2024 #NFL Playoff Pay (per player)

Philadelphia Eagles: $357,000
Kansas City Chiefs: $277,000
Wasington Commanders: $186,000
Buffalo Bills: $186,000
Los Angeles Rams: $109,000
Baltimore Ravens: $109,000
Houston Texans: $109,000
Detroit Lions: $104,000
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $54,500
Minnesota Vikings: $49,500
Green Bay Packers: $49,500
Los Angeles Chargers: $49,500
Pittsburgh Steelers: $49,500
Denver Broncos: $49,500

17 MLB players exchanged numbers at the January 9th deadline. At the time of this piece, 13 have avoided or settled with their respective team, leaving 4 decisions still to come. Our look at how each scenario has unfolded thus far.

RELATED: 2025 Arbitration Tracker

Kyle Tucker (OF, CHC)

Avoided Arbitration;  1 yr / $16,500,000

Player Filed: $17,500,000 /  Team Filed: $15,000,000 / Difference: $2,500,000

Tucker was traded to Chicago entering his final year of team control. The two sides commenced their relationship by exchanging salary figures but ultimately avoided arbitration on a one year deal. That’s a rare result in the ‘file and trial’ era as most of these go to a hearing or get settled as extensions. Players and teams have swapped salaries 73 times over the last three offseasons with only Tucker and Gleyber Torres agreeing on one year contracts. The gap between these filings was the largest since 2023 when Tucker (with Houston) and Bo Bichette both filed $7.5M against $5M. The Cubs last arbitration hearing was in 2021 when they lost to Ian Happ.

Nathaniel Lowe (1B, TEX)

DECISION PENDING

Player Filed: $11,100,000 /  Team Filed: $10,300,000 / Difference: $800,000

Michael King (SP, SD)

Avoided Arbitration + Mutual option;  1 yr / $7,750,000

2025: $4M ($1M base + $3M signing bonus)
2026: $15M Mutual option ($3.75M buyout)

Player Filed: $8,800,000 / Team Filed: $7,325,000 / Difference: $1,475,000

The unique structure of this saves the Padres some cash in 2025 as they attempt to contend while evening out the payroll. The Mutual option is a technicality so consider this a one year guarantee. King will earn $4M this year ($1M base / $3M signing bonus) and the balance will pay via buyout ($3.75M) once the option is officially declined. Now it's been over a decade since the Padres last hearing with Andrew Cashner in 2014.

William Contreras (C, MIL)

Avoided Arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $6,100,000

2025: $6M
2026: $12M Club option ($100k buyout)

Player Filed: $6,500,000 / Team Filed: $5,600,000 / Difference: $900,000

Contreras is in uncharted arbitration territory at the position. His guarantee is the highest recorded ARB1 (non Super Two) salary for a catcher and eighth including all batters. The Club option value is his 2026 ceiling so Contreras might need a third straight MVP caliber season to make that relevant. Otherwise, Milwaukee won’t hesitate to decline it and reestablish his value in arbitration as they did with Devin Williams this year.

Luis Rengifo (3B, LAA)

WON Arbitration Hearing:  1 yr / $5,950,000

2025: $5,950,000
2026: UFA

Player Filed: $5,950,000 / Team Filed: $5,800,000 / Difference: $150,000

Rengifo won his arbitration filing, settling in on a near $6M payout for the upcoming 2025 season.The 27-year-old started 72 games for the Angels last season, posting 13 doubles, 24 stolen bases, and a .347 on base percentage.

Jarren Duran (OF, BOS)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $3,850,000

2025: $3.75M
2026: $8M Club option ($100k buyout)

Player Filed: $4,000,000 / Team Filed: $3,500,000 / Difference: $500,000

His 2025 salary ranks 5th among first year Super Two outfielders behind only Bellinger, Soto, Arozarena and Springer. It puts Duran on pace for a 2026 arbitration value around $7-9M. The Club option can escalate from $8M to $12M based on MVP voting although a 25-50% increase could inflate the price beyond his ceiling arbitration comps. Boston is basically  protected from an outlier season in either direction. They can decline if the option value jumps too much OR Duran underperforms.

Jorge Mateo (SS, BAL)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $3,550,000

2025: $3.55M
2026: $5.5M Club option ($500k incentives)

Player Filed: $4,000,000 / Team Filed: $3,100,000 / Difference: $900,000

Mateo has stuck on this roster despite the Orioles pipeline of younger talent. It’s evidence they value his versatility (2B,SS,OF) which is hard to replicate at a similar cost. Baltimore also added an extra year of team control which is a similar strategy used last offseason with Ryan O’Hearn who is now back on a Club option. The Orioles avoided arbitration with all of their league most 12 eligible players.

Brendan Donovan (OF, STL)

DECISION PENDING

Player Filed: $3,300,000 /  Team Filed: $2,850,000 / Difference: $450,000

Lars Nootbar (OF, STL)

DECISION PENDING

Player Filed: $2,950,000 /  Team Filed: $2,450,000 / Difference: $500,000

Alex Vesia (RP, LAD)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / 2,300,000

2025: $2.25M
2026: $3.55M Club option ($50k buyout)

Player Filed: $2,350,000 / Team Filed: $2,050,000 / Difference: $300,000

This guarantee is just under their ask but the Club option will cost Vesia his final year of arbitration eligibility.  The Dodgers have avoided arbitration with all eligible players for the fifth consecutive season. Their last hearings were with Joc Pederson and Pedro Baez in 2020.

Andre Pallante (RP, STL)

DECISION PENDING

Player Filed: $2,100,000 /  Team Filed: $1,925,000 / Difference: $175,000

Mark Leiter Jr. (RP, NYY)

LOST Arbitration Hearing;  1 yr / $2,050,000

Player Filed: $2,500,000 / Team Filed: $2,050,000 / Difference: $450,000

Leiter Jr. (34) was the oldest player to exchange numbers at the deadline. Unfortunately his arbitration earning potential is limited by overall role and usage which translates to more Holds than Saves. This was the Yankees first hearing since Dellin Betances in 2017.

Mickey Moniak (OF, LAA)

WON Arbitration Hearing; $2,000,000

Player Filed: $2,000,000 / Team Filed: $1,500,000 / Difference: $500,000

Moniak won despite a significant step back (79 wRC+) from his breakout 2023 season. The higher starting point in his first year of arbitration might not impact future earnings if he’s limited to a fourth outfielder role this season but it’s a sizable raise nonetheless. The Angels have had at least one arbitration each of the last three seasons.

Dennis Santana (RP, PIT)

LOST Arbitration Hearing; $1,400,000

Player Filed: $2,100,000 / Team Filed: $1,400,000 / Difference: $700,000

Santana was DFA’d by the Yankees after a disastrous start but the Pirates claimed him and a pitch mix change helped unlock a promising second half. But that stretch wasn’t enough to overcome his otherwise inconsistent career and the arbitration panel sided with Pittsburgh. Santana needs to replicate those results over a full season to build a stronger case heading into his final year of arbitration eligibility in 2026. 

Taylor Walls (SS, TBR)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $1,400,000

2025: $1.35M
2026: $2.45M Club option ($50k buyout)

Player Filed: $1,575,000 / Team Filed: $1,300,000 / Difference: $275,000

Walls’ deal correlates with newly acquired free agent Ha-Seong Kim. The former will start 2025 at shortstop while the latter recovers from offseason shoulder surgery but Kim has a 2026 Player option that could affect how the Rays handle their Club option with Walls. Either way he’s under team control through 2027. Tampa Bay had been to six hearings over the prior two seasons but successfully avoided arbitration with this year's group of players.

Jose Quijada (RP, LAA)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $1,075,000

2025: $1.075M
2026: $3.75M Club option

Player Filed: $1,140,000 / Team Filed: $975,000 / Difference: $165,000

This agreement lands just above the midpoint but gives the Angels control over his final year of arbitration eligibility. It might not matter here considering the price of that 2026 Club option. Quijada missed the start of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery but the lefty reliever should serve a more prominent role in 2025.

Johan Oviedo (SP, PIT)

LOST Arbitration Hearing; $850,000

Player Filed: $1,150,000 / Team Filed: $850,000 / Difference: $300,000

Oviedo missed the entire 2024 season (Tommy John surgery) and there’s some role uncertainty entering 2025 so this outcome isn’t too surprising. He’s under control for two more years and can reestablish his value with a return to preinjury form. The Pirates have now won all four of their arbitration hearings since 2015.

As the NFL calendar flips to the offseason, teams are now settling in for the quick push to March 12, the official start of the 2025 league year and free agency.

Spotrac has identified one player from each of the 32 teams set to become an unrestricted free agent next month, including projected market values and a few honorable mentions for each.

RELATED:
2025 NFL Free Agents
Spotrac’s Market Values

Arizona Cardinals

OLB Baron Browning

Acquired at the deadline from Denver, Browning has proven to be a productive edge rusher - when he remains healthy (12 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT through his rookie contract). The 25-year-old is a 2 year, $11M player in our system heading toward March.

Also: Kyzir White (LB), Dennis Gardeck (OLB), Will Hernandez (G)

Atlanta Falcons

C Drew Dalman

Dalman likely hits the open market as the best available center, a spot that’s proven fruitful for notable players in recent offseasons. The 4th round pick out of Stanford calculates near $7M per year in our system, but demand likely brings this contract near $10M per year when it’s all said and done.

Also: Justin Simmons (S), Matt Judon (DE), Mike Hughes (CB)

Baltimore Ravens

OT Ronnie Stanley

Injuries over the past 4 seasons forced Baltimore to re-negotiate Stanley down to a 1 year, $7.5M “prove-it” deal in 2024. He proved it, returning to the top of the offensive tackle list, and should find himself a multi-year guarantee again this offseason. He’s a 2 year, $42M player in our system.

Also: Patrick Mekari (G), Brandon Stephens (CB)

Buffalo Bills

WR Amari Cooper

A deadline acquisition from Cleveland, Cooper battled injuries during his short tenure with Buffalo. While WR is certainly a position of need for the Bills this spring, bringing back Cooper at his currently valued 2 years, $28M+ may prove too costly.

Also: Rasul Douglas (CB), Damar Hamlin (S), Mack Hollins (WR)

Carolina Panthers

CB Michael Jackson

Acquired from Seattle before the 2024 season, Jackson played almost every snap for the Panthers, compiling 76 tackles, 2 interceptions, and strong coverage percentage grades as an outside CB. He’ll be a value option for a team not looking to swing too big this spring, projecting toward a 3 year, $24M contract in our system.

Also: Tommy Tremble (TE), Jordan Fuller (S)

Chicago Bears

G Teven Jenkins

A 2nd Round pick out of Oklahoma State, Jenkins has now posted 3 straight strong seasons on the Bears’ O-Line, and should hit the open market as one of the top interior options available. He projects toward a 3 year, $31M contract in our system (but demand should push this closer to $15M per year).

Also: Keenan Allen (WR), Coleman Shelton (C/G)

Cincinnati Bengals

WR Tee Higgins

Another franchise tag? A tag/trade? An extension to stay? Walking free into the open market? Everything appears to be on the table still with this (and a few other) Bengals’ conundrums, but the fact of the matter remains this: Higgins is set to be the best available offensive weapon, by a lot. The math says he’s a $27M per year player, but demand probably lifts this over the $30M mark. Related: Next Contract: Tee Higgins

Also: Mike Hilton (CB), B.J. Hill (DT), Mike Gesicki (TE)

Cleveland Browns

QB Jameis Winston

Winston proved he can still energize an offense when needed - just not for too long. The good and bad has always seemed to even out for the 31-year-old over the course of his career, putting him on track to secure another backup contract this offseason. He’s a 1 year, $6M valuation in our system.

Also: Jedrick Wills (OT), Nick Chubb (RB), Elijah Moore (WR)

Dallas Cowboys

DT Osa Odighizuwa

Not exactly a house-hold name nationally (yet), but this likely ends up being the contract that turns heads in the coming weeks. The 3rd Round pick out of UCLA could be considered the best interior defensive linemen on the open market, with a 3 year, $63M projection in our system.

Also: DeMarcus Lawrence (DE), Zack Martin (G), Chauncey Golston (DE)

Denver Broncos

DT D.J. Jones

The 30-year-old just completed a 3 year, $30M contract in Denver, and is still a valuable commodity on the D-Line. He’s in line for another deal right around the $10M per year mark again.

Also: Javonte Williams (RB), Cody Barton (LB)

Detroit Lions

CB Carlton Davis

Acquired from Tampa Bay before the start of the 2024 season, Davis proved his value, factoring into a much improved Lions defense. He’s valued right around the $14.5M salary he earned this past season, projecting toward a 3 year, $42M contract this March.

Also: Kevin Zeitler (G), Levi Onwuzurike (DT)

Green Bay Packers

C Josh Myers

Myers has started nearly every game for the Packers over the past three seasons, setting himself up for a nice payday in his first trip to the open market. The 2nd round pick out of Ohio State projects toward a 3 year, $22M deal in our system.

Also: Isaiah McDuffie (OLB)

Houston Texans

WR Stefon Diggs

A week 8 ACL tear put Diggs’ season, and potentially his future, in peril. Assuming he can work his way back to full health, an Odell Beckham Jr. type deal in the 1 year, $13.5M range (heavily incentive-laden) should get the job done.

Also: Derek Barnett (DE), Jeff Okudah (CB)

Indianapolis Colts

ED Dayo Odeyingbo

The former 2nd Round pick out of Vanderbilt has steadily increased his production, consistency, and in turn - snap count. There’s a very real world where the 25-year-old scores a legitimate starting edge rusher pay day in the coming weeks, projecting toward a 4 year, $64M contract in our system.

Also: Will Fries (G), Ryan Kelly (C), Julian Blackmon (S), E.J. Speed (LB)

Jacksonville Jaguars

S Andre Cisco

After very productive seasons in 2022 & 2023, Cisco (and much of the Jacksonville defense) had a bit of a bumpy ride in 2024 that included him being pulled from the starting lineup at times. It’s certainly plausible that a change of scenery gets him back on track, but a 1 year, $10M “showcase” deal could be in the works first.

Also: Brandon Scherff (G), Mac Jones (QB)

Kansas City Chiefs

G Trey Smith

It was a rough (Super Bowl) finish admittedly, but the 6th Round pick out of Tennessee has already done more than enough to stake claim as one of the top pending free agents in the league. There’s a legitimate path to Smith securing a contract at or near Landon Dickerson’s current $21M per year mark.

Also: Justin Reid (S), Nick Bolton (LB), DeAndre Hopkins (WR), Charles Omenihu (DE)

Las Vegas Raiders

ED Malcolm Koonce

Koonce had a legitimate breakout season in 2023 (8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles) but suffered a season-ending knee injury before the start of 2024, making his first trip to the open market a little murky. Will teams squeeze him down to a “showcase” deal, ensuring that 2023 wasn’t a fluke? He’s a 2 year, $40M player in our system.

Also: Trevon Moehrig (S), Robert Spillane (OLB)

Los Angeles Chargers

ED Khalil Mack

The 33-year-old is still doing things at a high level, filling up the statlines on a weekly basis this past season in LA on a renegotiated 1 year, $192.M contract. Despite the age, Mack projects toward a 3 year, $70M contract in our system, and as we tend to say often around this time of the year - it only takes one team.

Also: Asante Samuel Jr. (CB), Poona Ford (DE), JK Dobbins (RB), Teair Tart (DT)

Los Angeles Rams

OT Alaric Jackson

A UDFA out of Iowa, Jackson finished off 2024 on a $4.9M restricted tender, setting up what should prove to be a nice pay raise in his first trip to the open market. The 26-year-old projected toward a 3 year, $48M contract in our system.

Also: TuTu Atwell (WR), Demarcus Robinson (WR), Joseph Noteboom (OT)

Miami Dolphins

S Jevon Holland

Holland’s production dipped a bit in 2024 - a weird year across the board in Miami - but he’s done more than enough through his first four seasons to establish himself as the top safety set to hit the open market.The 25-year-old carries a 4 year, $60M base projection in our system.

Also: Calais Campbell (DE), Tyrel Dodson (LB), Liam Eichenberg (G)

Minnesota Vikings

QB Sam Darnold

Darnold’s 2024 is a rollercoaster ride we haven’t experienced at the QB position, with seemingly zero expectation to start, maximum output nearing the finish line, then a drop off of a cliff to end the season. Where does that leave the 27-year-old going forward? A tag to keep him in Minnesota is likely too expensive ($40M+), and with limited options of his age and ability set to become available this March, it’s fair to assume that at least one team will be ready to open their wallet for the former #3 overall pick. Darnold carries a 4 year, $160M projection in our system.

Also: Byron Murphy (CB), Camryn Bynum (S), Cam Robinson (OT), Aaron Jones (RB)

New England Patriots

CB Jonathan Jones

The coverage numbers have dipped, and Jones even found himself in & out of the starting lineup at times in 2024, but the 31-year-old is still a viable role option for a secondary in need. He’s a 2 year, $5M projection in our system heading toward March.

Also: Austin Hooper (TE), Jacoby Brissett (QB)

New Orleans Saints

ED Chase Young

Young backed up an 8-sack campaign for San Francisco back in 2023 with a 6-sack performance in New Orleans, playing on a 1 year, $13M contract. It stands to reason that he’s done enough to warrant a multi-year guarantee this time around, projecting toward a 4 year, $70M deal in our system.

Also: Paulson Adebo (CB), Juwan Johnson (TE)

New York Giants

WR Darius Slayton

Slayton’s time in NY has been tumultuous to say the least. A change of scenery with a proven QB1 could quickly change the direction of his career (though drops have been a big part of his portfolio). A weak WR market this March could elevate Slayton’s contract terms when it’s all said and done, leading toward a 3 year, $47M projection in our system.

Also: Azeez Ojulari (OLB), Drew Lock (QB)

New York Jets

CB D.J. Reed

One of the more consistent players at the position over the past 6 seasons, Reed should be rewarded with a nice pay raise this March, having completed a 3 year, $33M contract in NY. The 28-year-old heads toward free agency with a 4 year, $58M projection in our system.

Also: Haason Reddick (OLB), Tyler Conklin (TE), Tyron Smith (OT)

Philadelphia Eagles

ED Josh Sweat

Sweat signed a renegotiated 1 year, $10M to “stick around” with Philly this past March, rewarding them with another highly productive season, and a big finish in Super Bowl 59. The 27-year-old will hit March as one of the most coveted free agents on the market, carrying a 3 year, $57M projection in our system.

Also: Milton Williams (DT), Mekhi Becton (OL), Zack Baun (OLB)

Pittsburgh Steelers

OT Dan Moore Jr.

Moore has improved every year on a Pittsburgh O-Line that has badly needed more consistent production. With so many teams (including major contenders) looking to upgrade at the left tackle position this March, don’t be surprised if Moore locks in a big pay day, potentially even to stay with the Steelers. The 26-year-old enters the open market on a 3 year, $38M projection.

Also: Russell Wilson (QB), Justin Fields (QB), James Daniels (G), Najee Harris (RB)

San Francisco 49ers

CB Charvarius Ward

Ward, and the rest of the 49ers, had a big step back year in 2024, but he’s a year removed from one of the more productive seasons at the position, and should hit the open market with plenty of offers. The 29-year-old is a 3 year, $46M player in our system.

Also: Talanoa Hufanga (S), Dre Greenlaw (LB), Aaron Banks (G)

Seattle Seahawks

LB Ernest Jones

Jones bounced from the Rams to the Titans before landing in Seattle at the trade deadline. The two sides showed immediate interest in a long-term relationship, but it now appears as though the 25-year-old will hit the open market this March. The 3rd Rounder out of South Carolina should be one of the more coveted off-ball linebackers in free agency, projecting toward a 4 year, $52M contract in our system.

Also: Jarran Reed (DT), Johnathan Hankins (DT)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

WR Chris Godwin

Godwin was on pace for another Godwin-like campaign in 2024 before an ankle injury derailed his season. Teams will have some pause when assessing the 28-year-old coming back from his second major injury, but a weak WR market will help sustain his ability to cash in. The former 3rd round pick carries a 3 year, $66M valuation in our system.

Also: Lavonte David (LB)

Tennessee Titans

DT Sebastian Joseph

The 29-year-old started 12 games for the Titans in 2024, compiling 3 sacks & 44 tackles in that span. Joseph should be inline for a contract similar to the 1 year, $4M deal he just completed in Tennessee, projecting toward a 2 year, $9M deal in our system.

Also: Nick Westbrook (WR), Tyler Boyd (WR)

Washington Commanders

LB Bobby Wagner

Now 34-years-old, Wagner is showing almost no sign of decline, filling up the stat board on a weekly basis (especially as it pertains to shutting down opposing run-games). A reunion with this fun, talented Commanders group makes a lot of sense, and a 1 year, $7M (incentive-laden) contract does too.

Also: Dante Fowler Jr. (DE), Jeremy Chinn (S), Zach Ertz (TE)

Thomas Detry wins WM Phoenix Open. Detry earns $1.67 million million bringing his 2025 on-course earnings to $2.6 million and his career on-course earnings to $9.19 million. 

WM Phoenix Open Top 10 Payouts

Full Results

RELATED: 2025 Earnings List

As the offseason officially arrives, here are a few important upcoming dates to keep in mind, including the franchise/transition tag window, negotiation period, and official 2025 league year start.

• 2/18: Tag Window Opens
• 2/24-3/3: NFL Combine
• 3/4: Tag Window Closes
• 3/10-3/12: Negotiation Period
• 3/12: League Year Begins*
  
  *All teams must be Top 51 salary cap compliant by 4PM ET. Spotrac is currently projecting a $275M league salary cap in all NFL views.

The Cleveland Cavaliers loaded up to aid in a title push. The Hawks reset their roster and cap sheet bit.

Here are the particulars:

Cleveland Cavaliers acquire: De’Andre Hunter

Atlanta Hawks acquire: Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, right to swap 2026 first-round picks with the Cavaliers, right to swap 2028 first-round picks with the least favorable of Cavaliers and Jazz, 2027 Cavaliers second-round pick, 2029 Cavaliers second-round pick and 2031 Cavaliers second-round pick

Let’s dive in!

Cleveland Cavaliers

Incoming salary: $21.7 million in 2024-25

• De’Andre Hunter (SF/PF, three years, $69.9 million)

Outgoing salary: $25.1 million in 2024-25

• Caris LeVert (SG/SF, one year, $16.6 million)
• Georges Niang (PF, two years, $16.7 million)

The Cavaliers are all in. De’Andre Hunter should be a terrific fit for the Cavaliers. He’ll likely start as the team’s small forward, but he’ll slide up and play plenty of small-ball power forward too. That’s the sort of versatility that Cleveland was lacking from their forward group.

Hunter has put together his best offensive season this year. He’s done well as a spot-up shooter, and in creating his own looks. Hunter has become a bit overrated as a defender, but he’s still solid on that end. He’ll give Cleveland more size to throw at the likes of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby among their chief competitors in the Eastern Conference.

What makes this an all-in move is two-fold. Cleveland gave up most of their remaining draft capital in this deal. The Cavs traded away three seconds, while also giving Atlanta first-round swap rights in a couple of other years.

The other all-in component is on the cap sheet. The Cavaliers now have over $198 million in guaranteed salary for eight players on their books for next season. By the time they fill out the roster, Cleveland will have one of the most expensive teams in the NBA next season. That’s why ducking the luxury tax in this trade was important. That keeps the repeater clock from starting for one more year.

The Cavs did lose some on-ball playmaking in Caris LeVert, but they’ve got enough in reserve to cover for that with Ty Jerome and Craig Porter Jr. Georges Niang was a nice stretch-four for Cleveland, but Hunter and Dean Wade should be able to handle Niang’s role without much worry.

Cleveland does have a couple of roster spots to fill, so they’ll be active on the buyout market. Keep an eye on a backup center and possibly a veteran point guard.

The Cavaliers are right there in terms of being a title contender. They’ve had a terrific season to date, but there was still a sense they needed one more player to truly compete with Boston at the top of the conference. Now, Cleveland should feel good about their chances, no matter who they run into in the postseason.

Atlanta Hawks

Incoming salary: $25.1 million in 2024-25

• Caris LeVert (SG/SF, one year, $16.6 million)
• Georges Niang (PF, two years, $16.7 million)

Outgoing salary: $21.7 million in 2024-25

• De’Andre Hunter (SF/PF, three years, $69.9 million)
• Note: Atlanta also sent Cody Zeller’s $3.5 million contract to the Houston Rockets in a roster/salary clearing 

When you combine this move with their other deals, the Hawks really reset things with their roster and cap sheet. Moving De’Andre Hunter seems like a step backwards, but Atlanta got back players who can play.

Caris LeVert is a good scorer and ballhandler. With Jalen Johnson out for the season, Atlanta has really been struggling for shot creation outside of Trae Young. LeVert will help with that quite a bit. He’s not the defender Hunter is, but the Hawks defense wasn’t exactly their calling card with Hunter.

Niang is also a nice addition. Atlanta didn’t really have a stretch big on the roster. Niang should give them solid minutes beside Onyeka Okongwu and Clint Capela in the frontcourt.

In the Zeller salary-dump, the Hawks gave the Rockets back their 2028 second-round pick. That deal helped Atlanta clear a roster spot and to get under the tax. Considering Zeller never actually joined the Hawks after being a throw-in as part of the Dejounte Murray deal last summer, that’s not a loss.

On the cap sheet, Atlanta has cleaned things up considerably. Even though he’s played well this season, let’s not forget that a year ago many were suggesting that Hunter’s deal was a cap-clogger. Now, that’s gone.

The Hawks aren’t in line to have cap space next summer, but they should be well clear of the luxury tax. More importantly, in the summer of 2026, which is shaping up to potentially have a monster free agent class, Atlanta could be real players.

This trade might not make the Hawks better this season. But it probably won’t make them worse. And they added a lot of draft capital and cap flexibility for the future. That’s a win for a team that was very much stuck in the middle.

The LA Clippers added a perimeter shooting threat, and a bundle of second-round picks. The Hawks cleared out a little bit of future salary, while adding a versatile perimeter playmaker.

Here are the particulars:

LA Clippers acquire: Bogdan Bogdanovic, 2025 Timberwolves second-round pick, 2026 top-42 protected Grizzlies second-round pick, their own 2027 second-round pick

Atlanta Hawks acquire: Terance Mann, Bones Hyland

Let’s dive in!

LA Clippers

Incoming salary: $17.3 million in 2024-25

• Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG/SF, three years, $49.3 million (final season team option))

Outgoing salary: $15.6 million in 2024-25

• Terance Mann (SG/SF, four years, $58.4 million)
• Bones Hyland (PG, one year, $4.2 million)

The Clippers needed to add more shooting for their playoff push. Bogdan Bogdanovic’s history says he’ll bring that in spades.

This season, Bogdanovic has struggled with his shot. He’s looked tired after a long summer with the Serbian national team. There’s a good chance Bogdanovic will rebound after getting off his feet during the upcoming All-Star break.

If he does, the Clippers have added a knockdown shooter, who can score on spot-ups, on on-the-move catch-and-shoots and off the dribble. Bogdanovic is also used to coming off the bench, which will be his role in LA.

Look for Bogdanovic to be used to space the floor in lineups that feature Kris Dunn and possibly soon-to-be-signed Ben Simmons. Those two will benefit from Bogdanovic opening up the floor for them. Also, on nights when he has it going, Bogdanovic can be a part of the Clippers closing lineups, if they need more shooting on the floor.

Terance Mann’s role with the Clippers was a bit uncertain. He had lost a lot of minutes over the course of the season to Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr. and Amir Coffey. Look for LA to extend Coffey before the season ends, given his increased role in the team’s rotation.

Getting back three second-round picks is good work for the Clippers here, and fairly surprising. Atlanta did have a bunch of extra seconds, so it’s to the Clippers advantage that they were able to pull a few away.

Through the course of the deadline moves, LA was able to add a backup center in Drew Eubanks, perimeter shooting in Bogdanovic, a veteran locker room voice in Patty Mills and soon, some versatility on both end of the floor with Simmons. That’s really solid work for a team that many thought would fall out of the playoff picture this season.

Atlanta Hawks

Incoming salary: $15.6 million in 2024-25

• Terance Mann (SG/SF, four years, $58.4 million)
• Bones Hyland (PG, one year, $4.2 million)

Outgoing salary: $17.3 million in 2024-25

• Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG/SF, three years, $49.3 million (final season team option))

The Hawks added a little bit of long-term salary in this move, but they needed a player like Terance Mann more than they needed Bogdan Bogdanovic. That’s why this isn’t nearly as bad of a move as some have panned it as being.

Mann will bring Atlanta some additional on-ball juice. The team has been lacking that since Jalen Johnson went down. By adding both Mann and Caris LeVert in deadline deals, the Hawks have solved some of their shot creation issues.

Mann’s shooting has fallen off a bit over the last two seasons. It’s unclear what’s caused that, but that will be something to monitor with Atlanta. That’s especially true, given Mann’s three-year, $47 million extension kicks in after this season.

That was part of the reason for this trade. The Hawks will have Mann long-term, whereas Bogdanovic only had one more guaranteed year after this year. Mann is also four years younger than Bogdanovic. That’s a factor for a Hawks team that is building for the future.

Atlanta is waiving Bones Hyland, so his inclusion in this deal will have no on-court impact. The Hawks did give up there second-round picks in this deal, but they acquired three in their other trade with the Cavaliers. So, that nets out evenly for Atlanta.

This may seem like a strange trade for the Hawks, but when you look deeper it makes sense. They can give Bogdanovic’s designated-shooter role to Garrison Mathews, who has hit for 39% from deep this season. In addition, Vit Krejci can fill in scorer off the bench. And that’s before getting to Mann, who will help with shot creation and as a solid defensive player. All of that, plus some savings on the cap sheet over the next couple of years, makes this a solid trade for Atlanta.

The LA Clippers cleaned up a potential logjam on their roster by taking a flyer on a young player. The Bucks added some backcourt depth, while moving a player who was no longer part of their roster plans.

Here are the particulars:

LA Clippers acquire: MarJon Beauchamp

Milwaukee Bucks acquire: Kevin Porter Jr.

Let’s dive in!

LA Clippers

Incoming salary: $2.7 million in 2024-25

• Marjon Beauchamp (SG/SF, one year, $2.7 million)

Outgoing salary: $2.2 million in 2024-25

• Kevin Porter Jr. (SG/PG, two years, $4.8 million (2025-26 player option))

The Clippers no longer had a need for Kevin Porter Jr. in their backcourt. Kris Dunn has assumed the primary backup point guard role, Patty Mills was added earlier in trade season for depth, and Ben Simmons is joining the team after a buyout from the Nets. Off-ball, the team Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Amir Coffey in front of Porter.

Porter has been a bit of a wild-card in the past when he’s not playing regular minutes. That’s something that LA can no longer guarantee him with the depth they’ve added.

MarJon Beauchamp is a flyer for the Clippers. If he shows enough, LA could bring him back on a team-friendly contract next season as a developmental player.

On the cap sheet, there is a little bit more clarity for next season. Beauchamp had his fourth-year rookie scale option declined, so he’ll be an unrestricted free agent. Porter has a $2.5 million player option, which he’s likely to decline. Now, the Clippers can go into the offseason knowing they’ll certainly have that roster spot open.

Milwaukee Bucks

Incoming salary: $2.2 million in 2024-25

• Kevin Porter Jr. (SG/PG, two years, $4.8 million (2025-26 player option))

Outgoing salary: $2.7 million in 2024-25

• Marjon Beauchamp (SG/SF, one year, $2.7 million)

The Bucks protected themselves in case of a backcourt injury in this move. MarJon Beauchamp was long longer a part of the plans in Milwaukee, as witnessed by the team declining their rookie scale team option for Beauchamp for next season.

Porter could be in line for a regular rotation role for the Bucks. Milwaukee is a bit thing behind Damian Lillard at point guard, as two-way player Ryan Rollins has become the primary backup ballhandler. That’s a spot where Porter can step in and help.

Long-term, if Porter opts in for next season, he’ll make just above the veteran minimum amount. That’s solid value for the production he can bring.

After making two deals earlier in trade season that left with him a hole at center, the Lakers went all-in to fill it. The Hornets continued picking up draft capital and young players.

Here are the particulars:

Los Angeles Lakers acquire: Mark Williams

Charlotte Hornets acquire: Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, rights to swap 2030 first-round picks, 2031 Lakers first-round pick

Let’s dive in!

Los Angeles Lakers

Incoming salary: $4.1 million in 2024-25

• Mark Williams (C, two years, $10.4 million)

Outgoing salary: $6.3 million in 2024-25

• Dalton Knecht (SF/SG, four years, $14.5 million (rookie scale deal))
• Cam Reddish (SF/SG, one year, $2.1 million)

After trading Anthony Davis in the deal to get Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers were really thin at the center position. Los Angeles had Jaxson Hayes, two-way players and small-ball options. They filled that need with Mark Williams.

When healthy, Williams has been a solid starting center. He’s a good rebounder, decent rim protector and a solid finisher around the rim. Williams is the type of athletic lob-catch that thrives playing with Doncic. The two should make a very good pick-and-roll pairing for years to come.

The issue is that Williams has rarely been healthy in his NBA career. He’s missed considerable time in each of his first three seasons. The good news is that none of the injuries are directly related and none of them seem to a chronic thing.

The other issue with this trade is that the Lakers gave up their remaining draft capital to add Williams. Paying a first-round pick in six years, plus a swap the year before, is a lot for a guy who will probably never be more than a solid starter. In addition, Los Angeles gave up Dalton Knecht, who was a prized draft pick in just this past draft.

In the immediate, the loss of Knecht isn’t that big of a deal. The Lakers weren’t going to be able to play him with two of Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves very often. Not without Davis to clean up for them. That was going to limit Knecht’s role. Given those three players seem entrenched in Los Angeles for now, it was best to move Knecht while they could get something for him. Cam Reddish has been out of the rotation while, so there’s no production loss there.

The Lakers needed to do something up front. They reportedly sought out Doncic to find out what type of center he wanted to play with. Williams fits that mold. This was just a very high price to pay for a non-All-Star.

Charlotte Hornets

Incoming salary: $6.3 million in 2024-25

• Dalton Knecht (SF/SG, four years, $14.5 million (rookie scale deal))
• Cam Reddish (SF/SG, one year, $2.1 million)

Outgoing salary: $4.1 million in 2024-25

• Mark Williams (C, two years, $10.4 million)

This trade is a massive win for the Hornets. It’s not that Mark Williams isn’t a good player. He is. Williams was also a good fit with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller on the young Charlotte roster.

But Williams wasn’t projecting to be an All-Star. He’s also regularly out of the lineup due to injuries. Center is a spot where teams can find affordable talent almost every offseason. And the Hornets got paid handsomely to move on from Williams.

Knecht is a nice prospect to work with, even if he’s eight months older than Williams, who was drafted two years earlier. Charlotte needs more shooting and scoring on the wing. With Miller out for the season, Knecht should have a clear runway to minutes. He’ll help the Hornets with his shooting and knack for drawing contact and free throws.

The real get here though is the control of the Lakers draft in the “who knows?” years. 2030 and 2031 will be post-LeBron James and we have no idea what Los Angeles will look like at that point. That’s so far out, there’s a decent chance Doncic may have also moved on. If nothing else, it’s worth the gamble for the Hornets.

The Milwaukee Bucks shoot up their roster, while the Washington Wizards took on some salary for draft capital, while the Knicks and Spurs helped to facilitate.

Here are the particulars:

Milwaukee Bucks acquire: Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims, second-most favorable 2025 Pistons, Suns or Warriors second-round pick, 2026 top-55 protected Spurs second-round pick

Washington Wizards acquire: Khris Middleton, A.J. Johnson, draft rights for Mathias Lessort, right to swap least favorable 2028 Bucks or Trail Blazers first-round pick, Cash

New York Knicks acquire: Delon Wright, draft rights for Hugo Besson, Cash

San Antonio Spurs acquire: Patrick Baldwin, Cash

Let’s dive in!

Milwaukee Bucks

Incoming salary: $25.6 million in 2024-25

• Kyle Kuzma (PF/SF, three years, $64.4 million)
• Jericho Sims (C, one year, $2.1 million)

Outgoing salary: $36.6 million in 2024-25

• Khris Middleton (SF/SG, two years, $65.7 million (player option for final season))
• A.J. Johnson (SG, four years, $14.6 million (rookie scale deal))
• Delon Wright (PG, one year, $2.1 million)

The Bucks seemingly wanted to shake things up at the trade deadline. They did so by trading away beloved Buck Khris Middleton to bring in talented, but inconsistent forward Kyle Kuzma. Milwaukee also gave up first-round pick swap rights in the deal and 2024 first-rounder A.J. Johnson.

Middleton was oft-injured over the last few seasons. Milwaukee was often left without the veteran wing during key moments, including during the playoffs. This season, Middleton has struggled to find his form. Bucks coach Doc Rivers recently commented that it was hard for Middleton to get into a rhythm with being constantly in and out of the lineup.

Kuzma has largely been healthy in recent years. He’s been inefficient this season, but that’s come while playing with a lot of young players on a Wizards team with nothing to play for.

Milwaukee is hoping that Kuzma will give them more size on the wing, in addition to a player who will be more regularly available. The Bucks are also betting with better talent around him that Kuzma will find his shooting form again.

The Bucks also picked up Jericho Sims. Despite being given chances over the last few seasons, Sims has never been able to seize a rotation role for the Knicks. Still, Milwaukee was very thin behind Brook Lopez at center, and Sims will provide them with some depth at the five.

In addition to adding frontcourt depth, the Bucks were able to save some money for this year and next by swapping out Middleton for Kuzma. That’s big for a team that was above the second apron prior to their deadline deals.

Washington Wizards

Incoming salary: $34.5 million in 2024-25

• Khris Middleton (SF/SG, two years, $65.7 million (player option for final season))
• A.J. Johnson (SG, four years, $14.6 million (rookie scale deal))

Outgoing salary: $26 million in 2024-25

• Kyle Kuzma (PF/SF, three years, $64.4 million)
• Patrick Baldwin (SF/PF, one year, $2.5 million)

Like in their other deadline moves, the Wizards picked up additional draft capital for taking on some short-term salary over the next two seasons. Washington has talked about adding Khris Middleton to help with their younger roster, but this was really about getting a draft pick while shedding an additional year of salary for Kyle Kuzma.

Middleton may very well contribute to the Wizards for the remainder of this season, and possibly for part of next. He could also decide that making $34 million for a lottery team isn’t appealing and could decline his player option. That’s not very likely, but don’t take it offer the table.

If Washington can get Middleton back into form, he’ll become an attractive trade chip for next season, as he’ll have a large expiring salary. In the interim time, he can help a young group of wings including Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George and A.J. Johnson learn how to succeed in the NBA.

Johnson is being treated as a throw-in part of this deal, but he could be more than that. Johnson is fairly athletic and is very young. There’s potential there and he’ll have a chance at minutes on the rebuilding Wizards.

San Antonio Spurs

Incoming salary: $2.5 million in 2024-25

• Patrick Baldwin (SF/PF, one year, $2.5 million)

Outgoing salary: None

The Spurs were in this deal to act as a facilitator. They took on Baldwin’s contract for more than enough to cash to cover it. Baldwin was already waived by San Antonio.

New York Knicks

Incoming salary: $2.1 million in 2024-25

• Delon Wright (PG, one year, $2.1 million)

Outgoing salary: $26 million in 2024-25

• Jericho Sims (C, one year, $2.1 million)

The Knicks inclusion in this deal was an odd one. New York already has a glut at point guard with Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride, Cameron Payne and Tyler Kolek. All of those players are more productive than Wright is. The Knicks did get enough cash to cover Wright’s deal, so that’s likely all this was about.

New York may very well waive Wright if they need a roster spot, but that would be a down-the-line thing. The Knicks are already working with open roster spots and apron issues at it is, waiving Wright will only come if there is a real need.