira Lewis Jr. acquisition. Even thought Indiana is trading Lewis to the Raptors, they have to create a roster spot for him first. It’s likely that spot will be created by waiving James Johnson, but this has not been confirmed as of yet. UPDATE: The Pacers chose to waive James Johnson.
• Who the Toronto Raptors are waiving to complete the 3-for-1 trade. Toronto has one open roster spot, but will need to free up an additional spot to bring in Bruce Brown, Kira Lewis Jr. and Jordan Nwora. It’s likely that spot will be created by waiving Garrett Temple, but this has not been confirmed as of yet. UPDATE: The Raptors chose to waive Christian Koloko.
• Created Traded Player Exceptions. The Raptors should create a TPE of $7.2 million for Pascal Siakam in this trade. The Pelicans should create a TPE of $5.7 million for Kira Lewis Jr. in this trade. UPDATE: The Raptors chose to use part of the Precious Achiuwa TPE to bring in Jordan Nwora. This created a $10.2 million TPE for Pascal Siakam. The Pelicans did create a $5.7M TPE for Kira Lewis Jr.

The 2024 NBA trade deadline is about one month away.  So far, we’ve seen three in-season trades. The Philadelphia 76ers traded James Harden to the LA Clippers just a few days into the season. The Toronto Raptors traded OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks in a deal that saw RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley head to Toronto. And last week, the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards hooked up in a salary-clearing trade for the Pistons.

Two weeks or so out from deadline day is when things usually start to pick up. Teams that insisted on multiple first-round picks for their players come down to a single first-round pick, while their partners in trades come up from offering a couple of second-rounders to offering that single first-rounder. As desperation increases, so does reasonability in trade talks.

Here’s what each of the 30 NBA teams are working with to trade as we sit a month from the deadline.

Atlanta Hawks

Cap/Tax Picture: $9.7 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $23.0 million (John Collins)

Draft Pick Situation: Hawks owe two future firsts (2025 and 2027) to the Spurs, as well as a swap in 2026. Atlanta is owed a first-round pick from Sacramento, which should come this year or next. Hawks have at least four tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Dejounte Murray or Saddiq Bey. If Atlanta goes for a big reset, Murray will be traded. If it’s a smaller deal, then it’ll be Bey.

Boston Celtics

Cap/Tax Picture: $5.6 million over the second tax apron

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $6.2 million (Grant Williams)

Draft Pick Situation: Boston owes a 2029 first to Portland. They also have a top-1 protected swap with the Spurs in 2028. Boston has at least eight tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Take your pick of Dalano Banton, Svi Mykhailiuk or Lamar Stevens. All are on minimum deals, and that’s probably how the Celtics are working at this deadline. All of their significant salary is tied up in key players who aren’t getting traded.

Brooklyn Nets

Cap/Tax Picture: $8 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $19.9 million (Joe Harris), $18.1 million (Kevin Durant), $6.8 million Patty Mills, $4.5 million (Kyrie Irving)

Draft Pick Situation: Sean Marks refilled his draft pick coffers when he traded away James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. The Nets still owe two of their own picks to the Rockets, along with a couple of swaps. But Brooklyn has added five extra first-round picks. The Nets have at least six tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Royce O’Neale. He has the easiest deal to move at $9.5 million. Maybe Brooklyn goes bigger, but even then, O’Neale is probably a part of any trade.

Charlotte Hornets

Cap/Tax Picture: $29.8 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: Hornets owe a protected first-rounder to the Spurs, but own all the rest of their own first-round picks. Charlotte has at least nine tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Miles Bridges. Bridges’ signing the one-year qualifying offer was a signal this is probably a short-term relationship between him and the Hornets. If a team can get past the off-court issues, Bridges won’t cost all that much in trade. Gordon Hayward would be a strong second choice here, but his contract may prove to be too large to move in-season.

Chicago Bulls

Cap/Tax Picture: $1.7 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $10.2 million (Lonzo Ball – Disabled Player Exception)

Draft Pick Situation: Bulls owe a protected first-round picks to San Antonio in the coming years. Chicago doesn’t have a fully clear first-rounder until 2028. Chicago has a lottery-protected first owed to them from the Trail Blazers. The Bulls also have two truly tradable second-round pick, as others all have conditions attached.

Most Likely to be Traded: Zach LaVine. The star guard has already asked for a trade, and he’s back from injury now. It’s a massive contract to move, but feels like Chicago will eventually find a taker from a playoff team that is desperate for some scoring.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cap/Tax Picture: $3.2 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: Cleveland owes three future first-round picks to the Jazz, as well as two years of swap rights to Utah. The Cavs have at least seven tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Isaac Okoro. There isn’t a great choice here, after Ricky Rubio took a contract buyout. Okoro is in the final year of his contract, so maybe Cleveland looks to move him before he hits restricted free agency in July. As for Donovan Mitchell…that’ll be a summer thing, if even then.

Dallas Mavericks

Cap/Tax Picture: $3.5 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $4.9 million (Davis Bertans)

Draft Pick Situation: Dallas owes a first to New York that should convey this season. The Mavericks also owe a pick to Brooklyn in 2029, and the Spurs have swap rights in 2030. Dallas has at least three tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Tim Hardaway Jr. or Richaun Holmes. The Mavs don’t have any large expiring contracts, so that means moving Hardaway or Holmes is the best path toward and upgrade, likely combined with a draft pick or two.

Denver Nuggets

Cap/Tax Picture: $4.7 million under the second tax apron

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: Denver owes future first-round picks to Orlando and Oklahoma City. They won’t be able to trade a first-round pick at this deadline. The Nuggets have at least three tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Reggie Jackson. There isn’t a great choice for Denver. They like and need their kids, because they are a source of production on value contracts. Jackson waived his no-trade clause when he re-signed, but the Nuggets seem more like to stand pat at the deadline.

Detroit Pistons

Cap/Tax Picture: $27.7 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: Detroit owes a heavily protected first to New York that may not convey for at least a couple of seasons. The Pistons have at least six tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Bojan Bogdanovic or Alec Burks. We find ourselves here again. Detroit is the worst team in the NBA. They don’t really need these two veteran wings, but they keep hanging onto them. Maybe this is year?

Golden State Warriors

Cap/Tax Picture: $26.6 million over the second tax apron

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: The Warriors owe a 2024 top-4 protected first-round pick to the Trail Blazers (via the Grizzlies and Celtics). Golden State also owes the Wizards a top-20 protected first-round pick in 2030. The Warriors have at least three tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Chris Paul. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody have agitated about playing time recently, but Paul’s pseudo-expiring $30.8 million contract is a huge trade chip. This is also the last season the Warriors can take on money in a trade. Maybe they take one more big swing at fortifying their title core.

Houston Rockets

Cap/Tax Picture: $22.0 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $4.5 million (Kevin Porter Jr.)

Draft Pick Situation: Houston has a couple of first-rounders coming from Brooklyn. They also owe two protected picks to Oklahoma City, and there are swap rights in the mix too. The Rockets should have at least at least seven tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Victor Oladipo. There’s little to no chance Oladipo ever suits up in this second run through Houston. His contract was kept specifically as a tradable asset.

Indiana Pacers

Cap/Tax Picture: $8.3 million under the cap

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: The Pacers also have all of their own first-round picks, plus an additional 2024 pick that will likely be in the mid-to-late 20s. Indiana has at least 10 tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Bruce Brown or Buddy Hield. This one is semi-easy. Hield asked for a trade on the eve of the season, but has continued to play without causing even the smallest stir. Brown and Hield are also the largest expiring contracts (Brown has a 2024-25 team option) the Pacers will probably put in play via trade. If they make a big move, it’s highly likely Brown and/or Hield will be involved.

LA Clippers

Cap/Tax Picture: $17.3 million over the second tax apron

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: The Clippers owe two more first-round picks to the Thunder (or 76ers), plus two years of swap rights. They also an additional first-round pick, plus a potential swap to the 76ers. LA has at least three tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: P.J. Tucker. The Clippers haven’t used Tucker as a rotation player since he came over in the James Harden trade. If they make a deal to further fortify their rotation, he’s likely to be involved.

Los Angeles Lakers

Cap/Tax Picture: $1.3 million over the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: Los Angeles owes New Orleans first-round pick in either 2024 or 2025, pending a Pelicans potential deferment. The Lakers owe a top-4 protected first to Utah in 2027. That means they can really only trade their 2029 first-round pick. Los Angeles has five tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: D’Angelo Russell. When Russell waived his right to block a trade by signing a 1+1 deal with the Lakers last summer, it set him up to be trade. His $17.3 million contract is likely to be the best piece of salary-matching Los Angeles has in a trade.

Memphis Grizzlies

Cap/Tax Picture: $5.8 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $12.4 million (Ja Morant – DPE (pending approval)), $7.4 million (Dillon Brooks), $6.3 million (Steven Adams – DPE)

Draft Pick Situation: The Grizzlies have all of their own first-round picks, including favorable swap rights on two picks in 2024 and 2020. Memphis has two tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Luke Kennard or John Konchar. This one is a little messy, because the wheels have really come off the season for Memphis due to several injuries. If they want to add a younger player, or some draft capital, Kennard could be moved. A smaller deal for Konchar could be likely to bring back a second-round pick or a young player who has washed out elsewhere.

Miami Heat

Cap/Tax Picture: $28,840 under second tax apron

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $9.5 million (Victor Oladipo), $7.2 million (Max Strus), $4.7 million (Dewayne Dedmon)

Draft Pick Situation: The Heat owe one lottery-protected first to the Thunder, but own all of their other first-round picks. The Heat have at least two tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: No one. This might be cheating, but unless Miami is making a big move, they probably aren’t trading anyone. And big moves are usually something the Heat save for the summer. 

Milwaukee Bucks

Cap/Tax Picture: $3.1 million over the second tax apron

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: The Bucks don’t own any of their own first-round picks outright. From 2024 through 2027, they are controlled by the Pelicans. From 2028 through 2030 they are controlled by the Trail Blazers. Milwaukee has at least two tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: No one. The Bucks have no real tradable salary at the deadline. Any significant salary belongs to rotation players. And the smaller salaries aren’t enough to get Milwaukee any real upgrades. They’ll probably stand pat at the deadline.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Cap/Tax Picture: $2.4 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $3.7 million (D’Angelo Russell)

Draft Pick Situation: Minnesota owes Utah three future first-round picks (and one swap), only one of which is lightly protected. Because of the Stepien Rule, the Wolves can’t deal another first. The Timberwolves have four tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Shake Milton. The Wolves don’t have a lot of tradable salary that isn’t attached to rotation players. Milton’s $5 million could be a deal to get Minnesota an additional rotation player, as Milton hasn’t filled the bench-scoring role the Wolves had in mind for him.

New Orleans Pelicans

Cap/Tax Picture: $2.9 million over the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: The Pelicans own all of their own first-round picks and two extra first-rounders courtesy of the Lakers and Bucks. They also have swap rights on two other years with Milwaukee too. New Orleans has at least two tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Kira Lewis Jr. The Pelicans have never paid the tax in franchise history. It’s highly unlikely they’ll break that streak this season. Look for New Orleans to move Lewis in a tax-avoidance trade, probably using a second-round pick to do so.

New York Knicks

Cap/Tax Picture: $6.0 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $6.8 million (Obi Toppin), $5.2 million (RJ Barrett)

Draft Pick Situation: The Knicks own all of their own first-round picks. They have some extra picks coming their way, but all are encumbered with protections. The most likely picks New York will see will come from Dallas in 2024 and Milwaukee in 2025. It’s unclear if Detroit or Washington will ever convey first-rounders to New York, but they could move them to another team to wait out. The Knicks have at least nine tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Evan Fournier. If New York makes another big trade before the deadline, Evan Fournier and his $18.8 million pseudo-expiring contract will be involved. If Fournier isn’t traded ahead of the deadline, don’t be surprised if the Knicks pick up their $19 million team option for next season, simply to keep him as a tradable salary for 2024-25.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Cap/Tax Picture: $12.2 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: Oklahoma City has seven extra first-round picks headed their way from a combination of the Rockets, Clippers, Jazz, Heat, 76ers and Nuggets. In addition, the Thunder have all of their own first-round picks, or can swap them for better picks in several years. Oklahoma City has at least 21 tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Davis Bertans or Tre Mann, Aleksej Pokusevski. Bertans will be involved if the Thunder are making a big move. If it’s a smaller move, Tre Mann or Aleksej Pokusevski could be traded. None are regular rotation players and none have a place in Oklahoma City long-term either.

Orlando Magic

Cap/Tax Picture: $34.3 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: The Magic have an extra first coming from the Nuggets, in addition to all of their own first-round picks. Orlando has at least 12 tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Chuma Okeke. We could have picked someone flashier like Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris or Jonathan Isaac, which would indicate a big trade. But something smaller like moving Okeke seems to be more likely, if not quite as fun.

Philadelphia 76ers

Cap/Tax Picture: $4.3 million over the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $6.8 million (James Harden)

Draft Pick Situation: The Sixers first-round draft picks in the closer-in years are tied up because they owe protected picks to both the Thunder and Nets. In 2028, Philadelphia picks up an extra pick from the LA Clippers, and they have their own picks in 2029 (can swap with LAC 4-30) and 2030. The 76ers have at least six tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Robert Covington/Marcus Morris or Furkan Korkmaz. The former pairing will likely be involved if the Sixers pull the trigger on a big trade before the deadline. They combine for over $28.8 million in outgoing salary. If Philadelphia is delaying the big moves to the summer, then look for Furkan Korkmaz to get moved in a tax-avoidance trade.

Phoenix Suns

Cap/Tax Picture: $4.9 million over the second apron

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $6.5 million (Cameron Payne), $4.9 million (Dario Saric)

Draft Pick Situation: Phoenix’s draft pick situation is unique and a mess. Every Suns first-round pick is either owed to another team or tied up in complicated swap rights. Phoenix has at least six tradable second-round picks, but it cost them swap rights for several years of first-round picks to acquire them.

Most Likely to be Traded: Nassir Little. There isn’t a great choice for the Suns. Nine players are on minimum contracts and five non-minimum salaries are tied to starters. That leaves Little as the only non-minimum salary that belongs to a non-starter. That makes him the most tradable guy.

Portland Trail Blazers

Cap/Tax Picture: $5.5 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $8.8 million (Damian Lillard), $8.3 million (Gary Payton II)

Draft Pick Situation: Portland owes a lottery-protected pick to Chicago. Those protections carry out through 2028, but the pick should likely convey before then, if Portland’s rebuild goes the way they hope. The Trail Blazers have extra first-round picks coming from the Warriors, Bucks and Celtics, plus swap rights in two years with the Bucks. The Blazers have at least seven tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Malcolm Brogdon. Portland is flush with younger guards and Brogdon could return younger players and/or draft picks to add to the rebuilding stash. If, for some reason, Brogdon isn’t traded by the deadline, look for a deal to come over the summer.

Sacramento Kings

Cap/Tax Picture: $18.0 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: The Kings owe a protected first-round pick to the Hawks, but own the remainder of their own first-rounders. Sacramento has at least five tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Davion Mitchell. Sacramento is looking for upgrades and they’ve reportedly offered Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter to teams. But that’s going to be in a pretty big trade. Mitchell has fallen out of the rotation. So, if he’s not part of a bigger deal, the Kings could move him in a smaller deal to get him to a place where he can play.

San Antonio Spurs

Cap/Tax Picture: $28.2 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: The Spurs own all of their own first-round picks. They have extra protected firsts coming from the Hornets, Raptors and Bulls. They also own two unprotected Hawks first-round picks, and swap rights in separate years with Atlanta, Boston and Dallas. San Antonio has at least 16 tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Doug McDermott or Cedi Osman. Both veteran players are reportedly on the market. Neither will net a huge return for the Spurs, but could see San Antonio pick up a couple of extra second-round picks.

Toronto Raptors

Cap/Tax Picture: $1.9 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $4.4 million (Precious Achiuwa)

Draft Pick Situation: Toronto owes a protected first-round pick to San Antonio, but owns all the rest of their own first-rounders. The Raptors have at least four tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Pascal Siakam. It seems almost inevitable at this point that Siakam is getting moved. The real question: Who else follows him out the door?

Utah Jazz

Cap/Tax Picture: $29.3 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None

Draft Pick Situation: Utah owes one protected pick to Oklahoma City. Beyond that, the Jazz have eight additional first-rounders coming their way, mostly from the Cavaliers, Lakers and Timberwolves. Utah has two tradable second-round picks.

Most Likely to be Traded: Talen Horton-Tucker. If the Jazz do a big deal to add to what has been a surprisingly good team, Horton-Tucker will probably be a part of it. If Utah does some rebalancing and asset-collecting, keep an eye on Kelly Olynyk getting moved.

Washington Wizards

Cap/Tax Picture: $21.2 million under the tax

Notable Traded Player Exceptions: $12.4 million (Kristaps Porzingis), $9.8 million (Monte Morris), $5.4 million (Bradley Beal), $3.5M (Mike Musala)

Draft Pick Situation: The Wizards owe a protected first-round pick to the Knicks, but own all of their other first-rounders. They also have the ability to swap several years of picks with the Suns, plus they own a top-20 protected Warriors pick in 2030. Washington as has least 14 tradable second-round picks. 

Most Likely to be Traded: Take your pick. The Wizards are about six months into a long-awaited rebuild. They could trade just about anyone, minus Deni Avdija, Bilal Coulibaly and maybe Corey Kispert. The most likely guys are Tyus Jones or Delon Wright, but don’t be surprised if multiple Wizards get moved.

Spotrac’s 2024 NFL Offseason Series continues with a look at each of the four AFC North teams, breaking down their estimated Top 51 cap space, pending unrestricted free agents, a few notable bubble players, and potential ways to free up more cap space this winter. 

AFC: NORTH | EAST | SOUTH | WEST
NFC: NORTH | EAST | SOUTH | WEST

Chicago Bears

The Bears fell into a pretty nice situation here. How they’ll handle the #1 overall pick, Justin Fields, etc… remains to be seen, but when also factoring in over $60M of Top 51 cap space this offseason, they stand to hold as much power as any team in the league this winter. Will Chicago subtract a few pieces and ramp up even more cap space, or will this be an offseason of addition?

NOTABLE PENDING UFAS

QUARTERBACK
Bubble: Justin Fields

RUNNING BACK
D'Onta Foreman
Bubble: Travis Homer

WIDE RECEIVERS
Darnell Mooney, Equanimeous St. Brown, Trent Taylor

TIGHT ENDS
Robert Tonyan Jr., Marcedes Lewis

OFFENSIVE LINE
Lucas Patrick, Dan Feeney
Bubble: Cody Whitehair

DEFENSIVE LINE
Justin Jones

EDGE DEFENDERS
Rasheem Green, Yannick Ngakoue

LINEBACKERS
None.

SECONDARY
Jaylon Johnson (CB),
Bubble: Eddie Jackson

SPECIAL TEAMS
Patrick Scales (LS)

CAP CLEARING POSSIBILITIES

• Trade QB Justin Fields, freeing up $3.2M of cap
• Release RB Travis Homer, freeing up $1.8M of cap
• Extend WR D.J. Moore, lowering his $16M cap hit for 2024. Moore projects toward a 3 year, $71M extension in our system.
• Process a full base salary conversion on TE Cole Kmet, freeing up $7M of cap when factoring in 1 void year
• Release OL Cody Whitehair, freeing up $9.1M of cap
• Process a full base salary conversion on OL Nate Davis, freeing up $6.1M of cap when factoring in 3 void years.
• Process a full base salary + $5M roster bonus conversion on LB Tremaine Edmunds, freeing up $15M of cap when factoring in 2 void years.
• Process a full base salary conversion on LB T.J. Edwards, freeing up $3.8M of cap when factoring in 3 void years.
• Release S Eddie Jackson, freeing up $12.5M of cap

RELATED LINKS

• Bears’ 2024 Salary Cap
• Bears’ 2024 Free Agents

Detroit Lions

Hard not to root for what the Lions have become in 2023. Can they use the 2024 winter to take things to the next level? The offseason likely starts with a brand new contract for QB1 Jared Goff, who enters a contract year this season. The Lions carry around $61M of Top 51 cap space, with rookie contract value all over this roster.

NOTABLE PENDING UFAS

QUARTERBACK
Teddy Bridgewater, Nate Sudfeld

RUNNING BACK
Craig Reynolds

WIDE RECEIVERS
Josh Reynolds, Donovan Peoples-Jones

TIGHT ENDS
None.

OFFENSIVE LINE
G Jonah Jackson, T Matt Nelson, G Halapoulivaati Vaitai, G Graham Glasgow

DEFENSIVE LINE
None.

EDGE DEFENDERS
Charles Harris, Romeo Okwara, Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Bubble: John Cominsky
LINEBACKERS
Julian Okwara

SECONDARY
S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, CB Kindle Vildor, S Will Harris, CB Emmanuel Moseley
Bubble: Tracy Walker

SPECIAL TEAMS
K Michael Bagdley, LS Jake McQuaide

CAP CLEARING POSSIBILITIES

• Extend QB Jared Goff, lowering his current $31.6M cap hit for 2024. Goff projects toward a 4 year, $150M extension in our system, but it seems logical to assume a $40M per year starting point with this negotiation.
• Process a full base salary conversion for RB David Montgomery, freeing up $3.3M of cap when factoring in 3 void years.
• Extend LT Taylor Decker, lowering his current $19.1M cap hit for 2024. Decker projects toward an extension that holds the same $15M AAV he’s been playing on for 4 seasons.
• Process a full base salary conversion on C Frank Ragnow, freeing up $5.4M of cap when factoring in 2 void years.
• Release DE John Cominsky, freeing up $4.5M of cap.
• Process a full base salary conversion on LB Alex Anzalone, freeing up $3.8M of cap when factoring in 3 void years.
• Process a full base salary conversion on CB Cameron Sutton, freeing up $7.4M of cap when factoring in 3 void years.
• Release S Tracy Walker, freeing up $5.5M of cap

RELATED LINKS

• Lions’ 2024 Salary Cap
• Lions’ 2024 Free Agents

Green Bay Packers

The Jordan Love era is officially here, and the rest of the league is miserable about it. It sure looks like Green Bay is smoothly transitioning into yet another well above average QB1 without skipping a beat. Love’s success will come with a price this offseason, as it seems highly unlikely that he’ll operate under an $11M salary for 2024. Future questions surrounding RB Aaron Jones,  & David Bakhtiari could offer a bit of a shakeup to this roster, & with around $8M of Top 51 cap space to their name right now, it’s fair to assume the Packers will be plenty active in the coming week.

NOTABLE PENDING UFAS

QUARTERBACK
None.

RUNNING BACK
A.J. Dillon
Bubble: Aaron Jones

WIDE RECEIVERS
None.

TIGHT ENDS
Josiah Deguara

OFFENSIVE LINE
Jon Runyan, Yosh Nijman
Bubble: David Bakhtiari

DEFENSIVE LINE
None.

EDGE DEFENDERS
None.

LINEBACKERS
Eric Wilson

SECONDARY
CB Keisean Nixon, S Darnell Savage, S Jonathan Owens
Bubble: Nick Scott (S)

SPECIAL TEAMS
None.

CAP CLEARING POSSIBILITIES

• Extend QB Jordan Love, potentially lowering his current $12.7M cap hit for 2024. Love projects toward a 4 year, $180M extension in our system.
• Process a full base salary conversion on RB Aaron Jones, freeing up $7.9M of cap when factoring in 4 void years.
• Release OT David Bakhtiari, freeing up $20.2M of cap.
• Process a $5.1M roster bonus conversion on OL Elgton Jenkins, freeing up $4M of cap when factoring in 2 void years.
• Extend DT Kenny Clark, lowering his current $27.4M cap hit for 2024. Clark projects toward a 3 year, $51M extension in our system.
• Process a $5.4M roster bonus conversion on LB Preston Smith, freeing up $4.3M of cap when factoring in 2 void years.
• Process a $6.2M roster bonus conversion on EDGE Rashan Gary, freeing up $4.9M of cap when factoring in 1 void year.
• Process a full base salary + $2.9M roster bonus conversion on LB De'Vondre Campbell, freeing up $6.9M of cap when factoring in 2 void years.
• Process a full base salary + $8M roster bonus conversion on CB Jaire Alexander, freeing up $10.8M of cap when factoring in 2 void years.

RELATED LINKS

• Packers’ 2024 Salary Cap
• Packers’ 2024 Free Agents

Minnesota Vikings

All signs point to the Vikings running back pending free agent QB Kirk Cousins, and likely plenty more pieces to their puzzle for the 2024 campaign and beyond. A big extension for star WR Justin Jefferson must hit the books this winter, as should a sizable deal for LT Christian Darrisaw. Minnesota, who carries around $39M of Top 51 cap space, will need to pay big this offseason to stay relevant in the NFC North.

NOTABLE PENDING UFAS

QUARTERBACK
Kirk Cousins, Joshua Dobbs
Bubble: Nick Mullens

RUNNING BACK
None.

WIDE RECEIVERS
K.J. Osborn, Brandon Powell

TIGHT ENDS
Johnny Mundt

OFFENSIVE LINE
G Dalton Risner, T Oli Udoh, T David Quessenberry, G Austin Schlottmann
Bubble: Jedrick Wills

DEFENSIVE LINE
Jonathan Bullard
Bubble: Harrison Phillips

EDGE DEFENDERS
Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, Marcus Davenport
Bubble: Dean Lowry

LINEBACKERS
Jordan Hicks, Anthony Barr

SECONDARY
Bubble: S Harrison Smith, CB Byron Murphy

SPECIAL TEAMS
K Greg Joseph

CAP CLEARING POSSIBILITIES

• Extend QB Kirk Cousins, lowering his current $28.5M voided dead cap hit for 2024. Cousins projects toward  3 year, $120M extension in our system.
• Release QB Nick Mullens, freeing up $1.8M of cap.
• Process a full base salary conversion on RB Alexander Mattison, freeing up $1.74M of cap when factoring in 4 void years.
• Extend WR Justin Jefferson, lowering his current $19.7M cap hit for 2024. Jefferson projects toward a 4 year, $118M extension in our system.
• Process a full base salary conversion on TE T.J. Hockenson, freeing up $7M of cap when factoring in 1 void year.
• Process a full base salary conversion on TE Josh Oliver, freeing up $2.8M of cap when factoring in 4 void years.
• Process a full base salary conversion on OL Brian O'Neill, freeing up $10.6M of cap whe factoring in 2 void years.
• Release DT Harrison Phillips, freeing up $6.5M of cap
• Release DE Dean Lowry, freeing up $4.4M of cap.
• Extend OLB Danielle Hunter, lowering his current $14.9M voided dead cap hit. Hunter projects toward a 3 year, $60M extension in our system.
• Release S Harrison Smith, freeing up $11.3M of cap.
• Process a full base salary conversion on CB Byron Murphy, freeing up $5.7M of cap when factoring in 4 void years.

RELATED LINKS

• Vikings’ 2024 Salary Cap
• Vikings’ 2024 Free Agents