The NBA’s 2025-26 training camps are under way, with players reporting for media sessions Monday and practices beginning Tuesday. Below is a club-by-club guide to the most pressing issues, contract clocks and roster numbers each franchise will juggle during the next three weeks, leading up to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s banner-raising night.
Atlanta Hawks
Roster math: 10 guaranteed, 3 partial/non-guaranteed, 2 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: how a rebuilt rotation handles elevated expectations and whether Trae Young (eligible for four years, $229 million through June 30) reaches an extension. Atlanta also has until Oct. 20 to lock up Dyson Daniels.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Daniels extension), Oct. 31 (Zaccharie Risacher third-year option).
Extension candidates: Kristaps Porziņģis, Young, Daniels, Mouhamed Gueye.
Boston Celtics
Roster math: 12 guaranteed, 2 partial/non, 4 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: replacing front-court production after losing Jayson Tatum (Achilles), Porziņģis, Luke Kornet and Al Horford. Minutes will be spread among Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, Xavier Tillman and Josh Minott.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Queta guarantee), Oct. 21 (Jordan Walsh salary bump), Oct. 31 (Baylor Scheierman option).
Extension candidates: Walsh, Anfernee Simons.
Brooklyn Nets
Roster math: 15 guaranteed, 3 partial/non, 1 Exhibit 10, 2 two-way.
Main focus: eight first-rounders on rookie deals and the league-minimum salary floor. If the Nets waive Jalen Wilson, Tyrese Martin and Drew Timme, they fall below the 90 percent threshold and must spend cap room or guarantee those contracts.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Michael Porter Jr. extension), Oct. 21 (Wilson protection jump), Oct. 31 (options for Kobe Bufkin, Dariq Whitehead, Noah Clowney).
Extension candidate: Porter Jr.
Charlotte Hornets
Roster math: 15 guaranteed, 1 partial/non, 2 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: availability of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges after an injury-ridden year; seven players are on rookie contracts.
Key dates: Oct. 22 (Moussa Diabate protection), Oct. 31 (Tidjane Salaün and Miller options).
Extension candidates: Collin Sexton, Grant Williams, Pat Connaughton.
Chicago Bulls
Roster math: 15 guaranteed, 0 partial/non, 1 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: deciding the opening-night small forward between Kevin Huerter and Isaac Okoro after Josh Giddey re-signed for four years, $100 million.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Dalen Terry extension), Oct. 31 (Matas Buzelis option).
Extension candidates: Nikola Vučević, Terry, Julian Phillips, Jevon Carter, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Zach Collins (eligible Oct. 1).
Cleveland Cavaliers
Roster math: 11 guaranteed, 3 partial/non, 5 Exhibit 10, 2 two-way.
Main focus: managing Donovan Mitchell’s minutes while Darius Garland (toe) and Max Strus (left foot surgery) work back. Lonzo Ball arrives as injury insurance.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Garland, De’Andre Hunter extensions), Oct. 31 (Jaylon Tyson option).
Extension candidates: Dean Wade, Strus, Garland, Hunter.
Dallas Mavericks
Roster math: 14 guaranteed, 2 partial/non, 3 Exhibit 10, 2 two-way.
Main focus: head coach Jason Kidd must choose a starting five from a deep roster; rookie Cooper Flagg is the lone player without an NBA start.
Key dates: Oct. 22 (Brandon Williams salary bump), Oct. 31 (Dereck Lively II option).
Extension candidate: Dwight Powell.
Denver Nuggets
Roster math: 14 guaranteed, 0 partial/non, 2 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: Ben Tenzer’s first season in charge and looming rookie extensions for Christian Braun and Peyton Watson.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (extensions for Nikola Jokić, Cam Johnson, Braun, Watson), Oct. 31 (Julian Strawther and DaRon Holmes II options).
Extension candidates: Jokić, Johnson, Braun, Hunter Tyson, Jalen Pickett, Watson.
Detroit Pistons
Roster math: 13 guaranteed, 1 partial/non, 3 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: after a 30-win jump, can Detroit move beyond first-round status? Upgrades in shooting include Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren extensions), Oct. 31 (Ron Holland third-year option; Ausar Thompson, Marcus Sasser fourth-year options).
Extension candidates: Ivey, Duren.
Golden State Warriors
Roster math: 12 guaranteed, 3 partial/non, 3 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: defining Jonathan Kuminga’s role after a new two-year deal; Al Horford’s addition leaves the club $2 million shy of the second apron, limiting roster spots.
Key date: Oct. 31 (Brandin Podziemski option).
Extension candidates: Draymond Green, Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Houston Rockets
Roster math: 14 guaranteed, 0 partial/non, 1 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: replacing injured Fred VanVleet (torn right ACL) at point guard and sorting out front-court combinations that now include Kevin Durant.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Tari Eason extension), Oct. 31 (Reed Sheppard third-year, Amen Thompson fourth-year options).
Extension candidate: Durant, Eason.
Indiana Pacers
Roster math: 13 guaranteed, 3 partial/non, 2 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: navigating life without Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) and Myles Turner (signed with Milwaukee). Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin see expanded roles.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith extensions), Oct. 31 (Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard options).
Extension candidates: Mathurin, Nesmith.
LA Clippers
Roster math: 14 guaranteed, 0 partial/non, 4 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: fallout from the Kawhi Leonard salary-cap investigation and integrating vets Brook Lopez, Chris Paul and John Collins, who may now come off the bench.
Key date: Oct. 31 (Kobe Brown option).
Extension candidate: Collins.
Los Angeles Lakers
Roster math: 14 guaranteed, 0 partial/non, 4 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: LeBron James’ recovery from a Grade 2 MCL sprain heading into his 23rd camp.
Key date: Oct. 31 (Dalton Knecht option).
Extension candidates: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber.
Memphis Grizzlies
Roster math: 15 guaranteed, 0 partial/non, 3 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: front-court depth while Jaren Jackson Jr. (turf toe) and Zach Edey (ankle) recover, and Brandon Clarke faces another knee procedure.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Ja Morant, John Konchar, Clarke extensions), Oct. 31 (Edey option).
Extension candidates: Morant, Clarke, Konchar.
Miami Heat
Roster math: 12 guaranteed, 3 partial/non, 4 Exhibit 10, 2 two-way.
Main focus: whether to extend Tyler Herro, eligible Oct. 1 for three years, $149.7 million, as he recovers from left ankle surgery.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Herro, Nikola Jović extensions), Oct. 22 (Pelle Larsson salary guarantee).
Extension candidates: Jović, Norman Powell, Herro, Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier.
Milwaukee Bucks
Roster math: 15 guaranteed, 2 partial/non, 1 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: choosing a new starting point guard after Damian Lillard’s stretch waive and evaluating Kyle Kuzma before an Oct. 20 extension deadline.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Kuzma extension), Oct. 21 (Andre Jackson Jr. guarantee).
Extension candidates: AJ Green, Jackson Jr., Kuzma.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Roster math: 13 guaranteed, 1 partial/non, 4 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: development of Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr. and shot-blocking rookie Joan Beringer ahead of Mike Conley Jr.’s pending free agency.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Donte DiVincenzo extension), Oct. 31 (Shannon Jr., Dillingham options).
Extension candidates: DiVincenzo, Leonard Miller.
New Orleans Pelicans
Roster math: 14 guaranteed, 2 partial/non, 2 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: keeping Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III healthy after a season with 47 different starting lineups.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Williamson, Jordan Poole extensions), Oct. 31 (Yves Missi, Jordan Hawkins options).
Extension candidates: Williamson, Poole.
New York Knicks
Roster math: 11 guaranteed, 5 partial/non, 2 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: a revamped bench that now includes Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, balanced against second-apron restrictions.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Karl-Anthony Towns extension), Oct. 31 (Pacôme Dadiet option).
Extension candidates: Towns, Mitchell Robinson.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Roster math: 15 guaranteed, 0 partial/non, 4 Exhibit 10, 2 two-way.
Main focus: championship hangover watch after nearly $800 million in extensions and the return of 14 rotation players. Eyes also on Nikola Tоpić’s debut and Ousmane Dieng’s future.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Dieng extension), Oct. 31 (Tоpić third-year, Cason Wallace fourth-year options).
Extension candidates: Luguentz Dort, Dieng, Kenrich Williams.
Orlando Magic
Roster math: 14 guaranteed, 0 partial/non, 5 Exhibit 10, 2 two-way.
Main focus: integrating Desmond Bane after sending out four first-round picks and extending Paolo Banchero for $239 million; Orlando also hopes for healthy seasons from Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner.
Key date: Oct. 31 (Tristan da Silva third-year, Anthony Black and Jett Howard fourth-year options).
Extension candidates: None.
Philadelphia 76ers
Roster math: 12 guaranteed, 1 partial/non, 4 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: Joel Embiid’s health and trust issues, Paul George’s recovery from July knee surgery, and Quentin Grimes’ restricted free-agency stalemate.
Key dates: Oct. 1 (Grimes qualifying-offer deadline), Oct. 20 (Adem Bona guarantee), Oct. 31 (Jared McCain option).
Extension candidates: None.
Phoenix Suns
Roster math: 13 guaranteed, 2 partial/non, 3 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: Mat Ishbia’s youth-focused reboot under rookie coach Jordan Ott and whether center Mark Williams signs an extension before Oct. 20.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Dillon Brooks, Williams extensions), Oct. 31 (Ryan Dunn option).
Extension candidates: Brooks, Nick Richards, Williams.
Portland Trail Blazers
Roster math: 15 guaranteed, 0 partial/non, 3 Exhibit 10, 2 two-way.
Main focus: deciding if Jerami Grant moves to a sixth-man role following breakouts by Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Sharpe extension), Oct. 31 (Donovan Clingan third-year; Kris Murray, Scoot Henderson fourth-year options).
Extension candidates: Robert Williams, Sharpe, Matisse Thybulle, Rayan Rupert, Camara.
Sacramento Kings
Roster math: 13 guaranteed, 1 partial/non, 4 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: fixing a defense that surrendered 121 points per 100 possessions after swapping De’Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Keegan Murray extension), Oct. 31 (Devin Carter option).
Extension candidates: Murray, LaVine.
San Antonio Spurs
Roster math: 13 guaranteed, 2 partial/non, 3 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: chemistry between De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, both coming off surgeries, while rookie Stephon Castle may see extra minutes with Dylan Harper (thumb) out.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Jeremy Sochan extension), Oct. 21 (Castle third-year, Wembanyama fourth-year options).
Extension candidates: Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie, Sochan.
Toronto Raptors
Roster math: 14 guaranteed, 1 partial/non, 2 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: keeping Brandon Ingram healthy enough to mesh with Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl after the club went 22-21 post-January on defense.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Barrett, Ochai Agbaji extensions), Oct. 31 (Ja’Kobe Walter third-year, Gradey Dick fourth-year options).
Extension candidates: Barrett, Agbaji.
Utah Jazz
Roster math: 15 guaranteed, 0 partial/non, 3 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: the return of Taylor Hendricks after leg surgery and trimming one guaranteed contract before opening night.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Walker Kessler extension), Oct. 31 (Isaiah Collier, Cody Williams third-year; Hendricks, Keyonte George, Brice Sensabaugh fourth-year options).
Extension candidates: Georges Niang, Jusuf Nurkic, Kessler.
Washington Wizards
Roster math: 15 guaranteed, 1 partial/non, 2 Exhibit 10, 3 two-way.
Main focus: evaluating 10 first-rounders on rookie deals while Bilal Coulibaly (thumb) and Alex Sarr (calf) sit out preseason; one guaranteed player must be cut.
Key dates: Oct. 20 (Malaki Branham extension), Oct. 31 (options for Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Cam Whitmore, Dillon Jones).
Extension candidates: Khris Middleton, CJ McCollum, Branham.
Training-camp rosters must be pared to 15 standard contracts before opening night, setting up a busy stretch of decisions on extensions, guarantees and Exhibit 10 deals league-wide.
Source: ESPN
