The NBA Salary Cap Hits $165 Million and Only Three Teams Have Real Money to Spend

Alright, hoops fans, free agency is heating up, and it's already a total scramble! The postseason showed every team needs to get better, and boom, some big names are already off the market. Austin Reaves is staying with the Lakers, Trae Young with the Wizards, and Isaiah Hartenstein with the Thunder. We're talking a projected $165 million salary cap, but here’s the kicker: hardly anyone has real cash to throw around!

Cap Space Crunch: Who's Got the Dough?

Seriously, it's a tight market. Only the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Brooklyn Nets have true spending power. And get this, some of that money is already earmarked! The Bulls are looking at Nicolas Claxton, and the Nets are eyeing Julius Randle in pending trades. The LA Clippers and Detroit Pistons *might* have some room, but that all depends on contract decisions due before early July. This list of available players, which started at 75, is already down to 55 and shrinking fast. Teams and players are making crucial calls this Monday, so get ready!

Who's Still Out There? Early Free Agent Rankings

So, with the big spenders already targeting their guys, what about the rest? Let's check out a few players ranked from #57 to #52 who are still searching for their next gig. At #57 is Gabe Vincent from the Atlanta Hawks, previously on an $11.5 million salary. This experienced veteran guard saw his three-point shooting drop from 36.9 percent with the Lakers to 30 percent in Atlanta. He’s probably looking for veteran bench leadership, likely on a minimum deal. Coming in

Trade on Every Game with Kalshi

Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.

at #56, it's Matisse Thybulle from the Portland Trail Blazers, who made $11.2 million. Known for his defense, he hit an impressive 39.8 percent from deep through 30 games last season. A team needing a "3-and-D" specialist will definitely be interested, though the Blazers might not match his previous pay. At #55, we find Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors, earning $3.3 million. He brings clutch perimeter defense and occasional scoring. The Warriors and Coach Steve Kerr want him back, and he’s probably sticking around on a minimum deal. His defensive pedigree is always sought after. Next, at #54 is Nicolas Batum from the LA Clippers, with a $5.6 million salary and a $5.9 million team option. Given the Clippers' push for younger talent like Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, Batum’s option is up in the air. He’s a smart veteran who can still hit clutch shots, valuable for contenders, but the Clippers might ditch his salary for flexibility. And at #53, it’s Jordan Clarkson from the New York Knicks, previously on a $3.6 million salary. He’s been a go-to bench scorer for years. At almost 34, he still proved capable, playing 17.8 minutes per game for the Knicks. He even snagged a title with New York in his 12th season and was the 2020-21 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. What a run for a #46 pick! Finally, at #52, we have Pat Spencer from the Golden State Warriors, on a modest $857,804 deal.

What's Next?

This free agency market is gonna be intense! With so few teams holding major cap space, every option decision coming Monday is critical. Keep your eyes peeled as these vets find their new homes. It's gonna be a wild ride!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.