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For 14 teams, the next game is off the table. Instead, their focus shifts to the upcoming season, allowing these non-playoff squads ample time to reflect on their circumstances and pinpoint the failures or successes of their past campaign.
Indeed, many of these franchises hold the first picks in the June draft, feature a promising roster of young talent, and possess the flexibility in their salary cap to either sign free agents or negotiate trades this summer.
This represents the silver lining to failing to reach the playoffs. Teams often find themselves with lower salary commitments and higher draft picks. Every team must begin from somewhere, and not long ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced similar struggles, searching for answers. This season, as we witnessed in 2024-25, they discovered a few.
Here’s a glimpse of hope for the 14 franchises now looking ahead as they prepare for the next season:
(Note: Teams are arranged alphabetically)
**Record: 40-42**
The Hawks have a promising roster filled with players aged 23 or younger, including Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, and Mouhamed Gueye, who support star guard Trae Young. With the addition of Onyeka Okongwu, this squad has the potential to contend for the playoffs.
However, they need to make a pivotal decision regarding Young’s future—whether to extend his contract or pursue a trade that could acquire multiple assets. This choice will be crucial in determining if the Hawks can elevate themselves beyond the middle tier in the Eastern Conference.
**Record: 26-56**
Equipped with young talent, up to $45 million in salary cap space, and an assortment of draft picks, the Nets find themselves in a more favorable position than some playoff teams from 2024-25.
They have a variety of options this summer, which is essential for a team in rebuild mode. Securing a strong draft pick, possibly adding a veteran via free agency or trade, and exercising patience as they integrate these changes will be crucial.
**Record: 19-63**
LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Tidjane Salaun, and Mark Williams are all 23 and under, providing the Hornets with a vital young core that needs time to mature. Miller has the potential to become an All-Star, while Ball is already among the league’s leading scorers and has just begun a long-term contract.
What they lack is a foundational superstar, which is hard to come by. Meanwhile, the Hornets possess the draft resources to continue fortifying their core while hoping for a stroke of luck.
**Record: 38-43**
With Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis as promising players, the Bulls are nearly settled at these positions due to their youth and development.
Now, the search for a star player begins. The Bulls have salary cap flexibility for trades and the ability to extend key players. A successful draft is crucial for them, and acquiring Buzelis could signal a positive trend for their future.
**Record: 39-43**
Amidst the fallout from the Luka Dončić trade, it became clear that injuries hindered the Mavericks’ competitiveness this season. The good news is that barring Kyrie Irving, they should be back to full strength for next season’s opener.
If Irving is healthy by 2026, the Mavericks could reclaim their playoff status—possibly even contending—if they can land another impactful piece this summer.
**Record: 21-61**
With Joe Dumars at the helm, the Pelicans are under new leadership. His first task will be assessing the future of Zion Williamson in New Orleans. A healthy Williamson could elevate the Pelicans into playoff contention.
Veteran Dejounte Murray and dependable young player Trey Murphy III comprise a solid foundation. Compared to other rebuilding teams, Dumars’s work is somewhat simplified, but securing a promising rookie like Yves Missi in the draft would be beneficial.
**Record: 24-58**
Despite their record, it’s clear that the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t as troubled as numbers suggest. Joel Embiid, a dominant force, will take the summer to recuperate—something he should have prioritized last summer rather than participating in the Olympics. Paul George may not have flourished in his first season with the team, but he deserves a chance to prove himself.
Additionally, Jared McClain, had he not suffered a season-ending injury, could have contended for Rookie of the Year. With a strong core that includes Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers have the potential for 50 wins, yet their high-profile contracts necessitate action starting next season.
**Record: 36-46**
Having ceded much of their draft capital for the next several years, the Suns must perform some serious maneuvering to avoid prolonged struggles, as poor season finishes won’t yield high draft positions.
Their ace in the hole is Kevin Durant. The right team could lead to a fruitful trade, enabling the Suns to regain valuable assets. The ultimate gamble might involve Devin Booker—parting ways with him may sadden the fanbase, but his market value exceeds Durant’s.
**Record: 36-46**
Despite missing the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season, the Blazers were competitive in the final stretch. Consequently, coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin were rewarded with contract extensions.
Youngsters like Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, and even Scoot Henderson exhibited development over the season. While their progression may have diminished their chances for the top draft pick, building a stronger asset pool puts the Blazers in a position to make a significant trade for a franchise player.
**Record: 40-42**
With a new general manager and possibly a new coach, the Kings quickly reacted to their recent regression—likely a necessary move for Sacramento to regain momentum. A key step involves determining Domantas Sabonis’s future. Can they secure a lucrative return for the reigning rebounding champion, or should they keep him and strategize around him, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine?
This franchise doesn’t face a complete rebuild; they possess talent, including potential All-Stars (Sabonis and LaVine). Their next decision needs to be well-considered.
**Record: 34-48**
How many playoff teams would prefer the Spurs’ roster? Quite a few, actually. San Antonio, as it stands, doesn’t resemble a typical lottery team, and they find themselves in this position because they’re still in the development phase.
Starting with Victor Wembanyama and supported by De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, and Devin Vassell, the Spurs are in a solid spot. One well-timed trade or excellent draft pick could propel them into serious contention in the West.
**Record: 30-52**
The Raptors’ key advantage is their roster filled with several established players (including Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl) all under contract for the next season. From a talent point of view, Toronto already has the components necessary for a playoff run next year, which alleviates the urgency for offseason negotiations with significant players.
However, what they require is an All-NBA caliber player. Without one, the Raptors will struggle to compete against the top teams in the East. They will need to craft a trade proposal to acquire such a talent or hope that Barnes steps into that role.
**Record: 17-65**
The Jazz boast some of the best odds to secure the No. 1 pick, enjoy ample salary cap space, and possess numerous draft assets. This, combined with the presence of Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, offers hope for Utah.
The next step involves addressing the veteran players in the mix. Collin Sexton, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson all hold some degree of value. Should Utah land the top draft pick, expect major moves to rapidly pave the way for a bright future.
**Record: 18-64**
Michael Winger and Will Dawkins have a vision for the Wizards, even if the team struggled this season. Their approach is focused on the long term, cleaning house of oversized contracts and providing opportunities for younger players. After the All-Star break, Bub Carrington and Alex Sarr made noticeable strides in their development.
With two picks in the upcoming June Draft, and one likely to hold the highest odds for the number one selection, the Wizards could find themselves rapidly emerging as a team with a shortened rebuilding timeline should they secure that desired pick.
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Shaun Powell has been covering the NBA for over 25 years. You may reach him via email, view his archives, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
