National Basketball Association

2016 NBA Free Agency Cheat Sheet: Everything you need to know about all 30 teams

Published Jun. 30, 2016 9:00 a.m. ET

Andrew Lynch

With the NBA playoffs put to bed and the 2016 Draft in the rear-view mirror, it's time for one of the best parts of the NBA calendar: Free agency!

This year's free agency period should be particularly fun. There's one story everyone's talking about, of course: Kevin Durant holds the future of the league in his hands as he contemplates whether to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder, sign with the Golden State Warriors or surprise us all by picking one of the other teams on his shortlist.

But it's not just Durant's decision that has us excited for the summer. The salary cap is making an unprecedented leap from approximately $70 million in 2015-16 to an estimated $94 million for the 2016-17 season. That means a lot of players are about to get paid a lot of money, and none of the numbers are going to make any sense compared to deals of the past.

Yes, chaos will reign when free agency begins at 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday morning. So to sort through the noise, here's everything you need to know for all 30 teams. Keep this cheat sheet handy when it all goes down over the next week or so.

(Note: Salary cap numbers are courtesy of Spotrac.com and reflect the maximum amount of space a team can have by rescinding all cap holds and free agents. In most cases, that won't be anywhere near the final amount spent by a team, but it's an indication of how aggressive a franchise can be in pursuing max players. As for the potential free-agent options, we concentrated on players on our list of this summer's top options, with several lesser-known names included where applicable.)

Cap space: $37.1 million

Major free agents: Al Horford (unrestricted), Kent Bazemore (unrestricted)

Needs: Center, backup point guard, wing depth

Atlanta's offseason will likely come down to whether they're willing to give Al Horford a full five-year max contract, or if the Hawks will hold firm on a four-year deal for the 30-year-old center. Bazemore, meanwhile, could be looking at $15 million or more. If the Hawks lose both players, a rebuild could come next.

Potential free agent targets: Dwight Howard, Nicolas Batum, and a continued insistence on trying to sign Kevin Durant

Cap space: $42.2 million

Major free agents: Evan Turner (unrestricted), Jared Sullinger (restricted), Tyler Zeller (restricted)

Needs: Center, wing depth, a scorer to help Isaiah Thomas carry the load

The Celtics are one of the lucky teams who will reportedly get a meeting with Kevin Durant. Realistically, though, KD is not coming to Boston. Al Horford, on the other hand, would look pretty good in green and white. He'd also allow the Celtics to play five players on the perimeter -- or "five-out" -- if they so desire.

Potential free-agent targets: Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Dwight Howard, Nicolas Batum, Kent Bazemore

Cap space: $38.8 million

Major free agents: Thomas Robinson (unrestricted), Shane Larkin (unrestricted)

Needs: A centerpiece around whom to rebuild

You can't get much lower than where Brooklyn is these days. In fact, if you forgot that the Nets even exist, I won't hold it against you. All this team can do is try to accumulate talent as it begins the achingly slow climb back from rock bottom. That might mean trading Brook Lopez if the Nets can sign one of the top big men this offseason.

Potential free agent targets: Harrison Barnes, Nicolas Batum, Dwight Howard, Chandler Parsons, Jeremy Lin

Cap space: $47.2 million

Major free agents: Nicolas Batum (unrestricted), Tyler Hansbrough (unrestricted), Al Jefferson (unrestricted), Courtney Lee (unrestricted), Jeremy Lin (unrestricted), Marvin Williams (unrestricted)

Needs: A go-to scorer, help on the wings, a modern big man

The biggest priority for the Hornets should be re-signing Batum. And because continuity is so important in the NBA, it wouldn't hurt to bring Williams and Lin back as well. Unfortunately, all three can choose to go elsewhere if they so desire, which could ignite a rebuild in Charlotte. Either way, it's probably time to let the Al Jefferson era come to a close -- especially if a certain Miami Heat big man is interested in a homecoming.

Potential free-agent targets: Hassan Whiteside, Dwight Howard

Cap space: $26.1 million

Major free agents: Pau Gasol (unrestricted), Joakim Noah (unrestricted)

Needs: Center, point guard, wing depth

Derrick Rose is in New York, and both Noah and Gasol will almost certainly move on as well (with one probably going to the Knicks, if New York's reported interest in adding a big man turns out to be true). That gives Chicago the freedom to go in a new direction and build around Jimmy Butler. The flip side, though, is that the Bulls could be in for a long season if they strike out in free agency.

Potential free-agent targets: Hassan Whiteside, Bismack Biyombo, Rajon Rondo, Harrison Barnes, Kent Bazemore, DeMar DeRozan

Cap space: $16.4 million (technically, but that space is for LeBron)

Major free agents: LeBron James (unrestricted), Richard Jefferson (unrestricted), Timofey Mozgov (unrestricted), J.R. Smith (unrestricted), Matthew Dellavedova (restricted)

Needs: Re-signing LeBron

It's not complicated when you're the defending champion, although Cleveland's messy cap situation won't make things easy. The goal is to keep this group together. If you can get a player to join you on the cheap for a chance at a title, even better.

Potential free-agent targets: Jared Dudley, maybe?

Cap space: $62.8 million

Major free agents: Raymond Felton (unrestricted), Dirk Nowitzki (unrestricted), Zaza Pachulia (unrestricted), Chandler Parsons (unrestricted), Deron Williams (restricted)

Needs: Center, help for Dirk Nowitzki

The Mavs are a good barometer for how convoluted the salary cap rules are. For now, Dallas is actually short on cap space, with less than $2 million to spare. By renouncing all of their holds, though, the Mavs can open up a ton of space. Whether they're able to entice a big-name free agent to come play with Dirk for the twilight of his career is another question entirely, as is where Parsons will be playing next year.

Potential free-agent targets: Hassan Whiteside, Bismack Biyombo, Dwight Howard

Cap space: $32.2 million

Major free agents: Darrell Arthur (unrestricted)

Needs: Any kind of excitement

The Nuggets have a potential point guard of the future in Emmanuel Mudiay, a solid player on the wing in Wilson Chandler (who's coming back from a season-ending injury) and several young bigs who could develop into something special. Yet there's no one to put fans in the seats. A scorer or two-way player on the wing would be a nice addition in Denver.

Potential free-agent targets: Nicolas Batum, Chandler Parsons, Kent Bazemore

Cap space: $30.6 million

Major free agents: Andre Drummond (restricted)

Needs: Scoring depth, wings who can switch on defense

There are reports the Pistons are interested in Atlanta's Al Horford, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Horford, despite what certain vocal fans might tell you, is a center. He's a solid 3-point shooter on the right shots, but he wouldn't space the floor enough next to Drummond. Speaking of the big man, Detroit will obviously match any contract offered by another team this offseason.

Potential free-agent targets: Chandler Parsons, Kent Bazemore

Cap space: $17.6 million

Major free agents: Leandro Barbosa (unrestricted), Marreese Speights (unrestricted), Harrison Barnes (restricted), Festus Ezeli (restricted)

Needs: Kevin Durant, a starting big man

Durant is the key, obviously. Regardless of that pursuit, Golden State reportedly will look to trade Andrew Bogut, leaving room for a potential run at Al Horford should Durant sign elsewhere. And if Horford isn't interested in the Warriors, perhaps they'll take a look at one of the second-tier big men such as Bismack Biyombo. Other than that, it's hard to say what the Warriors will do until we know if they're getting KD, since adding his max contract would require basically moving everyone other than Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala. Even then, it might take trading Iguodala if there are no suitors for Bogut -- although it's hard to see the Warriors letting it come to that.

One thing is for certain: Re-signing Barnes will become a top priority if the Warriors can't sign Durant.

Potential free-agent targets: Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Bismack Biyombo

Cap space: $44.4 million

Major free agents: Dwight Howard (unrestricted), Josh Smith (unrestricted), Terrence Jones (restricted), Donatas Motiejunas (restricted)

Needs: Center, teammates who make sense next to James Harden

Howard is gone. There's no doubt about that. Now, the Rockets begin the difficult process of essentially tearing down the team around Harden while trying to regain their status as contenders. Replacing Howard with one of the top available big men would be a good start, and Houston should be doing everything possible to try to acquire Kent Bazemore, too.

Potential free-agent targets: Al Horford, Kent Bazemore, Hassan Whiteside, Bismack Biyombo

Cap space: $34.7 million

Major free agents: Jordan Hill (unrestricted), Solomon Hill (unrestricted), Ty Lawson (unrestricted), Ian Mahinmi (restricted)

Needs: 3-point shooting, bench help

Although I'm not quite as bullish on Jeff Teague as perhaps the Pacers are, there's no denying that Indiana has a solid core with the former Hawks point guard alongside Paul George and Myles Turner. Another wing would be a nice step forward in Indiana's successful rebuild. And it wouldn't hurt to take a look at Horford while the Pacers are at it. You know, just for fun.

Potential free-agent targets: Jared Dudley, Al Horford, Kent Bazemore

Cap space: $15.4 million

Major free agents: Jamal Crawford (unrestricted), Jeff Green (unrestricted), Wesley Johnson (unrestricted), Austin Rivers (unrestricted)

Needs: A starting wing, offensive depth

The Clippers reportedly want to pitch KD on teaming up with Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan in a deal that would require Durant taking less than the maximum salary. In other words, that's not happening. And a trade of one of the Clips' "Big Three" to open room for Durant probably isn't going to happen, either. Instead, the Clippers should probably focus their efforts on the second tier of free agent wings, since Luc Mbah a Moute started 61 games for L.A. last year.

Potential free-agent targets: Kevin Durant, Marvin Williams, Kent Bazemore

Cap space: $70.9 million

Major free agents: Roy Hibbert (unrestricted), Metta World Peace (unrestricted), Jordan Clarkson (restricted)

Needs: Center, wing depth, defense, not messing things up

The only real mistake the Lakers can make is signing both Harrison Barnes and DeMar DeRozan to max deals. Other than that, everything is on the table. My two cents: Biyombo is probably a better long-term prospect than Whiteside, who would be a risky acquisition for the Lakers; and if you can somehow get Kent Bazemore for $15 million or so a year, do that immediately.

Yes, I really like Kent Bazemore. UPDATE: The Lakers surprised us all by agreeing to one of the first deals of free agency, reportedly coming to terms with Cleveland Cavaliers free agent Timofey Mozgov on a four-year, $64-million deal, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

Potential free-agent targets: Harrison Barnes, DeMar DeRozan, Kent Bazemore, basically everyone on the market who isn't Dwight Howard

Cap space: $41.2 million

Major free agents: Matt Barnes (unrestricted), Mike Conley (unrestricted), Lance Stephenson (unrestricted)

Needs: 3-point shooting, potentially a Conley replacement

Memphis' offseason is all about keeping Conley. If he decides Memphis is where he wants to stay, then the Grizzlies can look at trying to add a scorer on the wing -- preferably one who can make 3s at a decent clip. If Conley leaves, then there are hard questions that have to be asked about Marc Gasol's contract and what the future holds in Memphis.

Potential free-agent targets: Nicolas Batum, Kent Bazemore, Chandler Parsons, Jeremy Lin, Mirza Teletovic

Cap space: $44.2 million

Major free agents: Luol Deng (unrestricted), Gerald Green (unrestricted), Udonis Haslem (unrestricted), Joe Johnson (unrestricted), Amar'e Stoudemire (unrestricted), Dwyane Wade (unrestricted), Hassan Whiteside (unrestricted), Tyler Johnson (restricted)

Needs: Frontcourt help, 3-point shooting

Like last year, all the reported huffing and puffing by Wade will probably amount to much ado about nothing. Expect him back in Miami next season. The Heat will focus on bringing back Whiteside, as well, especially with Chris Bosh's health still an unknown for next season. A Whiteside exit, conversely, could open the door for the Heat to pursue Al Horford. A 3-and-D wing would be nice, too, sure. Beyond that, it's all about the Heat's underdog chances at luring KD to south Florida.

Potential free-agent targets: Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Kent Bazemore, Marvin Williams, Nicolas Batum

Cap space: $32.4 million

Major free agents: O.J. Mayo (unrestricted), Miles Plumlee (restricted)

Needs: A go-to scorer, defensive help, a quality center

Milwaukee has young talent galore. Who wouldn't want to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker and Khris Middleton (to say nothing of 2016 first-round pick Thon Maker)? Unfortunately for the Bucks, it doesn't look like the Greg Monroe experiment is going to work out, and it's unclear if any of the top free agents have any interest in Milwaukee. As long as the Bucks avoid DeMar DeRozan, though, things should work out.

Potential free-agent targets: Al Horford, Harrison Barnes, Kent Bazemore, Nicolas Batum, Jeremy Lin

Cap space: $31.2 million

Major free agents: N/A

Needs: 3-point shooting, bench help

All of the typical names on the wings make sense in Minnesota -- Nicolas Batum, Kent Bazemore, Chandler Parsons, etc. -- but it's probably wishful thinking to expect any of them to consider the Timberwolves. Instead, the Wolves might be able to find some value in the middle tier of free agents while keeping the books clean for next season, when this young team will be even better after a season under new coach Tom Thibodeau.

Potential free-agent targets: Mirza Teletovic, Jared Dudley, not Harrison Barnes

Cap space: $25.4 million

Major free agents: Ryan Anderson (unrestricted), Norris Cole (unrestricted), Eric Gordon (unrestricted)

Needs: Help for Anthony Davis

The Brow is basically the only known commodity in New Orleans. That's a problem, given that his prime is right around the corner and the Pelicans haven't build a team around him. But panicking won't help Alvin Gentry's squad; throwing money at middle-class players simply because the cash is there to spend is a great way for a team to ruin its chances in the future. Like the Wolves, New Orleans should look to stockpile wing depth -- and maybe take a flier on a point guard.

Potential free-agent targets: Jeremy Lin, Rajon Rondo, Mario Chalmers, Marvin Williams, Kent Bazemore

Cap space: $37.8 million

Major free agents: Arron Afflalo (unrestricted), Derrick Williams (unrestricted), Cleanthony Early (restricted)

Needs: Wing depth, defensive help, a big man, someone who will pass the ball

The last thing the Knicks need is another scorer, since Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis will likely struggle to find enough touches on offense as it is. A backup point guard would be a solid addition, however, and it seems like New York is destined to sign one of Chicago's free-agent big men. Given Joakim Noah's injury history, Pau Gasol would be the smart play.

Potential free-agent targets: Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol, Rajon Rondo, D.J. Augustin, Mario Chalmers

Cap space: $21.9 million

Major free agents: Kevin Durant (unrestricted), Dion Waiters (restricted)

Needs: Re-signing Kevin Durant

Either KD comes back, or nothing else matters. Melodramatic? Maybe. Accurate? Yes. Fortunately for the Thunder, he's probably coming back, if only on a one-year deal, since that lets him make the most money. But there's a very real chance he'll sign with the Warriors, and that's terrifying for the denizens of OKC. Assuming Durant makes the smart financial decision, though, the Thunder could probably also use some help on the wings to replace Waiters.

Potential free-agent targets: Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Mirza Teletovic, Courtney Lee

Cap space: $45.3 million

Major free agents: Brandon Jennings (unrestricted), Evan Fournier (restricted)

Needs: Wing depth, a defensive center

Serge Ibaka should be great in Orlando, but the Magic need someone who can score and shoot 3s to complement the former Thunder big man -- as well as Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton. If that means bringing back Fournier, so be it. It also means Orlando will try to make a big splash with one of the max free agents on the market. Good luck with that one.

Potential free-agent targets: Chandler Parsons, Harrison Barnes, Al Horford

Cap space: $60.5 million

Major free agents: Ish Smith (unrestricted)

Needs: Guards, for the love of Shammgod

Things are starting to look up in Philly. Ben Simmons should be really good, Joel Embiid might actually play NBA basketball at some point, Dario Saric is reportedly coming stateside next year, Nerlens Noel continues to exist. All great things, truly. Yet the problem for the Sixers is that they're looking for a starting point guard, and this offseason's pool is remarkably shallow. Other than that, expect Philly to chase most of the big names. What else are you going to do with all that cap space?

Potential free-agent targets: Mike Conley, Jeremy Lin, Nicolas Batum, Harrison Barnes

Cap space: $35.7 million

Major free agents: Chase Budinger (unrestricted), Mirza Teletovic (unrestricted)

Needs: Wing depth, 3-point shooting, power forward

For the second time in less than five years, the Suns are rebuilding. With plenty of cap space and no real depth on the roster (other than maybe at center), Phoenix will try to sign basically anyone who has a pulse and can put the ball in the basket.

Potential free-agent targets: Harrison Barnes, Al Horford, Nicolas Batum, Chandler Parsons

Cap space: $40.3 million

Major free agents: Maurice Harkless (restricted), Meyers Leonard (restricted)

Needs: Defense, center, wing depth

Portland seems like a pretty solid fit for Dwight Howard -- assuming he's willing to start playing more as a pick-and-roll big man and less as a traditional big with his back to the basket. By the same logic, Al Horford would be fantastic as a Blazer, too. Really, with a top-notch coach and a smart front office, Portland can't go wrong this summer.

Potential free-agent targets: Dwight Howard, Al Horford, Kent Bazemore

Cap space: $29.3 million

Major free agents: Rajon Rondo (unrestricted)

Needs: Point guard, wing depth

Full disclosure: I don't know what the Kings are going to do. No one does. They're the Kings. They have cap room, and they have glaring needs in the backcourt. They also have one of the most dominant players in the league, DeMarcus Cousins. Maybe Boogie's presence alone is enough to attract a free agent to Sacramento, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Potential free-agent targets: Mike Conley, Harrison Barnes, Chandler Parsons, Jeremy Lin

Cap space: $11.8 million

Major free agents: Manu Ginobili (unrestricted), David West (unrestricted), Boban Marjanovic (restricted)

Needs: A decision from Tim Duncan, a ballhandler for the future, Kevin Durant

There are two big questions for the Spurs this offseason. First, can they convince Durant that San Antonio offers his best chance to win a title? And maybe more important for the franchise, are Duncan and Ginobili going to retire? Duncan has opted into the last year of his deal, but indications are he's still mulling retirement. Ginobili, meanwhile, opted out of his deal and became a free agent -- but he too is considering calling it quits. There's another issue flying under the radar for the Spurs, however. Tony Parker looks like he might be at the end of his career as a starting point guard for a championship contender, so Mike Conley and the Spurs would be a match made in heaven.

Potential free-agent targets: Kevin Durant, Mike Conley, Kent Bazemore

Cap space: $24.1 million

Major free agents: Bismack Biyombo (unrestricted), DeMar DeRozan (unrestricted), Luis Scola (unrestricted)

Needs: Center, 3-point shooting

It's hard to see where the Raptors go from here if they lose both Biyombo and DeRozan. And since they can both make the most money by staying in Toronto, it's fair to expect both to return next season. The problem with that scenario is there might not be cap space left for the Raptors to improve upon a roster that's clearly not good enough to best LeBron James in the Eastern Conference.

Potential free-agent targets: Re-signing Biyombo and DeRozan, Mirza Teletovic, Jared Dudley

Cap space: $32.4 million

Major free agents: Trevor Booker (unrestricted)

Needs: A go-to scorer, bench help

To be clear, Gordon Hayward is capable of being the go-to scorer for the Jazz. Ideally, though, he's a second option, free to slice up defenses and spot up for open 3s in the flow of the offense. There's really not a scorer on the market who makes sense for Utah, though. Instead, the Jazz will be content with their draft-day trade for George Hill and maybe signing a wing or two in free agency to bolster this young squad.

Potential free-agent targets: Kent Bazemore, Jared Dudley

Cap space: $42.9 million

Major free agents: Jared Dudley (unrestricted), Bradley Beal (restricted)

Needs: Frontcourt help, bench players

The Wizards will match any offer for Beal, so there's no worry that he'll end up elsewhere. It also sounds like Washington has given up on any chance that Kevin Durant comes home to the D.C. area, which is wise. Better to spend time trying to sign a wing who might actually be interested in your team than to chase a pipe dream.

Potential free-agent targets: Harrison Barnes, Chandler Parsons, Nicolas Batum, Al Horford