ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton has outlined the most pressing roster issues for every NBA team ahead of the 2025-26 season, while several player moves and negotiations continue around the league.
Pelton’s offseason checklist
In his latest report, Pelton notes that the Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off a championship run, are focused on securing a new arena rather than adding players. Elsewhere, he highlights on-court gaps:
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Need wing depth while Max Strus recovers from foot surgery. Cleveland has explored Malik Beasley, though he is expected to sign elsewhere.
- New York Knicks: Could benefit from a steadier veteran presence on the bench.
- Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets: Both could use additional point-guard depth.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Seeking extra perimeter scoring punch.
G League rights shuffle
The Motor City Cruise (Pistons affiliate) traded the returning-player rights to Cameron Martin and Javante McCoy to the Grand Rapids Gold (Nuggets affiliate) for Charles Bediako and a 2026 international draft pick.
In a separate deal, Raptors 905 sent the rights to Kennedy Chandler to the Delaware Blue Coats (76ers affiliate) for Patrick McCaw and a future first-round G League pick. McCaw, in the G League for four seasons, also drew interest from EuroLeague clubs this summer.
Diakite signs with Baskonia
Former NBA forward Mamadi Diakite, 28, has agreed to a two-year contract with Spanish club Baskonia. The 6-9 big man was in Phoenix Suns camp last fall and spent the season in the G League. Diakite has played for five NBA teams, including the Bucks, Cavaliers and Knicks, averaging 3.1 points and 2.3 rebounds in the league. Baskonia’s roster already features former NBA players Markus Howard, Hamidou Diallo, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Luka Šamanić.
Knicks bring in Evbuomwan
The Knicks have reached an agreement with free-agent forward Tosan Evbuomwan, 24, according to agent George Langberg. The Princeton product appeared in 28 games for the Brooklyn Nets last season, averaging 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists. New York has all three two-way contracts open, and Evbuomwan will compete for a slot alongside expected camp additions Dink Pate and Fanbo Zeng.
Banton remains on the market
Free-agent guard Dalano Banton, 24, is weighing overseas offers but prefers to stay in the NBA, reports The Stein Line. Banton spent the past season and a half with the Portland Trail Blazers after beginning the year in Boston. He has averaged 10.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 97 games with Portland. The 6-9 guard has worked out for the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers this summer; Indiana has since turned to other options.
The NBA offseason continues to churn with training camps set to open in the coming weeks.
Source: Hoops Wire
