Offseason blueprint: Big spenders
The Knicks, Heat, Bulls and Nets have money to burn. How should they proceed?
ESPN Insider is breaking down what every team in the league could -- and should -- do during the most anticipated offseason in NBA history. Ric Bucher and Chris Broussard have separated the league into six groups based on everything from cap room to organizational philosophy.
First up: the big spenders -- the Knicks, Nets, Bulls and Heat. (Follow the whole series here.)
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
-
ESPN The Magazine subscribers
-
Need more information?
- Senior Writer for ESPN The Magazine
- Formerly at the New York Times, 1998-2004
- Covering the NBA since 1995
- Senior writer for ESPN The Magazine
- Co-authored "Yao: A Life in Two Worlds"
- Full-time beat writer/NBA analyst since 1992
SPONSORED HEADLINES
MORE NBA HEADLINES
- Sources: Del Negro out as Clippers head coach
- Boeheim: Melo needs better supporting cast
- Durant to donate $1M to OKC tornado relief
- Sources: Howard felt marginalized by D'Antoni
MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM
Chris Broussard and Ric Bucher are drawing up offseason blueprints for every team in the NBA, examining what each team's plan is and advising them on alternative options. Based on salary cap considerations, organizational philosophies and other factors, they've divided the league into six groups.
GROUPS
BIG SPENDERS ![]()
They're all after LeBron James and other max-contract free agents. But what other plans do they have up their sleeves?
(CHI, MIA, NYK, NJN)
SIGN-AND-TRADERS ![]()
These teams have big-time free agents who are likely to bolt. So what can they get in return?
(ATL, PHO, TOR)
MOVE MAKERS ![]()
They don't have the cash to sign big, but they can sure make a splash on the trade market.
(PHI, CLE, NOR, UTA, SAC, DAL, SAS, MIN)
CHANGE AGENTS ![]()
The moves will vary in size, but these teams need to make changes just for change's sake.
(DET, GSW, LAC, LAL, WAS)
ACCESSORIZERS ![]()
For these six squads, the offseason is all about niche moves to build around a core.
(CHA, HOU, IND, MEM, MIL, OKC)
VESTED TEAMS ![]()
Their rosters are largely locked in, requiring unusual, bold moves to improve.
(BOS, DEN, ORL, POR)
- Ford: Draft lottery preview
- Elhassan/Doolittle: Scouting Pacers-Heat
- Elhassan: Trade DeMarcus Cousins now
- Haberstroh: Headed for Grizz-Heat finals?
- Ford: Prospects come up short | Day 1



