With the playoff picture becoming clear in both conferences, the teams that have been eliminated are already shifting focus to the offseason. But, lottery teams don't necessarily have to be the ones that are very active during the summer. Even teams that are in the playoffs could be aggressive during the offseason due to salary cap situation.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks were eliminated from the playoffs last night, and it's time for them to focus on the future. They are an old team that could use some youth during the summer and have some flexibility to make maneuvers to become a playoff-contending team again.
A lot will obviously depend on Dirk Nowitzki, who has a $25 million team option for next season. If he plays another year, the Mavs will guarantee his money, but they would still have room to sign a few key pieces.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers will have the cap room to sign or trade for a superstar this offseason. They've had their eyes on Jimmy Butler and Paul George and had a slight chance of acquiring one of the two at the deadline. If the Lakers fail to attain a superstar, they still have cap room to obtain a handful of other role players to bolster their youthful roster. They are in a better position now to attract top free agents. Let's see what they can do this time under a new management.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly set to part ways with Jimmy Butler this summer, which will probably be the biggest story line of the offseason. Chicago's inability to play at a high level after adding Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo last summer is leading to the imminent breakup of the roster. Wade hasn't liked his short tenure with the Bulls because the front office is a mess and the players are reportedly not listening to head coach Fred Hoiberg.
He may leave as well, leading to a complete rebuilding process in Chicago.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are in the same situation as the Bulls. They are prepared to finally trade Carmelo Anthony to rebuild around Kristaps Porzingis. Along with Anthony, the Knicks will probably lose Derrick Rose and trade some of their other veterans, such as Courtney Lee and Joakim Noah.
After failing to win games with the starting five they built last summer, New York is prepared to blowup the roster, which would be the right move to make.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have so many assets and cap room this offseason to make a major move that will help them take the next step in becoming a championship caliber team. At the trade deadline, they were linked to Jimmy Butler, Carmelo Anthony, and Paul George. They will most likely revisit those possible trade targets in the summer. If not, they still have the flexibility to bring in major talent that would immensely bolster the roster. The Celtics are in a good position to tremendously upgrade the roster and will be aggressive in the offseason to accomplish that feat.
