The NBA Finals ended a few days ago, but The Association's calendar doesn't stop for anyone.
The next generation of players will be welcomed into the league when the Magic pick in the NBA draft on Thursday. Free agency and summer league will follow as teams begin to plan how they can catch up to the Golden State Warriors.
Will some of the biggest names worth watching stay with their teams? Where is the Deandre Ayton story going? The Los Angeles Lakers failed to make the playoffs last season.
There are a number of questions facing the NBA heading into what should be a busy summer.
The lottery movement and first-round changes are included in the mock draft.
Golden State came back from two seasons in the wilderness by winning a fourth title and reestablishing its dynasty. Some expensive decisions will need to be made in order to win a fifth title.
Kevon Looney, who played a critical role in the Warriors' run, is likely to get a significant raise in the next two decades. Gary Payton II, the Warriors' defensive ace who, after years of fighting to gain a solid foothold in the NBA, seems likely to get more than the minimum for the first time in his career.
The Warriors will have to make an extension decision with Andrew Wiggins, who has one year left on his contract, and Jordan Poole, who is a year away from unrestricted free agency. After spending a record $350 million in combined payroll and luxury tax payments, the Warriors are on the verge of hitting $400 million in each of the next two seasons.
The chances of James winning a fifth NBA championship are assessed by the two players.
He had reached the playoffs in 13 straight seasons when he came to LA. This season was the worst of his career as the Lakers missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. It will take a lot of work to change those fortunes. Darvin Ham was hired to be the new head coach.
Is there next up? Figuring out how to fill out a roster that will be sitting around the luxury tax line with only six players under contract once Russell Westbrook and Kendrick Nunn opt into their deals. At the moment, it seems like the most likely path is for him to stay in Los Angeles.
Minimum players and the taxpayer's midlevel exception will be added to the Lakers' roster. One of the bright spots from last season may not be enough to keep him.
James will make a decision in August on whether or not to extend his contract. He can be an unrestricted free agent if he doesn't choose to.
After losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs, Utah was expected to face a lot of turmoil in the off-season, and that began with the resignation of Quin Snyder.
Danny Ainge will be in charge of the Jazz for the first time in his career, and the focus will be on how he will change the team in his first season.
The Jazz don't have a lot of options when it comes to changing their roster. One of the two remaining coaching openings in the league will be decided by Ainge. Kenny Atkinson reversed his decision to accept the job a few days ago, but Charlotte still has the other.
It was expected to begin an extended partnership in the City of Brotherly Love after James Harden was traded to the 76ers.
A disappointing run in the playoffs leaves both sides with decisions. Will Harden opt into his $47 million player option, or will he look at free agency? Will the two sides agree to a longer-term contract for less money?
Danny Green, who is out for all of next season with a knee injury, has a $10 million expiring contract that could be used as a trade chip.
Stephen A. Smith was not happy with the postgame comments made by Irving.
The Nets and Irving have the same options.
The Nets have a lot of decisions to make as they try to improve on last year's disappointing first-round sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics.
One of the team's best defensive players, Bruce Brown, will be an unrestricted free agent after next season. A rim presence at both ends, Nic is a restricted free agent.
The Nets are expected to be one of the most expensive teams in NBA history because they have to fill several spots at the end of the bench.
A year later, what a difference it has made.
The Phoenix Suns were enjoying their first trip to the NBA Finals in nearly 30 years, and Ayton was being praised for his role in helping the team get there.
After a second-round exit against the Mavericks, the future of the No. 1 pick is uncertain.
Will Phoenix agree to a sign-and-trade deal with Ayton to make room for another player? Will the Suns match if he signs an offer sheet elsewhere?
In Luka Doncic's absence, the Mavericks were able to overcome a 41-point performance by Jalen Brunson to win the game and even the series at one game apiece.
Three guards in their twenties will be free agents next month.
The most likely outcome for LaVine is a return to the Chicago Bulls, who traded for him five years ago. There is a good chance that Beal will re-sign with the Wizards once he opts out of his contract between now and June 30.
In Dallas, a key part of the Mavericks' run to the Western Conference finals will be an unrestricted free agent. After agreeing to a trade for Christian Wood last week, the Mavericks may have to pay the luxury tax.
The New York Knicks could make a good offer to lure him away from them. Next year's No. 1 pick, Cade Cunningham, could potentially be a fit for the Detroit Pistons.
According to Jonathan Givony, the top three picks in this year's draft are projected to be Auburn's Jabari Smith, Duke's Paolo Banchero and Gonzaga'sChet Holmgren. The order isn't clear.
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Smith is projected to be the Magic's selection at the top, followed by Holmgren and Banchero going second and third, respectively, in the NBA draft.
Things don't stay stable after the top three. The next five selections are the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail blazers, and the New Orleans Pelicans.
One of the more intriguing aspects of free agency is how similar players end up getting paid. The four players have questionable defensive abilities.
Simons is likely to stay in Portland, even though he was moved next to Damian Lillard. Cleveland already has a lot of money on its books, so it will be interesting to see how the free agency plays out for Sexton.
In Golden State's title run this year, and in Miami's two years ago, Herro and Poole played important roles in the Finals.
If Zion's commitment is high, he can be a cornerstone for the team.
At the start of free agency, the Memphis Grizzles and Ja Morant will probably agree to a max contract extension. Three of the top five picks in the draft could have more complicated negotiations.
After playing a combined 85 games in his first three NBA seasons, there could be some negotiation surrounding potential guarantees in the deal as protection for New Orleans.
Since 1999, only Charlie Ward has been extended off his rookies contract. Despite making improvements over his first three seasons, it could be difficult for both sides to agree on a new contract.
Garland had a great third season in which he made his first All-Star Game and finished third in Most Improved Player voting.
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