NBA free agency 2026: How much all 30 teams can spend this summer

Key Points:

• Only the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls currently project to have over $30 million in salary cap space this offseason, with most teams facing tighter financial constraints due to increased rookie and veteran extensions under the 2023 CBA.
• Several teams like the Lakers, Hawks, Pistons, Clippers, and Grizzlies have some cap space but must make costly roster moves or renounce free agents to create significant room for acquisitions.
• Many franchises, including the Hornets, Mavericks, Bucks, Trail Blazers, Spurs, Jazz, and Wizards, have moderate cap flexibility primarily through the $15 million non-tax midlevel exception but are limited in major signings.
• Teams such as the Celtics, Cavaliers, Warriors, Rockets, 76ers, Raptors, Pacers, Pelicans, Heat, Timberwolves, Knicks, Magic, Suns, and Kings face financial decisions heavily influenced by their own free agents and salary thresholds, with some nearing or above the luxury tax aprons.
• The Nuggets and Thunder are positioned as second-apron teams with severe restrictions on adding salary, facing significant luxury tax penalties, and limited ability to use exceptions, impacting their roster-building strategies this offseason.