January 7 isn’t a well-known date on the NBA calendar, but it should be. Many know that on January 10, all NBA contracts become fully guaranteed. What isn’t as well-known is that in order for a team to not have a fully guaranteed deal land on their books for the rest of the season, they have to make a decision by January 7.

Teams must waive players on partial/non-guaranteed deals by January 7 in order for them to clear waivers before January 10. (The waiver period is 48 hours). Thus, while January 10 is the technical date that all contracts become fully guaranteed, January 7 is the functional deadline.

There are 34 players in limbo before the January 7 deadline. Here are the decisions NBA teams must make. (All salary amounts reflect the player’s fully guaranteed cap hit.)

Atlanta Hawks

No guarantee decisions

Boston Celtics

Dalano Banton - $2,019,706

Banton’s contract is already half-guaranteed at just over $1 million. Boston is also already sitting on an open roster spot. Banton isn’t going anywhere.

Luke Kornet - $2,413,304

Kornet is a regular rotation player, and a key backup at the center spot when Al Horford or Kristaps Porzingis need a night off. His deal will become fully guaranteed.

Svi Mykhailiuk - $2,019,706

Mykhailiuk has had an inconsistent role with the Celtics, but he’s been fairly productive when called up. He’s in the same boat as Banton with just over $1 million already guaranteed. He’ll stick around.

Lamar Stevens - $2,019,706

Stevens is in a similar spot as Banton and Mykhailiuk as veteran bench depth, minus the $1 million guarantee. His deal doesn’t have a fixed guarantee, but he’s not going anywhere either.

Brooklyn Nets

Harry Giles III - $2,019,706

Giles is one of the best feel-good stories in the NBA, as he’s made it back from several injury-plagued years. He hasn’t played a lot, but unless the Nets need a roster spot, Giles will see his deal become guaranteed.

Trendon Watford - $2,019,706

Watford’s deal is already guaranteed for $700,000. Until recently, he was also a regular rotation player. Given the Nets seem likely to do some frontcourt shuffling at the trade deadline, expect Watford to have his deal guaranteed, and to find his way back into the rotation.

Charlotte Hornets

Frank Ntilikina - $2,019,706

Ntilikina was given a $200,000 initial guarantee with the hope that he’d replace Dennis Smith Jr. in the Hornets backcourt. Unfortunately, a fractured leg has caused him to miss the entire season to date. This seems like a 50-50 decision for Charlotte, who could use some backcourt depth, but is going nowhere this season standings-wise. A lot may depend on what Ntilikina’s injury timeline looks like.

Ish Smith - $2,019,706

Smith has been an integral rotation player for Charlotte this season, in part due to the guy above being out and LaMelo Ball missing time. Smith will stick around. The real question? Will Smith get traded to a team he hasn’t played for yet, which would be a 14th team on his career ledger.

J.T Thor - $1,836,096

Thor is a regular rotation for Charlotte. He’s also still youngish at 23 years old. He’s not going anywhere.

Chicago Bulls

Terry Taylor - $2,019,706

Taylor has $700,000 of his deal already guaranteed, and the Bulls already have an open roster spot. He’s also playing a lot with Nikola Vucevic sidelined, albeit as the smallest small-ball five in the league at just 6-foot-5. Unless Chicago needs to clear some additional room under the tax, Taylor will stick around.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Sam Merrill - $1,997,238

Given Cleveland is just under the tax line (before the Ricky Rubio buyout is finalized), Merrill looked like he could be waived. But he’s playing real rotation minutes for the banged-up Cavaliers and he’s played well. He’ll stick.

Tristan Thompson - $2,019,706

Thompson has surprisingly become a key frontcourt backup for the Cavs. He’s also a respected locker room voice. Thompson will see his deal guaranteed.

Dallas Mavericks

Markieff Morris - $2,019,706

Morris has played more than was expected, due to injuries in the Mavs frontcourt. He’s someone Jason Kidd likes to use when the team needs to get a little nasty too. He’ll stick around and see his deal become fully guaranteed.

Denver Nuggets

No guarantee decisions

Detroit Pistons

Kevin Knox - $2,019,706

There was a point where it looked like Knox was a filler player, on almost a pseudo-10-day type of deal. Then he started playing rotation minutes, including a handful of starts. Knox will probably stick and could see his role further increased if Detroit moves some vets at the trade deadline.

Golden State Warriors

Gui Santos - $1,119,563

Santos was signed because Golden State had to fill their 14th roster spot. As a former Warriors draftee, they also get some luxury tax savings, because he hits the books at his actual salary vs the veteran minimum amount. That’s a long way to say Santos is safe.

Houston Rockets

Aaron Holiday - $2,019,706

Holiday has been the Rockets backup point guard this season. He’s also turned in a really underrated season for a better-than-expected team. He’s not going anywhere.

Boban Marjanovic - $2,019,706

Marjanovic is one of the best teammates and locker room presences in the NBA. Enough said. He’s safe.

Indiana Pacers

James Johnson - $1,416,116

Unless Indiana thinks they might need a roster spot, Johnson will stick around. They value his toughness and veteran presence on a somewhat young roster.

LA Clippers

No guarantee decisions

Los Angeles Lakers

No guarantee decisions

Memphis Grizzlies

Bismack Biyombo - $5,000,000

If Memphis was going to waive Biyombo, they would have done it when they had to make a cut to bring Ja Morant off the suspended list. Biyombo isn’t going anywhere, unless it’s as part of a trade package, which also feels unlikely.

Miami Heat

Orlando Robinson - $1,801,769

Robinson has another non-guaranteed season after this one, and he’s been an interesting developmental project. No team gets more out of those guys than Miami does. Robinson will stick around.

Dru Smith - $1,801,769

Smith would have been in the same boat as Robinson, but he’s out for the season after suffering a freak injury when he fell off the side of the elevated court in Cleveland. Miami could move on from Smith to create a second open roster spot, and to save a bit under the tax line. But don’t rule out Smith being re-signed over the summer, so the Heat can continue to work with him. The other option is he stays and continues to rehab with Miami ahead of next season’s non-guaranteed contract kicking in.

Milwaukee Bucks

No guarantee decisions

Minnesota Timberwolves

No guarantee decisions

New Orleans Pelicans

Jose Alvarado - $1,836,096

Last season we wrote that Alvarado was “arguably the biggest no-brainer on the list”. Nothing has changed. He’s not going anywhere. But… the Pelicans are going to get out of the tax somehow. Keep an eye on the team moving Kira Lewis Jr. by the trade deadline, unless a bigger trade develops.

New York Knicks

Ryan Arcidiacono - $2,019,706

We’re right back in the same place as a year ago: Arcidiacono is still a favorite of Tom Thibodeau, so he’ll stick around. But will the Knicks trade him again? That $2 million is a nice little bit of salary-matching if New York makes another big move.

Taj Gibson - $1,416,116

Gibson, another Thibodeau favorite, was brought in after Mitchell Robinson went down. He’ll stick around for center depth and veteran presence purposes.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Isaiah Joe - $1,997,238

Joe is on a steal of a contract as a regular rotation player. He’s also the Thunder’s best pure shooter. He’s not going anywhere.

Aaron Wiggins - $1,836,096

Wiggins is one of the most-used bench wings the Thunder have. He’s carved out a real role. He’ll see his deal become fully guaranteed.

Orlando Magic

Jonathan Isaac - $17,400,000

We’re here again. Isaac has played more this season, which is encouraging. But he’s still missed time and he’s currently injured yet again. However, the Magic aren’t going to waive him, only to eat $7.6 million. If nothing else, Isaac is a great piece of salary-matching in a trade at $17.4 million. If he’s still on the roster after the season, and hasn’t gotten and stayed healthy, then Orlando has a real decision to make on keeping him next season.

Philadelphia 76ers

No guarantee decisions

Phoenix Suns

Jordan Goodwin - $1,927,896

Goodwin’s deal is already half-guaranteed at nearly $1 million. He’s fallen out of the rotation recently, but he remains the lone true point guard on the Suns roster. Goodwin isn’t going anywhere.

Portland Trail Blazers

Moses Brown - $2,019,706

Brown is in a somewhat interesting spot. He’s already had $500,000 of his deal guaranteed. He’s also started several games while DeAndre Ayton has been out. But Ayton will eventually come back, and the Trail Blazers have interesting options in two-way centers Duop Reath and Ibou Badji. Call Brown a 50-50 decision.

Ishmail Wainright - $1,927,896

Wainright has missed a lot of time this season. Conceivably, he can add some defense on the wing. Given Portland doesn't have a lot of defenders, Wainright will probably stick around and the Blazers will see what they have him in the rest of the season.

Skylar Mays - $1,799,163

Mays was converted from his two-way deal when Portland had a bunch of ballhandlers down with injuries. The team is mostly healthy at that spot now, and they are overstocked when healthy. A lot of guaranteeing Mays comes down to what the Blazers think will happen with trades. If they clear out some of the logjam, Mays would be a valuable guy to keep. If that’s not happening, then Mays could be waived to open up a roster spot for an upside play at another position. Call him a 50-50 decision too.

Sacramento Kings

Juan Toscano-Anderson - $1,416,116

The Kings added Toscano-Anderson to fill an open roster spot when they had some players out on the wing. Since then, Sacramento has gotten healthy, but Toscano-Anderson has still occasionally played to provide energy and defense on the perimeter. He’ll probably stick around, unless the Kings think they might need that roster spot. One factor? Keon Ellis has been a rotation guy for a lot of the season, but he’s on a two-way deal. Eventually, he’ll run out of games and need to be converted. That could factor into Toscano-Anderson’s standing on the team.

San Antonio Spurs

No guarantee decisions

Toronto Raptors

No guarantee decisions

Utah Jazz

Luka Samanic - $2,066,585

Utah thinks enough of Samanic as a developmental guy that they already guaranteed him $600,000. There’s no real reason to cut him now. He’ll stick around and maybe more minutes will open, if the Jazz trade a frontcourt player or two.

Omer Yurtseven - $2,800,000

Yurtseven has $1.4 million already guaranteed in his deal. He’s in the same boat as Samanic as far as playing time goes, and Yurtseven has a second non-guaranteed season on the books for next season too. He won’t be going anywhere.

Washington Wizards

No guarantee decisions

The NFL announced Pro Bowl rosters for the 2023 season, including 9 49ers, 7 Cowboys, 7 Ravens, 6 Eagles, & 6 Dolphins. The list also consists of a few notable pending free agents in WR Mike Evans (TB), ILB Patrick Queen (BAL), RBs Derrick Henry (TEN) & D’Andre Swift (PHI), DTs Chris Jones (KC) & Justin Madubuike (BAL), EDGEs Josh Allen (JAX) & Danielle Hunter (MIN), & CB Jaylon Johnson (CHI).

Since the ratification of the 2020 CBA, NFL 1st Rounder 5th-Year option values have been tied to Pro Bowl selections, so now is the perfect time to dive into the 2021 class. We'll take a run down the entire first round, making note of the player's status in terms of 3-year playing time (see below), any (initial) Pro Bowl selections, & a loose estimate on their 2025 option salary value. All 5th-year options must be decided on by May 2nd, 2024. Per this latest CBA, the salary becomes fully guaranteed as soon as it's exercised.

• TIER 1: A player is selected to two or more Pro Bowls. The 5th-Year Option price is the same as the franchise tag salary at their position from the previous year.
• TIER 2: A player is selected to one Pro Bowl. The 5th-Year Option price is the same amount as the transition tag salary from the previous year.
• TIER 3: A player takes 75% of the team’s offensive or defensive snaps in 2 of their first 3 seasons, OR 50% of the snaps played in each of the 3 seasons, OR a 75% average over all three seasons. The 5th-Year Option price is the 5-year average of the 3rd-20th highest paid players at their position.
• TIER 4: A player does not meet any of the above criteria. The 5th-Year Option price is the 5-year average of the 3rd-25th highest paid players at their position.

We’re less than 50 days away from the February 20th date that opens up the franchise tag window for NFL teams, running through March 5th. Spotrac has identified a few players who may be trending toward a tag offer this winter, including projected price tags, calculated market values, & thoughts for each.

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PROJECTED 2024 FRANCHISE TAG VALUES

Spotrac’s 2024 NFL Offseason Series continues with a look at each of the four AFC East 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

Buffalo Bills

The Bills enter the 2024 offseason somewhere around $40M over the projected Top 51 salary cap threshold. Moreso, they carry (at least) 11 notable free agents heading toward March, including a number of impactful defensive players.

PENDING UFAS

QUARTERBACK
Kyle Allen

RUNNING BACK
Damien Harris, Ty Johnson, Latavius Murray
Bubble: Nyheim Hines

WIDE RECEIVERS
Gabriel Davis, Trent Sherfield
Bubble: Deonte Harty

OFFENSIVE LINE
David Edwards
Bubble: Connor McGovern, Mitch Morse

DEFENSIVE LINE
DaQuan Jones, Tim Settle, Jordan Phillips, Poona Ford, Linval Joseph

EDGE DEFENDERS
Leonard Floyd, Shaq Lawson, A.J. Epenesa
Bubble: Von Miller

LINEBACKERS
Tyrel Dodson, Tyler Matakevich

SECONDARY
Micah Hyde (S), Dane Jackson (CB), Taylor Rapp (S), Cam Lewis (CB)
Bubble: Tre'Davious White (CB), Siran Neal (CB), Damar Hamlin (S)

CAP CLEARING POSSIBILITIES

• Process a full base salary plus $6M roster bonus conversion on QB Josh Allen, freeing up $22.7M of cap
• Process a $5M roster bonus conversion on TE Dawson Knox, freeing up $4M of cap when factoring in 2 void years.
• Extend OT Dion Dawkins, lowering his $16.6M cap hit for 2024. Dawkins projects toward an $18M per year contract in our system.
• Process a full base salary plus $1M roster bonus conversion on OL Mitch Morse, freeing up $5.3M of cap space when factoring in 4 void years.
• Extend CB Taron Johnson, lowering his $12.4M hit for 2024. Johnson projects toward a $14M per year contract in our system.
• Extend CB Rasul Douglas, lowering his $9M cap hit for 2024. Douglas projects toward a $14M per year contract in our system.
• Release CB Tre'Davious White, freeing up $6.2M of cap
• Release CB Siran Neal, freeing up $2.8M of cap
• Release RB Nyheim Hines, freeing up $4.98M of cap
• Release WR Deonte Harty, freeing up $4.195M of cap
• Waive S Damar Hamlin, freeing up $1M of cap

Related Links

• Bills' 2024 Salary Cap Table
• Bills' 2024 Free Agents

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins enter the 2024 offseason somewhere around $40M over the projected Top 51 salary cap threshold. While Miami possesses a few notable free agents heading toward March, it seems likely that the bigger conversion will surround their potential extension candidates - notably Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, & Christian Wilkins.

PENDING UFAS

QUARTERBACK
Bubble: Mike White

RUNNING BACK
Salvon Ahmed
Bubble: Jeff Wilson

WIDE RECEIVERS
Cedrick Wilson, Braxton Berrios, Chase Claypool, River Cracraft, Robbie Anderson

TIGHT ENDS
Tyler Kroft

OFFENSIVE LINE
Connor Williams, Robert Hunt, Isaiah Wynn, Kendall Lamm

DEFENSIVE LINE
Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis, Da'shawn Hand

EDGE DEFENDERS
Andrew Van Ginkel
Bubble: Emmanuel Ogbah

LINEBACKERS
Calvin Munson

SECONDARY
Deshon Elliott, Eli Apple, Brandon Jones, Elijah Campbell

SPECIAL TEAMS
Jake Bailey (P)

CAP CLEARING POSSIBILITIES

• Extend QB Tua Tagovailoa, lowering his $23.1M cap hit for 2024. Tagovailoa projects north of $50M per year in our system.
• Process a full base salary conversion on WR Tyreek Hill, freeing up $14.7M of cap
• Process a full base salary conversion on OT Terron Armstead, freeing up $9.6M of cap
• Release DE Emmanuel Ogbah, freeing up $13.8M of cap
• Process a full base salary conversion on DT Zach Sieler, freeing up $5.6M of cap
• Process a full base salary conversion on LB Bradley Chubb, freeing up $14.9M of cap
• Release Jerome Baker, freeing up $9.9M of cap
• Process a full base salary plus $11M roster bonus conversion on CB Jalen Ramsey, freeing up $19.4M of cap

Related Links

• Dolphins' 2024 Salary Cap Table
• Dolphins' 2024 Free Agents

New England Patriots

It’s setting up to be quite the offseason in New England, with rumors swirling about the immediate status of HC/GM Bill Belichick, no viable QB1 currently on the roster, minimal offensive weapons to boast, both offensive tackles set for the open market, and a fairly good defense that will need internal investment to remain intact. The good news? The Pats should secure a Top 5 pick in the upcoming draft, and carry an estimated $72M of Top 51 cap space into the new year.

PENDING UFAS

QUARTERBACK
Bubble: Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe

RUNNING BACK
Ezekiel Elliott

WIDE RECEIVERS
Kendrick Bourne, Jalen Reagor

TIGHT ENDS
Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Pharaoh Brown

OFFENSIVE LINE
Trenton Brown, Mike Onwenu, Riley Reiff

DEFENSIVE LINE
Bubble: Davon Godchaux

EDGE DEFENDERS
Bubble: Deatrich Wise

SECONDARY
Kyle Dugger (S), Myles Bryant (CB), Jalen Mills (CB)
Bubble: Adrian Phillips (S), J.C. Jackson (CB)

SPECIAL TEAMS
Bubble: Chad Ryland (K)

CAP CLEARING POSSIBILITIES

• Trade QB Mac Jones, freeing up $2.7M of cap
• Release DT Davon Godchaux, freeing up $8.15M of cap
• Release DE Deatrich Wise, freeing up $5M of cap
• Process a full base salary conversion on LB Matt Judon, freeing up $4.2M of cap when factoring in 4 void years
• Release CB J.C. Jackson, freeing up $14.3M of cap
• Release S Adrian Phillips, freeing up $3M of cap
• Waive K Chad Ryland, freeing up $521k of cap

Related Links

• Patriots' 2024 Salary Cap Table
• Patriots' 2024 Free Agents

New York Jets

Let’s try this again. The Jets appear poised to run almost everything back in 2024, hoping for a little Aaron Rodgers magic to sprinkle its way around the franchise. New York doesn’t carry a large list of free agents into the offseason, but that doesn’t mean significant change isn’t coming to certain position groups. According to our data, the Jets hold an estimated $16M of Top 51 cap space in 2024.

PENDING UFAS

QUARTERBACK
Trevor Siemian
Bubble: Zach Wilson

WIDE RECEIVERS
Randall Cobb

TIGHT ENDS
Bubble: C.J. Uzomah, Tyler Conklin

OFFENSIVE LINE
Duane Brown, Connor McGovern, Mekhi Becton, Billy Turner
Bubble: Laken Tomlinson, Wes Schweitzer

DEFENSIVE LINE
Solomon Thomas, Al Woods, Quinton Jefferson

EDGE DEFENDERS
Carl Lawson, Bryce Huff

SECONDARY
Jordan Whitehead (S), Chuck Clark (S)

SPECIAL TEAMS
Greg Zuerlein (K), Thomas Morstead (P)

CAP CLEARING POSSIBILITIES

• Trade QB Zach Wilson, freeing up $5.4M of cap
• Process a full base salary conversion on WR Allen Lazard, freeing up $7.1M of cap when factoring in 2 void years
• Release TE C.J. Uzomah, freeing up $5.3M of cap
• Release TE Tyler Conklin, freeing up $4.8M of cap
• Release OL Laken Tomlinson, freeing up $8.1M of cap
• Release OL Wes Schweitzer, freeing up $1.1M of cap
• Process a full base salary conversion on DL Quinnen Williams, freeing up $10.6M of cap when factoring in 1 void year
• Process a full base salary conversion on DE John Franklin-Myers, freeing up $9.7M of cap when factoring in 1 void year
• Process a full base salary conversion on OLB Quincy Williams, freeing up $3.9M of cap when factoring in 3 void years
• Extend ILB C.J. Mosley to a new contract, lowering his $21.4M cap hit for 2024. Mosley is still performing at a $10M+ per year level.
• Extend CB D.J. Reed, to a new contract, lowering his $15.6M cap hit for 2024. Reed projects toward a $13M per year contract in our system.

Related Links

• Jets' 2024 Salary Cap Table
• Jets' 2024 Free Agents

During the week before Christmas, the NBA world descended upon Orlando. This time it was a more-welcomed trip, as opposed to arriving in the summer of 2020 to complete the season in the Walt Disney World bubble.

The NBA showed up in Orlando this time for the 2023 G League Showcase. The Westchester Knicks took home the Showcase Cup, but the main reason for the event was for NBA front office to mingle together. It’s considered the cousin to Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings, as a space where NBA trade talks take off in full. It’s not clear if being together at the Showcase sparked the New Year’s weekend trade between the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors, but it’s highly likely trade talks did take place in Orlando.

The other purpose of the event is for G League players to show out for NBA front office personnel. Many rostered players have stood out during the first part of the G League season. This includes players on standard contracts and players signed to two-way deals. But it’s the other guys, the free agents, who need the Showcase to earn an NBA callup.

These callups could occur via a 10-day contract. Teams are allowed to sign players to 10-day deals starting on January 5. The other option is further shuffling of two-way contracts.

As it stands, as of this writing, nine teams have an open standard roster spot:

• Boston Celtics
• Chicago Bulls
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Golden State Warriors
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Miami Heat
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• New Orleans Pelicans
• Toronto Raptors

In addition, the New York Knicks have an open Two-way spot. Other roster spots will open up as teams make trades (the trade deadline is February 8) or if teams waive players (the last day to waive players before contracts guarantee is January 7).

The following players have stood out, both in the early part of the G League season and at the Showcase event in Orlando. A handful were also players mentioned regularly by NBA scouts and front office executives as players who might garner a callup from the G League.

(Note: This list is presented in no particular order. It is not a ranking of any kind!)

All stats as of January 1, 2024 and provided by RealGM’s G League Database

Guards

Mac McClung – Osceola Magic, PG, 6’2’’, 25 years old

McClung has dominated as a scorer on the G League level. His quickness stands out, as minor league defenders have trouble staying in front of McClung. His efficiency is down a bit from deep, but McClung is taking 8.8 three-pointers per game and still hitting 37% of them. He’s also averaging 6.1 assists per game. If he were a bit bigger, McClung would be on an NBA roster already. As it stands, he should be very high on the list of guys teams look at who need a ballhandler/playmaker at the lead guard spot.

Jason Preston – Memphis Hustle, PG, 6’3’’, 24 years old

Preston is probably too good for the minors, sort of the equivalent to an MLB 4 A player. He may be the best pure playmaker in the league. He’s averaging 8.9 assists per game and consistently generates good looks for his teammates. The thing that holds Preston back is that he’s hitting just 27% from behind the arc. He’s still an interesting guy if a team needs an additional guard in the second half of the season.

Scotty Pippen Jr. – South Bay Lakers, PG, 6’1’’, 23 years old

Pippen has been one of the best scorers in the G League this season. He’s averaging 21 points per game on 51/39/84 shooting splits. He’s also snagging a couple of steals per game, and handing out six assists a night. Pippen can get a little wild with the ball, as his 3.6 turnovers per game will attest to. And his size works against him some. But Pippen is worth a look for a team that needs some juice in the backcourt.

Jalen Crutcher – Birmingham Squadron, PG, 6’1’’, 24 years old

Crutcher is a third-year G League player. His experience shows, as he’s done a nice job as a scorer and playmaker. Crutcher is averaging 19.7 points, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals. What’s really exciting is that Crutcher has shot 42.7% on 8.7 three-point attempts per game. That’s a third consecutive year over 40% from deep on increasing volume each season. If he was only a bit bigger, Crutcher would be on an NBA roster already.

Javonte Smart – Delaware Blue Coats, PG/SG, 6’4’’, 24 years old

Smart has been stuffing the stat sheet in the G League. He was recently waived from his two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, but that seemed more about the Sixers getting Kenneth Lofton Jr. than anything to do with Smart’s play. The third-year player has averaged 21.1 points, 5.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds. Smart has also put up 48/43/95 shooting splits, on an impressive 8.1 three-point attempts per game. That’s NBA-level stuff.

Brandon Goodwin – Westchester Knicks, PG, 6’0’’, 28 years old

Goodwin has four years of NBA experience, so he’s leading off the veteran section here. As Westchester rolled to the Showcase Cup championship, Goodwin led the way. He’s averaged 19.1 points and 8.6 assists this season. Even more impressive? Goodwin is grabbing 5.3 rebounds per game, despite being just 6-feet tall. But it’s that lack of size on the defensive end, plus a lack of a consistent shot, that has Goodwin on the fringes of the NBA. He’s also out of two-way eligibility. But Goodwin can help a team immediately on a 10-day. Perhaps more than most on this list.

Shaquille Harrison – South Bay Lakers, PG/SG, 6’4’’, 30 years old

Harrison has already logged some NBA time on a hardship callup with the Memphis Grizzlies this season. Teams keep calling Harrison, because he’s an NBA-level guy. He knows his role is to defend and keep the ball moving. If Harrison shot it a little better, he’d be signed to a standard contract. As it is, he’s probably the most “plug-and-play” option on this list for a callup.

Elfrid Payton – Indiana Mad Ants, PG, 6’3’’, 29 years old

Payton is one of the more recognizable names on this list, as a former lottery pick. The same issue remains for Payton as always: He’s not a consistent shooter. But he’s a proven NBA-level playmaker and he can hold up defensively against most point guards. Payton has averaged 10.6 points, 8.6 assists and 1.8 steals in the G League this season. If a team needs an experienced ballhandler, Payton could handle some NBA action immediately.

Wings

Ethan Thompson – Mexico City Capitanes, SG/SF, 6’5’’, 24 years old

Thompson has been one of the G League’s best scorers this season. He’s averaging 23.1 points on 45% shooting. Thompson has also hit 39% of his 7.2 three-point attempts per game. It looks like Thompson has been a more active and competitive defender than during his first couple of professional seasons too. And he’s getting on the glass more, with 5.6 rebounds per game. Thompson could be a candidate for a two-way deal, for a team looking for some organizational wing depth.

Quenton Jackson – Windy City Bulls, SG/SF, 6’5’’, 25 years old

Jackson saw some limited NBA run with the Washington Wizards last season. He’s parlayed that into a strong start in the G League this season. Jackson has averaged 15.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He’s a very competitive defender. Unfortunately, Jackson is hitting only 24% from behind the arc. If he were a more consistent shooter, Jackson would already be on an NBA roster.

Matthew Hurt – Memphis Hustle, SF/PF, 6’9’’, 23 years old

Hurt showed signs in his G League run a year ago, but has really broken out this season. He’s got good size for a wing, and he’s strong enough to guard up at the four. Hurt has been an improved finisher this season, as he’s averaging 13.2 points on 54% shooting. He’s also hit 39% of his 4.9 three-point attempts per game. The best thing? Hurt is one of the better help defenders in the G League, as he’s averaged 2.3 blocks per game.

Adonis Arms – Memphis Hustle, SF/SG, 6’6’’, 25 years old

As his name might suggest, Arms is a strong defender. He’s been one of the best defensive wings in the G League this season. He’s also flashed an improved shot, as he’s at 40% from behind the arc on 3.9 attempts per game. In addition, Arms is a stronger rebounder for a wing at 5.3 boards per game. He’s another candidate for a potential two-way contract for a team that needs a defensive-minded wing.

Maozinha Periera – Mexico City Capitanes, SF, 6’8’’, 23 years old

Periera is an under-the-radar guy, but he flashes when you catch Mexico City play. He’s a bouncy athlete who can really finish around the basket. He’s also an active rebounder at 10.3 boards per game. Most of his defense seems to be on instinct, but those instincts are good ones. Pereira averages 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He’s someone NBA teams should be looking to snag as a two-way project.

Darius Bazley – Delaware Blue Coats, SF/PF, 6’9’’, 23 years old

Bazley hasn’t been in the G League very long, but he’s already made a major impact. He’s averaging 21.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.0 blocks per game for Delaware. It’s clear that Bazley’s athleticism is NBA-level. He’s too quick and too strong for most G League players to defend. The challenge is that Bazley is still a shaky shooter, as witnessed by 27.6% on 6.4 three-pointers per game. If that improves, Bazley could be a late-bloomer (third draft?) callup for an NBA team.

Jaylen Nowell – Stockton Kings, SG, 6’4’’, 24 years old

Nowell is an NBA veteran. He’s also already played in the NBA this season, as he joined the Memphis Grizzlies on a hardship callup. Because of that, Nowell has played only five games in the G League. Those games have been enough to show he should be in the NBA. Nowell has scored with relative ease in the minors. The only thing holding him back remains an inconsistent jumper. Nowell fell from 39% from deep two seasons ago to 29% last season. And he hasn’t hit threes in the G League or NBA this year. If that corrects, Nowell will be back on an NBA roster for good.

Bigs

Trey Jemison – Birmingham Squadron, PF, 6’10’’, 24 years old

Jemison has the look of an NBA player. He’s big, quick, athletic and fairly smooth. He’s also a smart player who plays to his strengths and stays close to the basket. The scoring stats won’t jump out at you, but the G League is a guard’s league. Jemison is a solid enough finisher. Where he really shines is on defense. Jemison has grabbed 11.2 rebounds and blocked 1.8 shots per game. If a team needs an emergency big, Jemison should get a call. He’d be a sneaky addition a two-way project too.

Ruan Miranda – Mexico City Capitanes, PF/C, 6’9’’, 22 years old

Miranda is a capital “P” project, but he might be worth it. He’s extremely raw, but Miranda has the athletic tools. In just 15.5 minutes per game, he’s grabbing 4.8 rebounds and has been a terror on the offensive glass. The jumper is non-existent, but Miranda’s free throw form is alright. A big challenge will be teaching him how to use his athleticism without fouling. If a team has room for a two-way project, Miranda might be worth it.

Mouhamadou Gueye – Raptors 905, PF, 6’9’’, 25 years old

Gueye is a little older than some others on this list and his game is pretty old-school too. But he’s a player. This season, Gueye has flashed improved finishing around the basket. He’s up to 61% from the floor, which has led to 15.4 points per game. He’s also grabbing 7.4 rebounds. But what’s really stood out is Gueye is a natural shot blocker. The big man is at an impressive 2.9 rejections per game. He’s both good in straight-up defense and coming over from the weakside. Gueye might be ready to step in and help an NBA team with his energy and shot-blocking ability right away.

Chris Silva – College Park Skyhawks, PF, 6’8’’, 27 years old

Silva has been around the fringes of the NBA for years now. He’s undersized and a bit ground-bound to play on the interior in the NBA, and Silva can’t really step out and shoot it. But he’s incredibly strong and a solid screener, in a league where that’s a lost art. Silva is averaging 17.4 points on 61% shooting. He’s also grabbing 9.2 rebounds per game and handing out three assists. If an NBA team needs someone to come in and play a few frontcourt minutes per night on a 10-day deal, Silva is more than ready.

Jordan Bell – Indiana Mad Ants, PF, 6’7’’, 29 years old

The prospect shine is long-since gone from Bell, but he’s a better player now than during his NBA time. Bell has vacillated between starting and coming off the bench for the Mad Ants. In either role, he’s brought great energy to the floor. Bell is averaging only 11.1 points, but he’s mostly focused on defending, screening and moving the ball. Bell has pulled down 7.9 rebounds, blocked 2.6 shots and dished out 3.6 assists per game. He’s not two-way eligible, but Bell could help a team on a 10-day callup.

Non-G League Veterans to Watch

DeMarcus Cousins – Taiwan Beer Leopards, C, 6’11’’, 33 years old

Cousins signed on to play in Taiwan for a series of games. Following his initial contract, the team and Cousins will decide if he’ll sign a longer deal or not. If all goes well, Cousins could find his way back to the NBA. Last summer, in 19 games in Puerto Rico, Cousins averaged 19 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game. He still wants to play and could potentially help an NBA team as a backup center. The way back will come through proving he belongs in the league via a 10-day contract or two.

Austin Rivers – Free Agent, SG, 6’4’’, 31 years old

Rivers was good enough to appear in 52 games last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged 4.9 points and hit 35% of his three-pointers for the Wolves, but Rivers rarely played after the trade deadline. He recently worked out for teams in Orlando and many came away feeling he looked good physically. Keep an eye on Rivers getting a 10-day deal or two to prove he deserves another NBA contract.

John Wall – Free Agent, PG, 6’3’’, 33 years old

Wall was traded from the LA Clippers at least season’s trade deadline, and subsequently waived. About a month prior to that, Wall had lost his rotation spot for the Clippers. He also worked out for NBA teams in Orlando. Some were surprised at how quick Wall looked, with a handful remarking he looked physically good enough to play in the NBA. Like Cousins and Rivers, Wall’s path to the league is via taking a 10-day deal or two and proving he can still contribute.

On a sleepy pre-New Year’s Eve Saturday afternoon, the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks swung a massive NBA trade. This trade agreement makes six consecutive seasons the NBA has seen a trade happen within weeks of trade season unofficially opening on December 15.

Here are the particulars:

• New York Knicks acquire: OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, Malachi Flynn
• Toronto Raptors acquire: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 Detroit Pistons second-round pick

This is a somewhat rare trade between division rivals. This is especially true when both teams are currently pursuing postseason spots this season. And, if that wasn’t enough, both teams are embroiled in a lawsuit over a front office employee taking proprietary information with him when the left New York for Toronto this past summer.

However, none of that kept the two from coming together on what looks like a win-win trade. Let’s dive in!

New York Knicks

Incoming salary: $26.9 million in 2023-24

• OG Anunoby (SF, two years, $38.6 million, 2024-25 player option, $18.6 million in 2023-24)
• Precious Achiuwa (PF/C, one year, $4.4 million)
• Malachi Flynn (PG, one year, $3.9 million)

Outgoing salary: $28 million in 2023-24

• RJ Barrett (SG/SF, four years, $107 million, $23.9 million in 2023-24)
• Immanuel Quickley (PG, one year, $4.2 million)

The New York Knicks have not been a Tom Thibodeau style of defensive team over the last three seasons. After finishing third in the NBA in defensive rating in 2020-21, the Knicks have been 11th and 19th the last two seasons and currently sit a pedestrian 16th this season.

In addition, the Knicks have been an average or below-average three-point shooting team over the last few years.

Enter OG Anunoby.

Anunoby has been one of the NBA’s premier 3&D wings throughout his seven-year career. He’s consistently hit in the high-30% range on a healthy volume of attempts from deep. Defensively, he uses his 6-foot-7 frame to guard anyone 2-4. Anunoby is also quick enough to switch onto point guards, while being strong enough to switch onto centers.

The challenge is that Anunoby’s game has never leveled-up the way many hoped it would. When he signed his rookie extension, the hope was Anunoby would grow into more of an on-ball threat. That’s never really materialized.

Despite being a solid ball-mover, Anunoby isn’t a shot-creator. He’s dependent on others to get him good looks. That’s limited his upside as an offensive player.

On defense, Anunoby is a very good defensive player. However, as a wing, he’s not someone you can build your entire defense around. So, while he may continue to earn accolades for his individual defense, he’s not someone who can lift an average team defense from poor to good or good to great all by himself

In New York, Anunoby shouldn’t have to worry about doing any of those things on either end of the floor.

On offense, the Knicks have enough creators that Anunoby’s ability to consistently hit open threes will be welcomed. He’s a major upgrade over RJ Barrett in the phase of the game. Barrett is more likely to put the ball on the floor and to create something, but that’s less of a need when Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle are around.

On defense, Anunoby being a bit bigger than Barrett is helpful. He’ll be able to slide up a position to play the four when Randle needs to sit, which is something Barrett can’t do. Anunoby’s ability to lock down one perimeter player, will also help the Knicks in hiding Brunson, while letting everyone else stay home more.

Expect New York’s starting lineup to look like this now:

• Isaiah Hartenstein
• Julius Randle
• OG Anunoby
• Donte DiVincenzo
• Jalen Brunson

Behind that group, New York will have Josh Hart, Quentin Grimes, Precious Achiuwa and Taj Gibson.

It’s the second-unit where the Knicks downgraded. Malachi Flynn has played better this year, but he’s not a replacement for Immanuel Quickley. That’s a big loss for New York. One silver lining: This does clean up the guard/wing rotation quite a bit. The Knicks had been trying to fit six players into what were really two spots. Someone was always getting shorted minutes, and that’s no longer an issue.

Achiuwa will help with frontcourt depth. Thibodeau is likely use him exclusively as a backup center, as opposed to having him play the four, which Toronto dabbled in. Mitchell Robinson is out for the season, which has pressed veteran Gibson into service behind Hartenstein. Putting it kindly, Gibson’s best days are behind him. Achiuwa will bring energy and the ability to run the floor behind Hartenstein.

Looking beyond this year, this trade has the initial feel of cleaning up New York’s cap sheet. However, that’s taking way too simplistic of an approach.

Yes, the Knicks shed over $100 million in salary for Barrett. And New York doesn’t have to pay Quickley in restricted free agency this summer, where the rumor was he wanted at least $100 million of his own. But the Knicks will need to pay Anunoby, and that’s going to eat into their cap flexibility a good deal.

There are basically three options for Anunoby’s next contract. He could sign an extension right now, but he’s limited to coming in under the extend-and-trade parameters. That would mean declining his player option for next season and signing a two-year extension worth about $40.1 million. Under the extend-and-trade rules, Anunoby would be limited to a 5% raise off his current $18.6 million deal. That would be about $19.6 million for next season, followed by a second year in 2025-26 at $20.5 million.

That’s a little light for what Anunoby could expect to get in free agency or via a standard veteran extension.

If this trade is completed on December 30 (and it’s expected it will be), Anunoby will be eligible to sign a standard veteran extension on June 30, when his six-month extension restriction would lift. That extension would be worth as much as $116.9 million over four years. That would see Anunoby declining his player option for next year, but extending for the max of four years, with a 40% raise from his current salary and then 8% raises after that.

That’s an average annual value (AAV) of about $29.2 million. That AAV is far more in range of what Anunoby could be looking at on his next deal, compared to the $20 million AAV he could extend for right now.

But, there’s a complicating factor here. Anunoby could choose to not extend and to play things out to unrestricted free agency this summer. He’d be eligible for a projected first-year max of $42.6 million as a free agent. That’s either from the Knicks or another team. Because New York has his full Bird rights, should Anunoby opt out this summer, they can give him up to that $42.6 million, and could add a fifth year onto the deal.

Now, Anunoby probably isn’t a max player. But he’s close to one. And because his skillset as one of the best 3&D players in the league can fit anywhere, he’ll be a prime free agent target for any cap space team. There are teams that have enough cap space to make Anunoby a max or near-max offer. That could force the Knicks to pay a bit more than Anunoby could fetch via an extension on June 30.

Putting it all together, there is no way Anunoby extends now. He’d be leaving too much money on the table. By the time June 30 rolls around, he’ll know if he should extend with the Knicks for just shy of $30 million AAV, or if he’s got bigger offers waiting for him in free agency. Or if he can simply get more, or a fifth year, from New York as a free agent.

As for Achiuwa and Flynn, they are both eligible for restricted free agency this summer. The Knicks will likely take a wait-and-see approach with both players. Achiuwa could be someone New York will invest in as a restricted free agent. Hartenstein will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Mitchell Robinson will be returning from a season-ending injury. If Achiuwa plays well the rest of this season, it’s easy to envision a world where he sticks in New York.

Flynn will probably be allowed to leave, as the Knicks already have other guards. And they like Miles McBride, who they’ve developed over the last few years and is in a similar spot to Flynn as a restricted free agent point guard.

Jumping back to this year: don’t expect New York to be done tinkering with their roster. This trade saved them some money on this year’s books. The Knicks are about $5 million below the luxury tax line and about $10 million under the tax apron, at which they are hard capped. That should be enough wiggle room to make additional moves, should the opportunity arise.

New York still has Evan Fournier’s pseudo-expiring $18.8 million contract (there is a $19 million team option for Fournier for 2024-25) to dangle in trade talks. If New York decides they need to upgrade another spot (center perhaps?), they’ve got that contract and enough room under the tax and apron to make it happen.

Toronto Raptors

Incoming salary: $28 million in 2023-24

• RJ Barrett (SG/SF, four years, $107 million, $23.9 million in 2023-24)
• Immanuel Quickley (PG, one year, $4.2 million)

Outgoing salary: $26.9 million in 2023-24

• OG Anunoby (SF, two years, $38.6 million, 2024-25 player option, $18.6 million in 2023-24)
• Precious Achiuwa (PF/C, one year, $4.4 million)
• Malachi Flynn (PG, one year, $3.9 million)

This trade signals the start of a reset for the Raptors. No more clunky three-forward lineups. No more searching for a long-term answer at point guard. This trade made Toronto more balanced, and they might not be done making moves.

RJ Barrett is a more versatile offensive player than OG Anunoby. Barrett is a better off-the-dribble creator than Anunoby is, and he’s a better playmaker than his assist numbers show. If he’s given a chance to do a little more on-ball creating in Toronto, Barrett could shine.

Barrett isn’t nearly the shooter Anunoby is, and that’s tough for a Raptors team that all too often struggles to make jumpers. Outside of hitting 40% in his sophomore season, Barrett has been a below-average three-point shooter. This season he’s ticked up slightly, but the idea of him becoming a good shooter is a thing of the past.

Defensively, Barrett is a notch or two below Anunoby too. He’s smaller, so he’s not as fully switchable as Anunoby. He’s much more of a pure wing defender. But Barrett is a good defender and should fit in well alongside Toronto’s other wings and forwards.

Where the Raptors did well on the court in this trade was snagging Immanuel Quickley. After breaking out last season and nearly winning Sixth Man of the Year, Quickley has been even better this season. And that’s despite losing playing time and some shots in a crowded Knicks backcourt.

Essentially, Quickley is a player whose profile screams a need for a bigger role. He’ll get it in Toronto. Dennis Schroder has played well for the Raptors, but he’s best as a backup at this point in his career. (Coincidentally, Toronto had recently moved Schroder to the bench in the last week.)

Simply put: Quickley can be the Raptors long-term answer at the point guard position.

Quickley is a score-first player, but there are some playmaking chops there that didn’t get a chance to shine in New York. As a scorer, Quickley excels in using screens to create his own looks. He’s a good pullup shooter and he’s got one of the best floaters in the game.

Just as importantly, Quickley is a good off-ball player too. In New York, where the ball is controlled by Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle most of the time, Quickley has learned how to spot-up for jumpers. Or he attacks hard closeouts to get into the paint himself for his floater, or to find a teammate.

That will be important in Toronto too, as Scottie Barnes has become the Raptors main offensive engine. Pascal Siakam will continue to drive the offense a lot too, for however long he’s still there (more on that in a bit). And it’s fair to expect Toronto to let Barrett run the show for some possessions too.

But Quickley is going to get a chance to show what he can do. He’s a major upgrade over Schroder. And his presence should allow Schroder to go back to the bench role where he excels.

On defense, Quickley is competitive against opposing ballhandlers. No pun intended, but he uses his quickness to stay in front of them, and to challenge for steals. Like most smaller guards, Quickley can get overwhelmed inside against bigger players. Toronto should have enough size on the floor to counter that, however.

One bonus with Quickley: He’s a very good rebounder for his size. He’s terrific at snagging a defensive board and triggering transition offense by himself. Look for that to be something that Toronto emphasizes.

Long-term, Barrett is in the fold for next several seasons. He’s under contract through 2026-27 with no options. Provided Barrett proves he can fit with Barnes as a forward/wing pairing, the Raptors should be set for a while at that spot. If that pairing doesn’t work, Barrett’s contract isn’t so onerous that he couldn’t be moved as the Raptors continue to find players to maximize Barnes.

Quickley will be a restricted free agent this summer. He reportedly wanted an extension in the range of $25 million AAV, and $100 million overall. That’s fair, but not something the Knicks were likely to do. Locking up that kind of money for Quickley, when Brunson was already in the fold and entrenched as the starting point guard, would have been somewhat questionable for New York.

Toronto doesn’t have those worries. They can give Quickley that type of deal to bring them stability at the point guard position for the next several years. If bidding gets a little higher for Quickley as a restricted free agent, the Raptors can control the process by matching any offer sheet he signs.

As for the rest of this season, there are reports that Toronto will continue to look to trade Pascal Siakam. He’s a pending free agent, and both he and the Raptors had reportedly set a tentative deadline of December 30 to reach an agreement on an extension. If that comes to pass without a new deal, then Toronto could look to move Siakam before risking losing him for nothing this summer.

As of now, there is reportedly no traction on a trade for Siakam, but that could change quickly. Several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors have expressed interest in Siakam over the past two years. If Toronto chooses to move on from Siakam, they’ll have no problem finding a trade partner.

The key will be what kind of deal the Raptors make. Adding Barrett and Quickley in this trade signals the Raptors are resetting, not rebuilding. Expect a similar type of return for Siakam, in terms of players who can play now.

Assume Toronto will also explore the trade market for Gary Trent Jr., as he’s likely to return to a bench role after this deal. Trent, like Siakam, is set for unrestricted free agency this summer. He’s also extension-eligible, but nothing seems to be moving forward in that area.

Toronto also has over $14 million in expiring salary for Otto Porter Jr. and Thaddeus Young, which would go a long way towards matching contracts in trades. Both are players to keep an eye on ahead of the February 8 trade deadline. As it stands, Toronto is about $2 million under the luxury tax line now. That’s tight, but they should have enough room to make moves, if they want to take on a bit more money.

The Raptors also acquired what looks like it will be the best second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft in this trade, as they are getting the Detroit Pistons 2024 second-round pick via the Knicks. That pick projects to be the 31st pick, as the Pistons remain mired in a record-setting losing streak as of this writing. That’s a great value for pick for Toronto to have, whether they use it themselves or dangle it in trade talks.

Long-term, the Raptors took on over $100 million in this trade. That figure is likely to jump to over $200 million, once they re-sign Quickley. But the franchise now has a sense of stability with those two in the fold. If they extend Siakam and/or Trent, that stability only increases. If they trade either Siakam or Trent, they’ll have fully reset both the team on the floor and the cap sheet.

Mostly, Toronto now has a sense of optionality that didn’t exist prior to this trade. They can go in a lot of different directions, and it feels like Masai Ujiri might just be getting started in reshaping the Raptors.

A new year always brings plenty of new quarterback conversations for many of the 32 NFL franchises, and this upcoming offseason will be no exception.

We’ll step outside our analysis-only shoes for a moment, offering a bold prediction for each NFL team’s quarterback situation in the coming months, including potential extensions, trades, releases, salary conversions, & plenty more.

Arizona Cardinals

Perfect. Let’s begin with maybe the most complicated situation in the league. Kyler Murray’s limited action in 2023 after returning from a serious knee injury hasn’t exactly wowed anybody - but neither should the roster being put around him on a weekly basis.

Arizona can actually save $5.6M of cap space by trading Kyler Murray in early March, but that hardly seems like the biggest thing standing in the way of a potential move out of town. Is there another team willing to take on 4 years, $150M guaranteed (for practical purposes)?

The Cardinals sit with the #2 overall pick in next year’s draft at the time of this piece, putting them in prime position to select the next young QB of their future. If of course, they kind remove themselves from Murray & his contract.

Arizona trades back to #4 overall, selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. to pair with Kyler Murray for 2024 & beyond.

Atlanta Falcons

Young QB of the future Desmond Ridder was benched multiple times in favor of Taylor Heinicke, who completed less than 60% of his passes with a rating somewhere in the 80’s. It’s a bleak outlook for an otherwise fairly talented roster, begging for an expensive quick fix this March.

Ridder’s contract contains 2 years, $2.5M remaining - but none of it is guaranteed ($922,458 of savings to trade or release him early on next March). Heinicke has a $1.32M roster bonus due March 17th, but a release before that can open up $7M of cap space.

Atlanta acquires Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2024 2nd round pick, and a 2025 2nd round pick that can convey to a 1st based on production & playing time.

Baltimore Ravens

Finally a soft landing spot here. Lamar Jackson’s tumultuous offseason turned into $185M guaranteed, and a regular season MVP. His contract carries another 3 years, $128M of practical guarantee before things get interesting again, and his $32.4M cap hit for 2024 should be tenable for Baltimore.

The Ravens need to address the QB2/QB3 position this offseason, though a reunion with Tyler Huntley seems to make a lot of sense. 

Baltimore signs Tyler Huntley to a 2 year, $5M extension, including $3M guaranteed to remain as Lamar’s backup

Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen will be entering Year 4 of his 8 year contract in Buffalo, set to earn $30M cash against a $47M cap hit. The practical guarantees on his deal expire after 2025, but his future with the Bills has no end in sight.

The Bills need to address their QB2 again next March, as Kyle Allen was signed to a 1 year veteran minimum contract this past offseason.

Buffalo frees up $22.7M of cap space by converting most of Josh Allen's 2024 base salary + a $6M roster bonus into signing bonus.

Carolina Panthers

Year 1 for Bryce Young didn’t exactly go as planned - but then again, nothing did for Carolina in 2023. It’s a full reboot for the coaching staff, and a front office without a 1st round pick next May, keeping the immediate outlook bleak for now. Young is guaranteed $12.6M over the next 3 seasons.

Behind him (maybe), $2M of Andy Dalton’s 2024 salary is already fully guaranteed, making his $4M salary/$4.9M cap hit largely secure for the upcoming season.

Carolina pays handsomely for a new offensive-minded coaching staff and a weapon or two, attempting to Jacksonville Jaguars themselves back into the conversation next season.

Chicago Bears

The Bears hold the #1 & #8 picks in the upcoming draft at the time of this piece, putting them in an extremely powerful position - with a difficult decision to make at QB1.

Justin Fields has probably done just enough to keep himself tradable this offseason, though there certainly remains a lot to be desired still. The 24-year-old is fully guaranteed at $3.2M through 2024, and his 5th-year-option for 2025 needs to be decided on by next May.

Chicago trades Justin Fields at the start of the league year, setting themselves up to select the best available QB in next year’s draft

Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow’s injury didn’t torpedo the Bengals’ season as quickly as many expected - but he’s still far and away the number one option for this franchise indefinitely speaking. The next 4 years, $173.5M of his new contract are guaranteed for practical purposes, putting plenty of pressure on Cincy to keep the gas pedal down every offseason.

The Bengals leave Burrow’s $29.7M cap hit intact this March, tendering QB2 Jake Browning to his $915,000 salary for 2024.

Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson was turning a corner with this offense at the time of his season-ending shoulder injury, offering at least some hope that Cleveland will eke out a few morsels of value from the massive trade price & $230M cash sometime soon.

The real fascination here comes with fill-in Joe Flacco, who has already stated that he plans on continuing his career past 2023. Will he accept a new backup contract in Cleveland, or does he have eyes on a team that might offer him a better chance to start?

Cleveland doubles down on an already expensive QB situation, signing Joe Flacco to a 2 year, $12M extension ($7.5M guaranteed) to remain a viable fill-in for Deshaun Watson, who sees his base salary converted to signing bonus, freeing up $36M of cap space.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys entered 2023 needing an answer to “is Dak Prescott still our long-term QB1?”. He responded with one of his most efficient & productive seasons to date, carrying a near 105 rating through most of the campaign.

Prescott enters a contract year in 2024, set to earn $34M against a $59.5M cap hit. He mathematically projects to a 4 year, $200M extension, but Dallas probably needs to get closer to $60M per year to convince Dak to extend early (something he opted not to do the last time around).

Quickly, behind Dak, Cooper Rush holds a non-guaranteed $2.25M for 2024, but Trey Lance (remember him?) carries a fully guaranteed $5.3M salary next season. Is he poised to be Prescott’s backup, or will Dallas need to shuffle a few pieces in the coming months?

Dallas extends Dak Prescott to a 4 year, $240M contract extension ($190M guaranteed), including a record $75M signing bonus. The Cowboys trade Trey Lance to Denver for a late round pick swap.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos had life in the middle of the season, but Russell Wilson & the Denver offense sputtered down the stretch, forcing a benching of their high-priced QB. Now it’s a chess match entering 2024, as Wilson is fully guaranteed $39M for the upcoming season, but another $37M from 2025 will lock in on March 17th. Will Denver take on the $85M of dead cap associated with an outright release (split into $35.4M/$49.6M as a Post 6/1 move)? Is there a team out there willing to swap a draft pick to take on a portion of Wilson’s contract for 2 years?

$1M of Jarrett Stidham’s $6M salary for 2024 is already fully guaranteed, aligning him well to stick on this roster in some capacity next season (potentially as the Week 1 starter).

Unable to secure a trade partner, Denver designates Russell Wilson a Post June 1st release in early March, paying him $39M cash to go away. The Broncos also acquire Trey Lance from Dallas for a late round pick swap.

Detroit Lions

Los Angeles’ trash is Detroit’s future. Jared Goff hasn’t had the cleanest season (10 INTs, 6 fumbles), but he’s done more than enough to warrant more financial security from the Lions. Goff will be entering a contract year in 2024, set to earn $26.6M against a $31.6M cap hit.

The 29-year-old currently calculates to an extension in the $39M-$40M per year range, but a significant postseason run can certainly flex those numbers quite a bit.

The Lions extend Jared Goff to a 4 year, $180M contract ($135M guaranteed), including $50M cash in 2024.

Green Bay Packers

Jordan Love should finish off his first full season as a starter somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of overall production & efficiency. There have been a few moments of good wow, and a few moments of bad wow along the way, setting up an interesting decision for Green Bay this offseason.

Have they seen enough to really put a stamp on this situation, extending the 25-year-old out a few years to secure him, or will they roll the dice on an expiring contract in 2024 (currently projected to carry a $9M cap/cash hit)?

The Packers keep Love on his current contract, hoping for a little more clarity before they pull the trigger on $150M+ guaranteed.

Houston Texans

Houston hit the lottery with C.J. Stroud, though his late-season concussion is certainly something to monitor as his career progresses. He’s fully guaranteed for the next 3 years, $12.1M plus a possible 5th-year-option in 2027.

There’s at least a bit of a discussion behind Stroud, as Davis Mills (non-guaranteed 1 year $1.3M) was passed over for 35-year-old Case Keenum, who already has $1M of his $3M salary in 2024 fully guaranteed right now.

The Texans release Davis Mills, making C.J. Stroud and Case Keenum their 2024 1-2 punch.

Indianapolis Colts

A healthy Anthony Richardson should still be locked into the QB1 role going forward. The 21-year-old has 3 years, $11.5M fully guaranteed ahead of him, plus a potential 5th-year-option for 2027.

The real conversation here starts with Gardner Minshew, who filled it more than admirably when Richardson’s season came crashing down due to injury. This isn’t the first time that Minshew has shown flashes of real starter potential - but will a team take a chance financially on him this winter?

Unable to secure a true QB1 contract/landing spot, Gardner Minshew agrees to a 2 year, $15M contract, $9M guaranteed, to remain a viable starting option for Indy going forward.

Jacksonville Jaguars

This was supposed to be the year that Trevor Lawrence broke out into the Top 5 QB he was drafted to be. It hasn’t exactly gone to plan, but this is still far from a “sky is falling” scenario. It might however impede Lawrence from getting his big time extension this winter - maybe.

Lawrence is a $49M player in our system, mathematically speaking, and the Jags may want to cash in on a situation where his value is a bit lower than expected, if both sides can agree to something like that.

The Jaguars exercise Trevor Lawrence’s 5th-year-option this offseason, but allow him to play out his $5.6M salary in 2024 before making a more long-term commitment.

Kansas City Chiefs

A restructured contract for Patrick Mahomes has him pretty outstandingly secured ($204M) for the next 4 seasons, rightfully so. Mahomes carries a $57.3M cap hit in 2024, so there’s some work to do in that regard.

Behind him, Blaine Gabbert is finishing off a 1 year, veteran minimum contract. It stands to reason that the 34-year-old will be back on similar terms.

The Chiefs convert all of Patrick Mahomes’ $34.9M roster bonus into signing bonus, clearing $27.9M of cap space for 2024

Las Vegas Raiders

2023 Week 1 starter Jimmy Garoppolo hasn’t seen action since Halloween, as the Raiders saw enough from the 32-year-old to decide his future early on. $11.25M of Jimmy G’s 2024 compensation is already fully guaranteed, while another $11.25M is injury guaranteed right now.

2023 4th round pick Aidan O'Connell hasn’t exactly hit the ground running as the step-in starter, but with a non-guaranteed 3 year, $3M contract on the books from here out, he’s a no-brainer to stick around and continue to compete for the starting role.

Incredibly, $2M of Brian Hoyer’s 2024 compensation is fully guaranteed. Assuming he doesn’t retire, Hoyer figures to be an overpaid QB3 next year.

The Raiders pay Jimmy Garoppolo his $11.25M parting gift, taking on a $28.3M dead cap hit ($15.5M in 2024, $12.8M in 2025 if designated Post 6/1) to outright release him next March. Aidan O’Connell gets the keys again in 2024.

Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert’s new deal carries $228.6M more practically guaranteed through the 2028 season, so there’s no need to discuss his standing just yet - even if the walls around him may be completely excavated this winter.

Easton Stick’s tenure as a pinch hitter probably came crashing to an end this season. The new regime in LA will be in search of a more capable QB2.

Herbert’s $19.3M cap hit for 2024 is more than doable, so his contract stays untouched this winter. The Chargers sign Davis Mills to a 1 year, $2M contract to back him up.

Los Angeles Rams

Don’t look now, but Matthew Stafford is going to finish 2023 in the Top 10 of many passing stats, and with a Top 5 QB grade according to PFF. All $31M of his 2024 compensation is fully guaranteed right now, and $10M of his 2025 salary locks in on March 15th.

Behind him, it’s hard to imagine Stetson Bennett can be relied on as a true QB2 going forward, and Carson Wentz’s prorated minimum contract expires at the end of 2023. There’s work to be done here.

The Rams convert $29M of Stafford’s 2024 salary into a signing bonus, freeing up $23M of cap space. LA signs Jameis Winston to a 1 year, $4M contract to back him up.

Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa will be entering a fully guaranteed 5th-year-option season, set to earn $23.1M in 2024. He’s answered almost every question being asked of him before the start of the campaign.

QB2 Mike White holds a non-guaranteed $3.5M salary in 2024, while youngster Skylar Thompson carries a non-guaranteed 2 year, $2M contract.

The Dolphins make Tua the highest average paid QB in NFL history, signing him to a 5 year, $280M extension through 2029. However, his injury history limits the new, practical guarantees on the deal to just $175M. Mike White is a cap casualty this March.

Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins limps into free agency as the most experienced, productive QB set to become available. The 35-year-old carries a $40M valuation into the offseason, likely seeking his 4th consecutive fully guaranteed contract.

Minnesota never lets Cousins hit the open market, agreeing to a 2 year, $80M, fully guaranteed contract extension with their QB1. And under-contract Nick Mullens remains as the QB2.

New England Patriots

Will the Patriots find a trade partner for Mac Jones this winter? Will they pay him his fully guaranteed $2.78M salary as a buyout? Or will they keep him in the fold to compete as needed? Current QB1 Bailey Zappe sits on a non-guaranteed $985,000 minimum salary next season.

The Patriots trade Mac Jones to the 49ers for a 2024 7th round pick swap, paving the way for a newly drafted QB to take the reins immediately in New England.

New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr is fully guaranteed through 2024 at $30M, and $10M of his 2025 compensation becomes fully guaranteed next March. It’s an overpay for a middle of the road QB1, but it’s impossible to imagine the Saints front office blowing up their already crunched cap table to do anything about it this offseason.

Carr’s $30M salary is converted to signing bonus, freeing up $23M of cap space for New Orleans. Taysom Hill operates as the QB2 in 2024.

New York Giants

All $35.5M of Daniel Jones’ 2024 salary is fully guaranteed, putting him in line to regain the starting role if he returns to full health in time. However, $23M of his 2025 salary is guaranteed for injury - so the Giants need to tread lightly with a player that they likely don’t want to pay past 2024. 

The Giants swing a draft trade with Arizona to move up and select their next franchise QB, who takes over the starting role in NY sometime around Week 7.

New York Jets

A totally and completely healthy Aaron Rodgers will regain QB1 duties next Spring with a fully guaranteed $38.1M on the books for him in 2024. The remaining $37.5M from 2025 contains no early vesting guarantee.

Can the Jets secure a trade partner for Zach Wilson? Will they keep him around as Rodgers’ QB2? Or will they pay his fully guaranteed $5.4M salary as part of a release/buyout?

The Jets trade Zach Wilson to the Washington Commanders with a 5th round pick for Sam Howell, who steps in as Rodgers’ new QB2.

Philadelphia Eagles

It’s been a bit of a roller coaster for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense this year, but contractually the 25-year-old's standing is rock solid ($184M practically guaranteed through 2027, $40M cash in 2024). Hurts’ $13.5M cap hit next year needs no attention.

The Eagles re-sign Marcus Mariota to a 1 year, $2.5M contract

Pittsburgh Steelers

Kenny Pickett carries a fully guaranteed 2 years, $4.6M, and should regain his starting gig next Spring. 2024 will be a pivotal year for the future of Pickett in Pitt. Mitchell Trubisky holds a non-guaranteed 2 years, $11.25M (incredibly).

The Steelers release Trubisky before his $1M roster bonus is due next March, re-signing Mason Rudolph to a 1 year, $2.5M contract to backup Pickett.

San Francisco 49ers

While the MVP conversation has quickly cooled, Brock Purdy will remain one of the best values in the NFL next year, set to earn a league minimum $985,000. His contract cannot be extended until after the 2024 campaign. Both Sam Darnold & Brandon Allen are on expiring contracts right now.

The Niners acquire Mac Jones from the Patriots in exchange for a 2024 7th round pick swap.

Seattle Seahawks

Geno Smith’s 3 year, $75M contract was structured to give Seattle a clear out after 2023 if they needed it. While nothing is certain as of yet, it seems more and more likely that Smith will remain on this contract through the 2024 season, where he’s set to earn $22.5M cash against a $31.2M cap hit. Very capable QB2 Drew Lock is scheduled for unrestricted free agency next March.

The Seahawks keep Smith, converting his $9.6M roster bonus into signing bonus, freeing up $7.6M of cap space next season. Seattle re-signs Drew Lock to a 1 year, $5M contract to remain the QB2.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield should finish out the 2023 season with around $6.6M under his belt - pretty impressive value for a Tampa Bay team that was rolling the dice on the former #1 overall pick. Will this marriage continue?

The Buccaneers extend Baker Mayfield to a 4 year $164M contract, including $84M fully guaranteed. Tampa signs Sam Darnold to a 1 year, $2M contract to solidify the room.

Tennessee Titans

The Will Levis era hasn’t exactly kicked off with a bang, but there have been moments of positivity. Head Coach Mike Vrabel likely doesn’t have time to slow play a full rebuild, so this offseason should be about finding immediate upgrades.

The Titans sign Russell Wilson to a 1 year, $2.5M contract plus $7.5M in incentives (with Denver paying him the balance of his $39M owed), offering him an opportunity to take over Tennessee’s offense in 2024.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders should find themselves in a prime spot to draft their next franchise QB, (currently slated to select #3 overall). 2023 QB1 Sam Howell holds a non-guaranteed 2 years, $2M, while veteran Jacoby Brissett is slated for free agency next March.

Washington acquires Zach Wilson and a 5th round pick from the Jets, sending back Sam Howell. The Commanders then select their next franchise QB at the top of the draft, giving him the keys to the car immediately.

The Detroit Pistons made the kind of history on Tuesday night that no one wants to make. The Pistons lost their 27th consecutive single-season game. Next up is the overall record of 28 straight losses, which was set by the “Process” Philadelphia 76ers over two seasons.

Things in Detroit are a mess. And that’s being kind.

The Pistons haven’t sniffed a .500 season since 2018-19. They haven’t had a winning record since 2015-16.

This once-proud franchise hasn’t won a single playoff game since Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals.

Only a couple of four-game sweeps as the eighth seed in a woeful Eastern Conference separate the Pistons from a Sacramento Kings-like run of futility.

So…what needs to happen to fix this?

Detroit’s governor Tom Gores scoffed at the idea that he should sell the team. Under his stewardship, the Pistons have posted a .348 winning percentage. He can tout his and his team’s philanthropic work in the community all he wants, but no Detroit fan is really going to care. All NBA teams do great work in the community. What fans really want is an owner who will hire the right people and write checks that lead to winning.

Assuming Gores is going nowhere, we’ll have to work within the construct that he’s running things. In a recent interview, Gores said he’s deeply involved in trying to help the Pistons snap the losing streak, both this season and overall. The Detroit owner said conversations are happening at such a granular level that he’s talking rotations with Monty Williams.

So, that’s kind of where we’ll start: honest conversations.

Troy Weaver

Troy Weaver took over the Pistons front office in June of 2020. His immediate deals made it clear that Weaver was resetting the franchise in a major way.

While we all laughed at Weaver’s apparent proclivity for acquiring centers, the Pistons were on a path. Detroit’s new general manager was acquiring assets by shipping out players and renting out cap space to take on undesirable salary. Weaver also landed a good free agent signing in Jerami Grant. That seemed contradictory to the teardown process, but he got Grant on a solid value contract. Grant’s deal was immediately deemed tradable, and he eventually was.

Sadly, that was probably the high point of Weaver’s run to date.

The losing continued, which was to be somewhat expected. It’s the rate it’s continued at, with an ever-increasing feeling of hopelessness that wasn’t expected.

That means it’s time for Tom Gores to have an honest conversation with and about Weaver. If there is any doubt that Weaver is the one who should lead this team beyond this season, it’s imperative that Gores fire him now.

The number one enemy of a stable franchise is a bad owner. Right behind that is the hot seat GM.

If Gores isn’t 100% sold that Weaver is the guy to handle an offseason where the Pistons project to have close to $40 million in cap space, then he needs to pull the plug right now. Letting Weaver handle a trade deadline, where he’s fighting for his job, could result in a series of deals and non-deals that set the Pistons even further back then they are now.

Isn’t that a scary thought?

This space will rarely campaign for anyone to lose a job, outside of abhorrent non-basketball behavior. But this space is also realistic enough to know that sometimes it’s just time for change.

Weaver has had three-and-a-half seasons. The Pistons have a .233 winning percentage during that time. They win roughly once every four games. The initial losing was a byproduct of starting over. But it’s only gotten worse.

Weaver has continued to rent out cap space, but he’s never acquired that great package of assets to do so. His free agent signings have been somewhere between irrelevant and bad since inking Grant. The draft has been his sole “success” and that’s still a very open question.

Gores needs to hear Weaver’s plan for today, tomorrow and the next several years. If there is a single part of that plan that doesn’t feel right, it’s time to move on.

Monty Williams

Tom Gores, and whoever is running the front office, next need to have an honest conversation with and about Monty Williams. And the “whoever is running the front office” part is of paramount importance here. If Gores isn’t going to involve the front office in picking a coach, then this entire exercise is futile. Nothing will change if there isn’t synergy at the top of the organization.

Gores is a business man at heart. All business men know you can’t continue to throw good money after bad. Sometimes you have to take your losses and move on.

That’s where it seems like the Pistons might be with Williams.

Yes, Williams is only 30 games into a reported six-year deal that is worth at least $80 million. But he’s lost 28 of those games, including 27 in a row (and counting).

It should have been a red flag/blaring alarm/flashing warning signal when Detroit had to keep going back to Williams to take the job in the first place. Not taking no for an answer is a tenet of business, but knowing when to walk away is just as important.

Now, Detroit is locked into a six-year deal for a ton of money with a coach who doesn’t fit. Some days, Williams seems to want to be anywhere else. Other days, he’s engaged, but is prioritizing all the wrong things.

Is it going to be easy to eat one of the richest coaching contracts in NBA history? Nope. Might it be necessary? Yup.

If Gores can’t have honest conversations with and about his GM and coach, and then make the changes necessary, Pistons fans might as well pick a new team. Nothing is going to change.

The Veterans

Now we get into the on-court stuff. The Pistons have some veteran players that should be desirable trade pieces as we approach the trade deadline. Detroit should be able to get some assets back for these players.

Sound familiar?

It should, because it’s the exact same conversation we had last year. And it’s about some of the exact same players too.

The Pistons didn’t trade Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks last season. A year later, the same conversation about the same players can’t have the same result.

Maybe no one met Detroit’s asking price for either guy last year. Maybe Troy Weaver wanted too much. Maybe it was just that the Pistons really thought they’d be better this year and that those guys would aid in a postseason push.

That’s all fair. We aren’t going to beat them up too much for last year’s decisions. This year, however, it has to be different.

Bogdanovic missed some time with injuries, and he’s not much of a defender anymore, but he’s still a terrific scorer and shooter. His contract is also very movable at $20 million for this season, and only $2 million of his $19 million deal guaranteed next season.

Burks is a different story. He’s having a miserable season. Detroit might have missed their best opportunity to sell high on Burks a year ago.

Detroit should be able to get a protected first-round pick for Bogdanovic. Burks is probably only fetching a second-round pick, and that’s only if a team is convinced that he can get back to being a good shooter.

How the Pistons could improve their return is by putting the two together and taking back some undesirable long-term salary. Would that eat into their cap space this summer? Yes. Does that matter? Not really. Detroit isn’t positioned to be a real free agency player, and this free agent class isn’t that good anyway.

The Pistons should also be looking to see if there is any trade interest in Monte Morris (who has yet to play this season due to a quad injury), Joe Harris and Marvin Bagley III. Playoff teams are always looking for bench help and Morris and Harris both have postseason experience. Both are also on expiring contracts. Bagley has another year left, so he’s probably going to be harder to move. It’s still worth exploring though.

The return for any of Morris, Harris and Bagley won’t be great. Maybe a second-round pick (or two for Morris) is what the Pistons can hope for. Again, if Detroit puts them together and takes on some questionable long-term salary in a trade, the return should go up.

The Kids

For a team in the spot the Pistons are in, we’d usually point to their young players as reason for optimism. For example, the San Antonio Spurs are also terrible, but at least they have Victor Wembanyama and a host of other interesting young players.

For Detroit, that’s much more of a mixed bag.

Cade Cunningham is still a very good prospect. He’s may not hit the heights once hoped for as the first overall pick, but Cunningham is only 22 and he’s showing real signs this year of his all-around ability. Cunningham is still worth building around.

Jalen Duren is the next best prospect on the team. Despite battling injuries this season, Duren looks like a nightly double-double threat who can also protect the rim. He’s a worthy running mate for Cunningham.

Ausar Thompson is also a definite keeper. It’s all semi-unharnessed chaotic energy right now, but there’s a real player in there. Thompson’s skillset already looks like someone who might be the NBA’s most versatile defender someday. And if the shot comes around…

After those three, there are questions. Marcus Sasser shows the most potential. At the very least, he looks like he can be a high-end backup point guard. He’s a keeper.

Isaiah Stewart is fine. On a good team, he’d be an ideal third big. Stewart plays with great energy and his outside shot looks real. But he’s about to be at least slightly overpaid on his rookie scale extension. That puts his true value in a weird place. Detroit should keep him unless they get a good offer, but that’s probably a down-the-line thing.

For Killian Hayes (despite Monty Williams obsession with starting him), James Wiseman and Isaiah Livers, the shine is off them as prospects. Hayes has improved from a terrible shooter to a simply bad one. That’s not good enough. Wiseman remains a complete mystery box. He looks like a keeper one game; then like he’ll be on the fringes of the NBA for the next five games. And, after a promising rookie season, Livers has gotten worse for two consecutive seasons. None are going to be a part of the future in Detroit.

Last, but not least, is Jaden Ivey. He’s truly the hardest player to evaluate of the young Pistons. Ivey had a pretty good rookie season. He wasn’t very efficient, but Ivey could create his own shot, and he was a better playmaker for others than anticipated. This season, Ivey’s role has fluctuated and he’s been kind of a mess. The guess here is that Ivey is closer to the rookie version than what we’ve seen this season.

So, there are five keepers among the kids on the roster. That’s actually pretty solid. It’s also fine to keep Stewart as the rest of the roster sorts out. The rest can be added into trades or deprioritized as the rest of the season plays out.

The Rotation

This is where the Pistons can make the most immediate impact. It won’t translate in wins this year, but that hardly matters anymore. The idea is to build for the future.

One of Tom Gores immediate conversations with Troy Weaver and Monty Williams should be about the goals for the rest of this season. Those should be:

• Maximizing spacing around Cade Cunningham, as best as possible, to see what he can really be. By April, the Pistons should know if Cunningham is a true number one in progress, or a very good complementary player.
• Letting Ausar Thompson have some on-ball reps every game. It might be really messy. Actually, it will be really messy. But that’s fine. This is all about him learning.
• Challenging Jalen Duren with different defensive responsibilities. Play him in drop coverages. Play him at the level of the ball. Switch with him and see what happens. He’ll get burned some, but the idea is to know what works with him as a defensive anchor and what doesn’t.
• Getting Jaden Ivey more minutes and touches. Play him with Cunningham as a secondary creator. Play him as the lead playmaker for stints. Find out if Ivey is the guy he looked like as a rookie, or if he’s a nice, but replaceable rotation player.
• In order to do this, Gores or Weaver, or both, have to take some of the tools out of Williams’ tool bag.

Remember the “Can’t play Pena” scene from Moneyball? Brad Pitt’s version of Billy Beane tells Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Art Howe that he can no longer play Carlos Pena over Scott Hatteberg, because Beane has traded Pena.

If Williams won’t stop giving rotation minutes, let alone starts, to guys like Killian Hayes and Marvin Bagley, then it’s probably time to get them off the roster. Those are wasted opportunities to evaluate players who will be a part of the Pistons future.

Beyond that, it’s time to stop giving minutes to guys like James Wiseman, Isaiah Livers, Kevin Knox and Joe Harris. Again, none are going to be a part of the next good Pistons team. Stop wasting minutes and opportunities.

The team should focus on the core guys and the guys who maximize them, while they are still in Detroit. Here’s a proposal for the Pistons rotation for the rest of the season:

Starters

• Cade Cunningham
• Jaden Ivey
• Ausar Thompson
• Bojan Bogdanovic
• Jalen Duren

Bench

• Marcus Sasser
• Alec Burks
• Isaiah Stewart
• Marvin Bagley III or James Wiseman (but for no more than 10-12 minutes per game)
• Veteran X (game-by-game need)

That’s it. If you want to mix in Joe Harris over Alec Burks, no real complaint here. If you want to see if Isaiah Livers can figure it out with more opportunity, fine. If you want to bring Stanley Umude up from his two-way deal and give him 15 minutes per game, that’s probably even better. Burks is more of a placeholder at this point, than he is a building block.

As for everyone else, they are trade fodder or they sit until their contract runs out. Or, if desired, they can attempt to work a buyout. In that case, Detroit can cycle through their two-way players and G League callups to see if someone pops as a potential long-term roster piece.

That rotation gives the Pistons a good mix of guards, wings and bigs. There’s still not enough shooting, but that’s a handicap of the current roster. The idea is to put the best players around Cunningham to open games, while also making sure the young building blocks see as many minutes as they can handle.

The Offseason

The Pistons can create around $40 million in cap space for the 2024 offseason. That figure could climb even higher, pending what moves are made at the trade deadline and in advance of free agency.

We already outlined what the trade deadline strategy should be for Detroit. We’d move on from as many of the vets as possible, while taking on some money to plus-up returns where possible.

Whether that happens by February 8’s trade deadline or not is almost irrelevant. The strategy should remain the same, no matter what. Detroit isn’t going to be in the mix for the best free agents, assuming any of them even hit the market. It won’t benefit the Pistons to go all-in on a secondary or tertiary free agent option.

That isn’t to suggest the Pistons can have only kids on the roster. Some veteran presence is necessary. But that can be found as free agency winds down and money dries up. Detroit could overpay a veteran or two, or even three, on deals that run for only one or two years.

Players that could fit this mold are Gary Harris, Tauren Prince, Doug McDermott or maybe even Gordon Hayward. For some frontcourt depth, the Pistons could target undervalued players like Moritz Wagner, Drew Eubanks, Mike Muscala or Vlatko Cancar.

None of those players would be headline signings, but all would fit what the Pistons need, while not detracting from any of the kids. All can, at least, shoot or defend. All are professionals who can help the younger players, without stepping on them. And all are attainable, without having to grossly overpay.

Ideally, Detroit will use their cap space by taking on some salary in trades. The key? They need to come away with real assets this time. No more renting out cap space for middling returns. Get valuable draft picks and/or young players. If they can’t, then focus on signing undervalued free agents that can fill roles.

Summary

There is no point in continuing to bail out a boat that has already sunk to the bottom. The only recourse is to get a new boat. Salvage what you can and start your journey anew.

That’s the goal for the Detroit Pistons. There are no quick fixes here. This team might end up being one of the worst in NBA history. So be it. It is what it is.

The goal is to move forward. There are kids who can be a part of the next good Pistons team. There are tradable vets who can return real assets. Managing the cap flexibility is key. Whether it’s smart free agent signings or taking on salary for help returns, the front office has to get that right.

If Troy Weaver and Monty Williams can’t get behind the plan laid out above, then Tom Gores needs to swallow hard and wish them well in their future endeavors. And if Gores isn’t willing to make the hard decisions to get the team headed in a new direction, then those “Sell the team!” chants are only going to get louder and even more persistent.

The first edition of our 2024 NFL Roster Bubble report features a few current starting quarterbacks, a laundry list of wideouts, and a few blockbuster names on the defensive side of the ball. We've organized this list by position, making note of each player's upcoming 2024 salary cap hit, and thoughts/financial ramification should their respective team move on.

Did we miss someone? Send suggestions to @spotrac.

Related Links:

• Spotrac's Roster GM Tool
• 2024 NFL Team Caps
• 2024 NFL Free Agents

The Cleveland Cavaliers got dealt a double dose of bad news on Friday afternoon. First, it came out that Darius Garland is set to miss several weeks due to a fractured jaw. Garland was injured in a collision with Kristaps Porzingis early in the second half of the Cavaliers loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday. It was subsequently reported that Garland would likely miss a month.

Roughly an hour later it was reported that Evan Mobley would miss six-to-eight weeks due to arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Mobley has already missed the Cavs last four games due to the knee injury.

It’s tough to lose a single starter to injury. Losing two of them in the span of an hour is even harder to swallow. And when those starters are an All-Star (Garland) and an All-Defensive team player (Mobley), it’s really hard to fathom.

As of Friday, Cleveland is 13-12 and in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. They’ve had only 11 games with their five starters available. After finishing 51-31 and fourth in the Eastern Conference a season ago, this season has been an injury-marred disappointment.

But all hope isn’t lost for Cleveland. They’ve still got Donovan Mitchell. Jarrett Allen is still backing the NBA’s eighth-best defense. Max Strus could take more shots. Caris LeVert is perfectly capable of increasing his scoring and playmaking. Dean Wade and Georges Niang can help hold down the power forward spot until Mobley returns.

However, it’s rarely about the next man up in the NBA. It’s usually more about who is the “next” next man up. Who steps into the roles behind the backups who have to do more? That’s where problems tend to lie.

For Cleveland, the answers aren’t really clear. When they were in this situation in 2021-22 and needed point guard depth, Koby Altman swung a small trade to pick up Rajon Rondo from the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Cavs have some internal options they could look at, beyond the players already in the rotation that will be asked to do more. And maybe a couple of other players who are out will make their way back into the fold.

One thing is clear: Cleveland needs to find some additional depth for the next several weeks to stay in the playoff hunt. Let’s take a look at where the Cavaliers might find it.

Internal Options

At point guard, Cleveland has some pretty capable options already in the fold. Unfortunately, two of those players are also currently unavailable. Ty Jerome is recovering from a severe ankle sprain that’s kept him out for a month-and-a-half. Ricky Rubio has yet to play this season, as he’s handling a personal situation. It’s unclear when, or if, Rubio will return.

If either Jerome or Rubio were able to go, and the Cavs certainly won’t pressure either of them before they are ready, they’d step in for Dairus Garland. As it stands, the only other actually healthy point guard on the roster is two-way player Craig Porter Jr.

Porter has appeared in 14 games for Cleveland already. The 6-foot-2 playmaker has held up fairly well in backup duty, as he’s averaged 7.2 points in 14.3 minutes per game. Porter isn’t much of a threat from deep, but he’s tough and a good finisher. He’s also got more passing chops than he’s shown in the NBA to this point.

Porter can handle more minutes. But he’s all the Cavs have left at the position at the moment. Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert can play point guard, but both are score-first guys. And neither is ideal for defending opposing ballhandlers.

Also, as a two-way player, there are some issues with relying on Porter to take on a key role over the next several weeks. Players signed to a two-way contract are limited to being on the active roster for 50 games per season. Porter is already at 23 games this season. That’s nearly half of his allotted games. If Garland is out just one month, that would be 13 more games.

That’s not exactly untenable. Cleveland would just have to hope that Garland is back after missing only a month. And, for the rest of the season, they’d have to manage the 14 or so NBA games Porter would have left to be active for.

Up front, the story is a little different. Dean Wade has started the last four games in place of Evan Mobley. It’s likely that will continue. Georges Niang will continue to play a key role off the bench as the backup four and small-ball five.

An additional downside to Mobley being out is that he functions as the Cavs de facto backup center too. Niang can only do so much as a backup for Jarrett Allen. That means some additional minutes could be available for Damian Jones behind Allen.

Jones has been up and down throughout his career. He played well for the Sacramento Kings two seasons ago. Then Jones struggled with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, before remerging with some good games after being traded to the Utah Jazz. Look for Jones to get the first crack at additional minutes, but Cleveland needs to prepared to look elsewhere.

If Niang can hold up to some extent as the backup five, the Cavaliers could have two other two-way players step forward.

Odd as it may be, Isaiah Mobley could benefit from his brother being out. The elder Mobley has seen limited action in his two NBA seasons, but he’s been excellent in the G League over that time. The 6-foot-8 forward has proven to be a double-double threat, as he averaged 22.1 points and 9.9 rebounds over 17 games with the Cleveland Charge. He’s also a decent shot-blocker with 20 blocks over that same set of games.

If Cleveland wants even more scoring punch with upside, they could hand some minutes to rookie two-way player Emoni Bates. The 6-foot-8 wing has seen limited NBA action in seven games, but he’s been tearing up the G League this season. In nine games with the Charge, Bates has averaged 24.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks. Even better than his counting stats: Bates has shot 46.3% from the field, and an impressive 42.2% on a whopping 10 three-point attempts per game.

Outside of the two-way players, Cleveland’s only real hope from their internal options is a return to play for Jerome or Rubio. Otherwise, they’re looking outside of the organization to get by.

Free Agent Options

Cleveland is sitting on an open roster spot. Part of the reason the Cavaliers have an open roster spot is that they are just $752,133 beneath the luxury tax line. The Cavs haven’t paid the tax outside of the LeBron James years in their history. That’s acted as a de facto hard cap on adding salary in recent years.

If the Cavs looked to the free agent market for help, they’d find some stopgap options. The question is if any of those players are worth going into the tax for, or leaving Koby Altman looking for a salary-shedding move to dip under the tax by the trade deadline.

If Cleveland was to sign a free agent ahead of their next game on Saturday, December 16, here’s what they’d be looking at for each tier:

• Rookie Free Agent: $778,547
• One Year of Service Free Agent: $1,252,954
• Two-Years of Service Free Agent (veteran minimum): $1,404,508

That’s the prorated amount for each tier of free agent. Even signing a rookie free agent would see Cleveland go over the tax line.

Now, there are some workarounds here. The Cavaliers could sign a free agent to a non-guaranteed contract, keep them until Garland and/or Mobley returns and then waive that player. Let’s say they need that player for 45 days (allotting a bit more time for Garland to return beyond a month), the Cavs would be on the hook for the following in guaranteed salary:

• Rookie Free Agent: $289,542
• One Year of Service Free Agent: $465,975
• Two-Years of Service Free Agent (veteran minimum): $522,338

That would keep Cleveland clear of the tax line, with a little bit of play, should they need to keep the player longer.

It’s worth noting, if Altman wanted to convert one of his two-way players, they would end up on a prorated minimum contract too. Emoni Bates and Craig Porter Jr. are rookies, while Isaiah Mobley has one year of service.

The other option Cleveland could take is to wait until teams are allowed to sign 10-Day contracts. That starts on January 5, 2024. The 10-Day contract tiers are the following for each 10-Day deal:

• Rookie Free Agent: $64,343
• One Year of Service Free Agent: $103,550
• Two-Years of Service Free Agent (veteran minimum): $116,075

That’s definitely an option for the Cavaliers to fill their open roster, while cycling through different players. Two challenges with 10-Day contracts: First, Cleveland would have to wait three weeks to sign a player to such a deal. Second, teams are limited to signing the same player to only two 10-Day deals per season, before they have to sign them for the remainder of the season.

If Cleveland wants to pursue some free agent options, here are some point guards they could look at:

• Michael Carter-Williams (Mexico City Capitanes): Carter-Williams isn’t scoring much in the G League, nor shooting well. But he’s played well in setting his team up and he’s played very solid defense. He’s also got loads of experience at the NBA level.
• Scotty Pippen Jr. (South Bay Lakers): Pippen is playing well for the G League Lakers. He’s scoring and shooting at a solid clip, and he’s been an improved playmaker in his second professional season. He looks primed for a callup.
• Jason Preston (Memphis Hustle): Preston has been one of the G League’s better playmakers this season. He’s also done a nice job getting to the basket and finishing. Preston also has good size for the position.
• Brandon Goodwin (Westchester Knicks): Goodwin is forever on the fringes of the NBA. He’s been on rosters as a standard and two-way player. Shooting remains a concern, but Goodwin is a tough defender, good rebounder for his size and a solid playmaker. The Cavs also have familiarity with him from previous stints with the team.

If the Cavs feel they need help up front more, here are some G League options worth a look:

• Mouhamadou Gueye (Raptors 905): Gueye has been one of the best shot-blockers and rebounders in the G League this season. He’s bouncy and athletic and a good finisher. It’s unlikely he makes it much past the G League Showcase next week without at least a two-way deal.
• Trey Jemison (Birmingham Squadron): Jemison is in the same vein as Gueye. He’s done a nice job blocking shots and he’s even better on the boards. He’s not quite as strong of a finisher, but he has nice touch out to about 10-15 feet.
• Maozinha Pereira (Mexico City Capitanes): Pereira is a 6-foot-8 ball of energy. He’s all over the glass on both ends and he’s a physical defender with some shot-blocking ability too. He’s also a good finisher in the paint. Pereira can also step out and shoot it a little bit.
• Meyers Leonard (unsigned): Leonard finished out the year with the Milwaukee Bucks and looked pretty solid. He seemed to work past the off-court racial slur issue that saw him out of the NBA for near two years too. If he’s in shape and wants to play, Leonard is probably worth bringing in for at least a workout to see where he’s at.

Trade Options

The same luxury tax issues exist if the Cavaliers want to make a trade. They probably be limited in how much money they’d want to bring back. Two years ago, Rajon Rondo was a very easy acquisition, because he was on a veteran minimum contract and the Cavs didn’t have to give up much to get him.

This time around, the Cavs are going to be hard-pressed to find such an easy trade target. However, if they are willing to take on some money in a deal, things will open up considerably. And the easiest way to get there is a potentially uncomfortable path, but a familiar one.

At the 2022 trade deadline, Ricky Rubio was out for the season due to a torn ACL. Cleveland used his expiring contract to acquire Caris LeVert. That July, after Rubio’s contract ended, the Cavs re-signed him to the deal he’s currently on.

If Cleveland wants to make a trade, they might be looking at a similar type of situation. Rubio’s $6.1 million contract is their best piece of salary-matching in a trade, that doesn’t belong to a current rotation player. It might be uncomfortable to trade a player who is away from the team dealing with a personal issue, but the history says it could be something Rubio is amenable to again. $4.25 million of Rubio’s $6.4 million contract is guaranteed for 2024-25, so the acquiring team could treat him as a way to get off some longer-team salary that they may not want.

If Cleveland is open to trading Rubio (and, to be clear, they might need to add someone else to plus-up the salary-matching for a bigger salary), here is a list of some players who make sense as trade targets:

Point Guards

• Alec Burks (Detroit Pistons): one year, $10.5 million remaining

• T.J. McConnell (Indiana Pacers): two years, $18 million remaining (2024-25 has $5 million of $8.3 million guaranteed)

• Jordan McLaughlin (Minnesota Timberwolves): one year, $2.3 million remaining

• Monte Morris (Detroit Pistons): one year, $9.8 million remaining

Bigs

• Mo Bamba (Philadelphia 76ers): one year, $2 million remaining (veteran minimum deal, would not require salary-matching)

• Andre Drummond (Chicago Bulls): one year, $3.4 million remaining

• Sandro Mamukelashvili (San Antonio Spurs: one year, $2 million remaining (veteran minimum deal, would not require salary-matching)

• Mike Muscala (Washington Wizards): one year, $3.5 million remaining

• Kelly Olynyk (Utah Jazz): one year, $12.2 million remaining

• P.J. Tucker (LA Clippers): two years, $22.5 million remaining (2024-25 is a $11.5 million player option)