NSL Insider - NSL Off-Season Team Needs by Nels, updated on Monday, July 07 2025, 10:24 am EST NSL Off-Season Team Needs
Welcome to the offseason or as some GMs call it, the best
season. The NSL playoffs can be a hibernation period for many GMs and for some
it was their first year without postseason excitement. This doesn't mean things
aren’t happening behind the scenes and for some, the offseason moves started
months ago. The draft approaches, though who is picking where is a total
mystery as trades and rumoured swaps are at an all-time high. As none of the
swaps and agreed upon trades can occur until post-draft, we sit in a state of
anticipation and speculation. Some information is out there while much is
unknown to this writer. Below are the team needs for each franchise as we look
at the rosters to begin the NSL offseason.

Team:
|
Needs:
|
Atlanta Hawks
|
The Atlanta Hawks are a young team on the rise, with
promising prospects at almost every position. They begin the offseason with
pick 8 in the draft and will look to add to their young core. Desmond Bane
has been seen on the block, with GM Bulldog opening looking for a Zach Lavine
type package. With Bane heading to a new destination in Orlando it’ll be
interesting to see if his value rises, falls or remains the same in 2k.
Team Needs:
A STAR! It is a nice-looking roster that lacks a
little identity. If Bulldog wanted to go for it, he has the assets to join
the party. Keep Bane, find a running mate with some of the young guns.
|
Boston Celtics
|
The Celtics find themselves at the crossroads as
they look set to go most or all the upcoming season without their superstar
Jayson Tatum, who suffered an Achilles injury in the post-season. A crushing
injury that could slow the incoming Celtics avalanche. GM Toby might have
bigger problems to solve which is remarkable, as their upcoming off-season
could see the Celtics hit the dreaded 2nd Apron.
Team Needs:
A viable option with Kuminga’s contract, a “Star Return”
for some of their young talent that will get paid and some financial advice.
Even without Tatum this team can be special and the position they find
themselves in is because their GM is so good at finding talent. They just
need to be wise with their next trade and be aware of the 2nd
Apron trade rules.
|
Brooklyn Nets
|
The disclaimer at the start of the article mentioned
not the author is not an NSL insider, therefore some knowledge of this roster
is unknown, but I can say that the Nets will almost certainly look different
once the flip occurs. Ingram will be gone, and the roster will look a little
more dynamic. Breece has done a terrific job shaping the roster around Lavine
and another dynamic scoring point guard who may or may not be coming to town.
Being able to cover defensive deficiencies will have to be a focus.
Team Needs:
Size on the wings and backup guards who can defend
multiple positions. Defence, defence, defence will be what the Nets seek.
|
Charlotte Hornets
|
The Hornets are never a dull team to follow in the
off-season and GM Craig will be up to his old tricks to bounce back from a
disappointing end to last season. There are rumours that they’re involved in
a wing deal that gives Charlotte a little depth and flexibility, though their
stars will be much the same (to my knowledge),
Team Needs:
Depth. The downfall of the Hornets was not the
talent, with Ja Morant, Demar DeRozan, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns,
Craig had the best 4 in the Conference. The bench was dry a collection of a
few capable support cast members and glitch hopefuls. Running this back with
another free agency gives this franchise a chance to add depth and
potentially make the jump to the pinnacle of the competition. Two or three
smart acquisitions will make a huge difference; he will be active in the
veteran minimum market.
|
Chicago Bulls
|
The Bulls are a team that has put lines out to go
either way, all-in or push the window back a year or two. LaMelo, Claxton and
Pascal Siakam both found themselves on the block after a disappointing season
marred by injury. The Bulls are relevant if they choose to stay the course
and will only be better with another off-season.
Team Needs:
Shave off about $10 million to get under the second
apron. Bulls GM Jonathon would be nervous looking at the salary projections
for next season, something must give as Suggs adds nearly $20mil to his
annual salary. If they can shave some salary, the front office will avoid
headaches down the line with all the 2nd apron restrictions.
Adding vet minimum contributors will also be a key
focus.
|
Cleveland Cavaliers
|
GM Shams finds himself at an interesting situation,
after a superb season, one ending at the hands of a team with better top end
talent, he has found himself wondering if depth or a superstar is key.
The roster is deep, made deeper with the news of Drummond opting back in, but
is there enough internal growth in Cleveland to push them over the hump? It’s
hard to tell exactly where their financials will be as the Scottie Barnes
extension isn’t on the page, but it looks like the Cavs will be near or above
the second apron, a scary place to be as touched on in previous teams.
Team Needs:
Retain Julius Randle (signing bonus), pay Scottie Barnes (a foregone
conclusion), figure out who you have money to pay next, Horford or NAW, both
or neither and who you can replace with cheap free agents.
|
Dallas Mavericks
|
Good ol LJ is up to LJ things, he’s on the block,
he’s got deals lined up, he’s made no changes, he’s thinking of making
changes. LJ will always be a possible all-in guy and his roster continues to
grow with young talent. He has pick 6 in this upcoming draft (to my
knowledge) and has posted other picks on the block. I’d expect him to stay
the course and continue to build but I have zero read or intel with the Mavs.
Team Needs:
Continue to add to this exciting young core and try
to find a young starting point guard for the future. Is there one in this
draft in the early lottery? I have no idea.
|
Denver Nuggets
|
The Nuggets have a super exciting roster but will be
disappointed from a short post-season after a successful regular season. They
have both aging stars and young superstars and MIP candidates- it’s a roster
with a heap of potential. It feels like the Nuggets need to make a choice
soon, all-in or go with the young guys. A clear goal could bring out the best
in this franchise, especially with the 2nd apron looming.
Team Needs:
Nothing. From a personnel point of view this roster
has everything you could want, stars at almost every position and glitch
players at the others. Great depth.
Financial nouse will be crucial as GM Digger will be
right up against the 2nd apron by the time they shave CP3 and
Hyland. If they can find cheap replacements and operate above the first and
below the second, they’ll be fine to run it back with a little less depth.
|
Detroit Pistons
|
There’s a bit of smoke around GM Sheed this
off-season, I’m pretty sure big moves are coming. He acquired Young to pair
with Zubac and sophomore stud Brandon Miller though the results still didn’t
change significantly. Word on the grapevine is some of the aforementioned
players might be in trade negotiations as we speak. It could be a reboot for
the Pistons, though Sheed is a tricky one to read.
Team Needs:
Find another quality player with the full MLE at
disposal. Chase up some of your club’s future first round picks should the
Pistons decide to reboot.
|
Golden State Warriors
|
Dazza has been dazzling as he always Daz… I mean
does. He’s been rumoured to have shipped off a big man with plenty of Hart in
a move that will diversify his wings and defensive prowess. This man knows
how to build a contender, especially through the tears of his fellow GMs in
Free Agency. With some cap space and multiple positions cemented, it’ll be
interesting to see who the Warriors target over the offseason. Their record
could potentially get in the way of stealing some big-name targets, but Daz
will do his intel and zero in.
Team Needs:
A star. This team desperately needs a star to build
around, maybe they can find one with pick 20, 23 or 25 or maybe they can
convince one to come over to Golden State during Free Agency. The Warriors
probably need one more big man as well.
|
Houston Rockets
|
With pick 16 in the draft, the Houston Rockets look
to add another stud to one of the most talented rosters in the NSL (at the
top). Though Haliburton will likely miss next season, the Rockets have the
talent to be a threat once again come playoff time. It will be fun to watch
Maxey in full swing with Jokic in a potentially more 2-man based offence in
2025-26. With one or two acquisitions, there’s a world where the Rockets
could still improve.
Team Needs:
Find a quality player with the MLE. There are quite
a few interesting names out there that will be gettable, Houston needs to
find the one that will fit with Maxey and Jokic.
Find a quality prospect in the draft to keep the team building while their 4
stars are in their primes.
|
Indiana Pacers
|
Yeet will tell you the league is his from about
25mins after free agency and for once he might be onto something. But
Wemby is gone! The man who will take the league forward from next year is
not going to be on the pacers… Yeet is ecstatic about his return and his team
is taking shape around Mikal Bridges and his young core. They will be a team
to look out for, no doubt, though it will be hard to assess their needs as
many parts aren’t on the roster yet.
Team Needs:
Probably synergy type players which can be found in
the free agency quite readily. Without knowing Yeet’s exact roster, it sounds
like the squad will have Cade, Bridges, Chet and all the depth from before,
as well as that big white guy from Utah. Having the right number of guys to
accentuate the stars should be the target for Yeet if he chooses to not have
a nap through Free Agency.
|
LA Clippers
|
Andrew has come out of hibernation with a trade to
announce… Sort of. One of his absolute favourites, Tari Eason, will be gone
along with the salary of Tobias Harris. Incoming is a true big man with Hart
to match. With two young stars- Jalen Williams and Paolo Banchero, and pick 4
in the upcoming draft, is it time (finally) for Andrew to go for it?
Team Needs:
Hit on pick 4 with the best player available.
Try to acquire a star with your salary cap space.
This is the most exciting roster this off-season.
|
LA Lakers
|
WEEEEEEEMMMMMMMMMMMMMMBBBBBBBBBBBBYYYYYYYY! Well, GM Justin has done it, he’s found the deal we
all wish we had the assets to make. Wembanyama. Amazing. Justin will begin
the offseason with Wemby, Leonard, Amen Thompson, Zion and plenty of useful
role players. Rumour has it a small deal was struck to acquire Donte
DiVencenzo, which pretty much fills the last need they had- finding a
defensive, high IQ guard. I’m sure the Lakers have done more that this writer
doesn’t know about but at this point they enter the off-season once again as
a title favourite.
Team Needs:
Stay under the second apron. If you want to be able
to keep this squad together for the long term, savvy financial moves will be
key.
Acquire smart contracts.
A fridge full of Champaign.
|
Memphis Grizzlies
|
With pick 9 in the draft and a concrete roster, GM
Rootsy will probably play the smart acquisition game this off-season. He’s
fresh out of the second apron, navigating his way out almost effortlessly,
but will probably tell you it isn’t the most fun he’s had in NSL. It’s
expected he will add a good rookie with his terrific scouting ability and
find a veteran here or there. This roster is good and should bounce back in
2025-26.
Team Needs:
Financially savvy moves.
Look for a future scoring guard in the draft?
Add to the core without breaking the bank.
|
Miami Heat
|
Cruising through Vietnam, avoiding the pressures of
running the greatest league on Earth, GM Pistol is keeping one eye on the
league, the other on a freshly poured Pina Colada at the bar. Once again, he
is in the lottery this time with both pick 10 and 14. Pistol will likely add
to his young core while looking at ways to find another star to lead his
franchise forward. Derrick White has an underrated amazing contract, and his
young stars should continue to get better and better.
Team Needs:
Find out what to do with Lauri, keep or trade?
Is it time to package some talent and picks for a
superstar?
Win a 6MOTY award- write a few more posts about how
good CJ McCollum is to draw the attention of the league.
|
Milwaukee Bucks
|
GM Ethan is one of the league’s best and once again
delivered a commendable season. He will tell you it was not a success, but
his team got younger and continued to win which is no easy feat. The Bucks
will be knocking on the door of the apron and will find themselves with some
tough decisions to make, can they run it back or is it time to cut the fat?
Who is the fat?
Team Needs:
Navigate the second apron build a team with a
support cast of vets while choosing the right guys to keep.
Find salary cutting deals for guys not needed while
keeping value.
Stay the course.
|
Minnesota T'wolves
|
The Wolves may have dodged a 7-foot bullet with
Jonas Valanciunas being implored to return to the Nuggets for next season.
Had Jonas left the NBA, the NSL Wolves could’ve been on the edge of collapse.
Two aging, injury prone stars and Russell leaving in free agency is
manageable but another key starter who contributes massively to winning
would’ve been salt in the wound. GM Shay can breathe for now, but some magic
might need to happen this offseason.
Team Needs:
Retain Russell
Find a ready-now prospect at pick 22, preferably a
wing or C to replace Val at season’s end.
Find some veterans to fill the second unit.
|
New Orleans Pelicans
|
It’s no secret the Pels have been fielding offers
for some of their biggest names, most notably Rudy Gobert. With a roster that
has a blend of youth and experience, GM Leeroy really could go either way.
The sit near the second apron prior to renouncing etc, so there’s a definite
pathway to keeping this squad together around Luka, though it’s likely
Russell Westbrook, Boucher and Dinwiddie would be hard to keep. Perhaps
Leeroy pushes the window back a year or two, but I’ve heard nothing.
Team Needs:
Choose your destiny- go for it with Luka or give him
a little time.
Draft a capable replacement backup guard with pick
19.
Work out what to do with Rudy Gobert and the $110mil
he’s owed over the next 3 years.
|
New York Knicks
|
Where there’s smoke, there’s Smokey. I’m pretty sure
that hasn’t been used before and I have no idea why it hasn’t been. He’s
always up to something and it looks like he has trades lined up. The site
says he has pick 2 but most NSL pundits do not expect him to be making that
pick. I genuinely don’t know what the Knicks have at this point so I
apologise for a half-hearted section below.
Team Needs:
Tell the league how many first round picks he has
and make them squabble for them.
Draft for best player available with his multiple
firsts in the upcoming draft.
Re-sign Josh Giddey.
Do something crazy with your cap space.
This might be the most exciting roster this
off-season, actually.
|
Oklahoma City Thunder
|
Though cut short, the Thunder had an awesome run
last season. They pushed the chips in acquiring Curry at the deadline to pair
with Anthony Edwards, one of the most exciting NSL stars. There’s plenty to
work with in this dynamic duo, though the finances will be tight with Curry
earning nearly $60 million next season. Woah. Ayton gave the Thunder a week
or two of panic, but he’s found a place in the NBA, GM James will be hoping
he maintains a role in the rotation in LA so his ratings stay strong through their
next year’s title run.
Team Needs:
Financially savvy contracts
One or two wings who can cover minutes and hold
their own defensively
|
Orlando Magic
|
The Magic will be busy in free agency with two of
the biggest free agents on their roster. Kyrie Irving (re-sign bonue) and Naz
Reid will both be receiving interest as will GM Mailo’s Gm point balance. The
Magic look in a good position to run it back but will need to pay mind to the
aprons moving forward. They will have a number of expiring contracts so in
Mailo’s case it might be a quiet year then reassess next year.
Team Needs:
Find a ready-now guard to cover Irving while he’s
out in the draft with pick 15.
Retain, retain, retain.
|
Philadelphia 76ers
|
GM of the Year Nenjamin approaches off-season with
several options. He could go for it now and move some young pieces including
Jalen Green or Dejounte Murray along with many, many seconds, or he could
push the window back and move off some still useful veteran studs such as
Paul George (huge salary), Draymond Green and Steven Adams. There is no one
in this league, maybe even the world, who understands salary rules better
than GM Ben so I’m assuming his position near the second apron will be fine
by the time FA is over. His moves will be followed with intrigue by the
league.
Team Needs:
Choose your destiny- add valuable veterans or go the
youth path.
Package some of the second-round picks 37, 38, 48,
51, 58 to move up in either the second round or move 21 towards the lotter.
Add free agents in accordance with your direction
|
Phoenix Suns
|
The Suns are another team that has been busy since
basically finishing their 2025 campaign. There have been so many highs and
lows for GM Laddas this off-season and the NSL draft hasn’t even happened
yet. Dame gets injured, Dame gets waived, Beal gets waived (likely). It’s
really all happening for the Suns who will have a totally different roster in
2025-26. It’s rumoured draft picks are on the way as Sharpe is set to become
the focal point of the franchise, who will the Suns add that can be the next
generation with Sharpe?
Team Needs:
Wing defence to surround incoming studs
Bring back Yabusele
Find another future star to run with Sharpe
|
Portland Blazers
|
Here he is, the guy who monopolised the draft. Our
Sam Presti. GM Jmac is loading this season, and it all begins with the draft
in a couple of weeks’ time. The man has prepared his own sheet of which picks
go where because he’s manipulated the draft more than the league can actually
follow. It’s ludicrous. But hats off to the champ, he knows how to get value
and to get to his goals and it looks like Portland will have the first two
picks of the draft as well as a few young studs from other franchises coming
to town. Dame too. Brace yourselves.
Team Needs:
Who am I to tell this man…
Two generational young stars with pick 1 and 2 in
the draft.
Build around them with current stars as a way to
exploit the salary rules.
Continue being you.
|
Sacramento Kings
|
The bluest balls in the NSL belong to the Sacramento
Kings. There’s some serious Sac pain as GM Klemm continues to sit on the
sidelines with negative GM points. Though it has been a terrific management
move to save the Kings from their trigger-happy GM, soon it feels like
Sacramento’s predicament could genuinely get in the way of them exploiting
the market to add talent.
Team Needs:
GM points. Will do unspeakable things for 5+
Retain Fred Vanvleet’s new desirable contract
Find a good defender who can play wing positions and
the 4
Continue to add to an exciting young core with an
early second round pick
|
San Antonio Spurs
|
Coming off a surprised Finals run the Spurs are
still on cloud 9, though a little disappointed after daring to dream of a 3rd
title. The squad is mostly contracted, though it’s rumoured that Donte
DiVencenzo has been traded for a big man who will replace the recently waived
Jock Landale. GM Nels is optimistic that Jamal Murray can continue to grow as
his NBA situation looks even better next season. With Giannis and a stable of
large wings (all under contract), the Spurs are hopeful for another deep
playoff run next season.
Team Needs:
Re-sign Luke Kornet, Josh Minnot (RFA) and Ryan
Rollins (RFA)
Add another bench scorer with the veteran minimum
Avoid going into the first apron if possible
|
Toronto Raptors
|
With the biggest name without a bonus in free agency
on their roster, GM Dylan will be working the lines to ensure a big gm bid is
ready to go. Myles Turner is a key part of the Raptors franchise and will
reportedly be brought back at any cost.
With Durant, Brunson, Myles and the full MLE, the
future looks bright in Toronto. Their off-season will be fun to watch and
they will be a key player.
Team Needs:
Retain Myles Turner at all costs
Find useful role players to fit around their big 3
using full MLE
Find good backup shooters and wing defenders using
minimum money
|
Utah Jazz
|
The Jazz are another team that find themselves at a
crossroads. Embiid sat most of the tail end of last season and the post
season didn’t go to play. GM Jase has a roster with experience and some
high-end youth in Wagner, Reaves and Daniels. It almost feels like a passing
of the torch is coming.
Team Needs:
Clear direction, a press release from Joel Embiid
A diamond in the rough with pick 27- best player
available
Re-sign James Harden
Extend Wagner
Figure out what to do with expiring Porzingis
Find a surgical solution for Embiid’s legs
|
Washington Wizards
|
Save the best til last, THE CHAMPIONS!!!
Entering the off-season for the first time as NSL
Champion, GM Josh is humble and focused on being the first GM to go
back-to-back. Is it possible? He’s out to prove it is.
With an aging roster that is still 2k elite, Josh
will look to retain core guys and cut the fat. They are in 2nd
apron territory with renouncing to go, with free agents including Capella (a
key in the title run), Davion Mitchell who got paid in the NBA and some
lesser names on veteran minimums. He will have some signing bonuses, though
Capella will force him to pay the price.
Team Needs:
Retain, retain, retain
Stay under the 2nd apron if possible
Convince Lebron to play one more year
Find some defensive role players for wing positions
|
| | Comments (4) | | laddas 07/08 02:26 am | This is brilliant mate. Great work. Pretty much nailed my team | | JustinG 07/07 06:29 pm | High praise for the Lake Show. I am hoping we can live up to it someday. | | jmac 07/07 05:29 pm | A man who loves the game and the craft pf storytelling. Thank you. | | dazman 07/07 10:28 am | Absolutely terrific, fantastic read | |
|
Archive
· NSL Mock - Lottery · NSL Off-Season Team Needs · WCF Review: Wolves V Spurs · Round 1 Recap: 76ers V Hornets · Round 2 Preview: Wolves V Pels · Round 1 Recap: Thunder V Pels · Round 2 Preview: Bucks V Wizards · Round 2 Preview: Cavs V 76ers · Round 1 Recap: Jazz V Wolves · Round 1 Recap: Lakers V Rockets |