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The 2022 NBA free-agent class consists of a lot of role players.
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Using Spotrac’s “Projected practical cap space,” we listed 7 teams that could do well next summer.
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The Knicks are the only big-market team with a path to cap space, followed by small, rebuilding markets.
NBA free agency in 2022 will look a little different than usual.
Several big-name stars slated to hit the open market have since signed extensions leaving mostly quality rotation players and role players.
Currently, only four teams are slated to have cap space. Instead, we used Spotrac’s “Projected practical cap space,” which assumes a team waives cap holds on free agents and declines team options on players to get an idea of who could be active in the offseason.
This is a tricky system to use – in some cases, it would mean a team would release the cap hold of a good player to open up cap space. For this reason, the Chicago Bulls did not make our list, because it would mean they’d open up cap space by relinquishing rights to Zach LaVine, an unlikely event.
It’s early in the season and things can change, but here’s who’s slated to make some noise next offseason.
New York Knicks
Projected practical cap space: $18.5 million
2022 offseason outlook: The Knicks haven’t landed a superstar free agent in years, but they have historically landed quality rotation players, and most recently, a borderline All-Star in Kemba Walker. Things are looking up in MSG, as the Knicks appear to be on pace to make the playoffs for a second straight season. New York can open up cap space by off-loading the contracts of Derrick Rose, Nerlens Noel, and Alec Burks, players who will all essentially be on expiring deals (the third years of their contracts are all team options). The only glamour market with an obvious path to cap space, it may be appealing to join the Knicks in front of a rejuvenated fan base.
San Antonio Spurs
Projected practical cap space: $41.9 million
2022 offseason outlook: The Spurs have a league-leading amount of cap space, which automatically vaults them to the top of our list. These aren’t the Spurs of yesteryears, but Gregg Popovich is still a draw (assuming he returns for next season) and players like Derrick White, Keldon Johnson, and Dejounte Murray offer some young-ish talent that could attract free agents. San Antonio isn’t anywhere close to championship contention, but with some help, they’ll be in the playoff mix.
Projected practical cap space: $26.3 million
2022 offseason outlook: Charlotte may not be a premier free agent destination, but they’ve done alright in recent years, snagging Gordon Hayward and Kelly Oubre over the past two offseasons. But the draw in Charlotte is all about LaMelo Ball. Any scorer, shooter, or slasher would surely love to play alongside Ball’s generational passing, knowing easy, open looks await them. The young, fun, run-and-gun Hornets should compete for a playoff spot this season and could be a draw for next year’s class of free agents.
Toronto Raptors
Projected practical cap space: $3.3 million
2022 offseason outlook: While Spotrac’s “practical” projection only creates $3 million in cap space for the Raptors, they could open up more by moving players like Khem Birch (2 years, $13 million remaining after this season) and young players like Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn who are on cheap, easy-to-move rookie deals. The Raptors were unusually quiet this offseason, but historically, Masai Ujiri has swung big to improve the team. The Raptors have a solid core in place and were champions just three years ago. Free agents might be tempted to join them after seeing the love the fanbase showed a player like Kyle Lowry.
Memphis Grizzlies
Projected practical cap space: $22.6 million
2022 offseason outlook: Memphis isn’t a free agent destination, either, but like Charlotte, it would be all about playing with a young star in Ja Morant. The Grizzlies have a talented, young core in place, and a winning tradition that often gets over-looked – they’ve made the playoffs in eight of the last 11 seasons. Head coach Taylor Jenkins gets the most out of his squads, and the Grizz could jump a level if they land a difference-maker in free agency.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected practical cap space: $31 million
2022 offseason outlook: Okay, Cleveland also isn’t a free-agent hot-spot, but there is a lot to work with in Cleveland. They have an intriguing young core featuring Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Isaac Okoro, and Jarrett Allen (the fate of restricted free agent Collin Sexton is unclear), and appear to be moving in the right direction. Cleveland looked like a fine place to play when LeBron James and the Cavs were competing for championships, and free agents might be enticed to join up for a playoff push.
Detroit Pistons
Projected practical cap space: $39.3 million
2022 offseason outlook: This might be a stretch, as Detroit is even less of a destination than some of the cities mentioned above. But Detroit does have an interesting future, with No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham (yet to suit up this season with a sprained ankle), All-Rookie First Team member Saddiq Bey, and interesting youngsters in Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes. Head coach Dwane Casey is liked by players, and GM Troy Weaver has thus far done a nice job rebuilding a broken roster. Hey, someone has to pay free agents!
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