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30 teams, 7 tiers: NBA franchises that will domina...

ESPN · Jun 27, 2026, 12:31 PM

Key takeaways

  • But how many franchises have significant salary cap space, and which could maneuver to create it?
  • Jump to a team: ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN NO | NYK | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS More: Latest free agency, trade buzz
  • For now, only the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls project to generate more than $30 million in cap space this offseason.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

But how many franchises have significant salary cap space, and which could maneuver to create it? Which teams up against the first or second apron face the harsh roster-building restrictions?

We're breaking down all 30 teams into seven tiers -- from cap space kings to franchises fighting to avoid the second apron -- examining the available cap space, key free agents and best potential fits for every franchise this summer.

Jump to a team: ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN NO | NYK | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS More: Latest free agency, trade buzz

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