NBA Draft: Key Questions Facing Lottery Teams This Offseason

With 10 teams already eyeing the offseason, here's the biggest priority for each lottery-bound franchise.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract NBA draft lottery scene, with overlapping shapes and planes in navy, crimson, and gold colors conveying the high-stakes, competitive nature of the event.The high-stakes NBA draft lottery will be a pivotal moment for several teams looking to reshape their futures through the infusion of young talent.Chicago Today

With the NBA playoffs just around the corner, 10 teams have already turned their attention to the offseason. From the Brooklyn Nets' decision on Michael Porter Jr. to the Milwaukee Bucks' future with Giannis Antetokounmpo, our expert examines the key question facing each lottery-bound franchise as they prepare for the draft, free agency, and trade market.

Why it matters

The offseason is a critical time for lottery teams to retool their rosters and set themselves up for future success. The decisions these franchises make in the coming months could have a major impact on their trajectories for years to come.

The details

The Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and eight other teams will begin their offseasons on April 12 after failing to make the playoffs. Each franchise has unique challenges to address, whether it's finding the right path forward with a star player, navigating the draft lottery, or building around a young core. Our expert breaks down the biggest question facing each lottery-bound team and how they might approach it this summer.

  • The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery will take place on May 10.
  • NBA free agency begins on July 1.

The players

Michael Porter Jr.

A forward for the Brooklyn Nets who is having a career-best season, averaging 24.2 points per game and shooting over 36% from 3-point range.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The two-time NBA MVP and face of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise, who is entering the final year of his contract and could either sign an extension or be traded this offseason.

Tyrese Haliburton

The star guard for the Indiana Pacers, who missed most of this season due to an Achilles injury but is expected to return next year.

Patrick Dumont

The owner of the Dallas Mavericks, who is searching for a new general manager to lead the team's basketball operations after firing Nico Harrison in November.

Zach Kleiman

The general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, who is exploring trade options for star guard Ja Morant as the team looks to get younger.

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What they’re saying

“We've maintained substantial flexibility heading into the offseason. That gives us real options, whether that is free agency, the draft, trades or continuing investment in development.”

— Arturas Karnisovas, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Chicago Bulls

“Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract]. So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he'll be traded.”

— Wes Edens, Controlling Owner, Milwaukee Bucks

“It's establishing that we are going to be a team that plays hard every night. That's still what I'm looking for right now, and I had that conversation with James this morning.”

— Joe Dumars, President of Basketball Operations, New Orleans Pelicans

What’s next

The NBA Draft Lottery on May 10 will be a pivotal moment for several lottery teams, as the results will determine their draft position and ability to add top talent. Teams will then have until June 23 to decide on player options and extensions, setting the stage for free agency to begin on July 1.

The takeaway

This offseason will be a critical juncture for many NBA franchises looking to chart a new course. From the Nets' decision on Michael Porter Jr. to the Bucks' future with Giannis, the choices these teams make in the coming months could have a lasting impact on their long-term trajectories.