Biggest Question Marks for Every NBA Eastern Conference Team

Here you can find our top inquiries for every Western Conference team.

The NBA free agency period kicked off with a bang, featuring numerous major trades and unprecedented contracts. Despite the early excitement, there is still ample time for further game-changing transactions. Here are some key questions to consider for each Eastern Conference team as free agency continues:

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Atlanta Hawks

Will the Hawks be able to retain forward John Collins on the team?

During the summer, Collins has been the subject of many trade rumors, with teams such as the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, and Minnesota Timberwolves expressing interest. As Collins begins his sixth season, the Hawks must determine whether he is a key part of their future plans or if they should explore trading him to bolster the team.

Two years ago, they were just two wins away from reaching the NBA Finals. However, after a first-round loss to the Heat last season, it might be necessary to make some changes to the roster. Collins stands out as the Hawks’ most valuable trade asset aside from Trae Young.

Boston Celtics

Have the Celtics made significant improvements to their second unit?

Despite losing to the Golden State Warriors, the Celtics have managed to retain their core for another season. While the starting lineup has always been strong, the team now believes they have enough depth to back up Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart.

Their biggest free agency acquisitions were Danilo Gallinari and the trade for Malcolm Brogdon. Gallinari, a proven scorer in the league, adds depth at either forward position.

Brogdon’s talent has never been in doubt. When he’s healthy, he showcases his dynamic scoring and playmaking abilities. However, injuries have plagued him, with him playing fewer than 65 games in the last five seasons and only 36 games last year.

Brooklyn Nets

Can the Nets locate a team with sufficient assets to justify trading Kevin Durant?

Durant stole the spotlight during free agency by requesting a trade at the beginning of the period. Many believed he would be traded to his top choices, the Heat and Phoenix Suns, but the Suns chose to re-sign Deandre Ayton and the Heat couldn’t put together a convincing offer for the future Hall of Famer.

Due to Ayton’s likely absence, the Suns are no longer in contention, giving the Heat an opportunity to improve their offer. The Nets are rumored to be looking for a trade package that includes an All-Star player and numerous first-round draft picks. While some teams have deemed the asking price too steep, the Nets may have to wait a while before receiving an offer that meets their criteria.

Charlotte Hornets

What is the plan for the Hornets in addressing the Miles Bridges situation?

The biggest story in Charlotte this offseason has been the Bridges situation. On July 19, he was charged with one felony count of injuring a child’s parent and two felony counts of child abuse, leaving the Hornets organization in a difficult position.

Bridges was expected to secure a lucrative deal in free agency, but he is still a restricted free agent. He now faces the uncertainty of whether a team will offer him a multi-year contract or if he will have to settle for a qualifying offer. The Hornets also have the choice to release Bridges, who put up impressive stats of 20.2 points, seven rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game last season.

Chicago Bulls

Can Zach LaVine single-handedly help the Bulls improve?

During free agency, the Bulls signed guard Zach LaVine to a max contract, placing all their hopes in him.

The success of the team’s improvement will largely depend on the contributions of newcomers Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic. While Drummond has shown he can perform at an All-Star caliber, the question remains whether he can sustain that level of play. Dragic, at 36 years old, is on his third team since being traded from the Heat last summer, showcasing his experience and adaptability.

Last year, the Bulls were the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, but the chances of improvement seem slim due to the increased strength of many other teams. Chicago will soon need to determine whether LaVine is the player capable of elevating the team to the next level, or if it’s time to consider a rebuild.

Remember to include @AndreDrummond in the conversation! ✌️🏀 #AndreDrummond

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 21, 2022

Cleveland Cavaliers

Is Collin Sexton going to be re-signed by the Cavs?

Sexton, a lottery pick in 2018, continues to be one of the most prominent restricted free agents available. Despite averaging 20 points and 3.3 assists since joining the league, he suffered a torn meniscus early in the season.

Before the start of free agency, the Cavs offered him a qualifying deal, but he is said to be looking for a contract worth at minimum $80 million. Cleveland may have better luck pursuing a sign-and-trade agreement.

Detroit Pistons

Will the Pistons be able to benefit from the acquisition of Jerami Grant?

Grant led the Pistons in scoring last year, but they made sure to maximize his value during the offseason.

The Pistons were able to sign Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks, and Jalen Duren this summer due to trading Grant to the Portland Trail Blazers, which freed up $44 million in cap space for Detroit.

Duren stands out as the most promising member of the group, having been selected as the No. 13 pick in this year’s draft after a successful season at the University of Memphis. Although the Pistons may not see immediate improvement, they have a solid foundation in place for the future.

Indiana Pacers

What should be done with Myles Turner?

Following the unsuccessful attempt to acquire Deandre Ayton, the Pacers must now shift their focus to Turner. Turner has been on the trade block since the end of the season, but the Pacers are still undecided on his future. It seems they may be moving on from Turner, so trading him could be a crucial step in their rebuilding process.

Since Turner is in the last year of his four-year, $80 million contract, the Pacers should consider trading him before he hits free agency next season to avoid losing him for nothing.

Miami Heat

Do the Heat possess the necessary resources to acquire Kevin Durant?

Pat Riley, the president of the Heat, refers to it as pursuing a “whale.” Over the next month, the Heat will be actively pursuing Durant. Although Miami fell just short of reaching the NBA Finals last year, they recognize the need for another superstar to compete with teams like the Warriors and Celtics.

The Nets believe the Heat do not have enough assets to trade for Durant, but Riley is already working on acquiring draft picks to improve their chances.

Milwaukee Bucks

Do the Bucks have sufficient support for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton?

The Bucks’ hopes for a repeat championship were dashed when Middleton suffered an injury in the first round, leading to their elimination in the conference semifinals by the Celtics.

The acquisition of Joe Ingles from the Utah Jazz is expected to bolster the wing position’s depth, while their first-round pick at No. 24, MarJon Beauchamp, should also contribute to the team’s strength in that area.

New York Knicks

Is it possible for the Knicks to attract Donovan Mitchell away from the Utah Jazz?

The Knicks are among the select few teams with sufficient assets, particularly draft picks, to acquire Mitchell. Despite previously being deemed untouchable, the Jazz are now open to trading Mitchell this offseason. The Knicks have a total of eight first-round picks at their disposal to potentially offer in a trade for Mitchell.

Mitchell, a New York native, is attracting attention from multiple teams, making it not a guaranteed win for the Knicks.

According to @ShamsCharania, the Wizards, Raptors, Hornets, Kings, Heat, Hawks, and Knicks are all interested in acquiring Donovan Mitchell.

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 25, 2022

Orlando Magic

Following an impressive performance in the Summer League, is top draft pick Paolo Banchero prepared to take on a leadership role?

The Magic have such faith in Banchero that they only needed to watch him play twice during Summer League in Las Vegas.

He was averaging 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds in two games when the franchise decided to send him home. While they claimed it was to evaluate other summer league players, the truth was they had already seen everything they needed to see.

Banchero, the top draft pick from Duke, has demonstrated his comfort in the spotlight. The Magic are now hoping this confidence will transition to the upcoming regular season. Despite being a surprise selection over Chet Holmgren, his impressive performance this summer suggests he may have been the right choice after all.

Philadelphia 76ers

Could P.J. Tucker be the missing piece that helps the Sixers finally break through?

Tucker found success in his last two teams. He played a key role in the Milwaukee Bucks winning the championship in 2021. He also contributed to the Miami Heat’s strong performance, narrowly missing out on the NBA Finals in the Eastern Conference finals last season.

The Sixers’ biggest summer acquisition made headlines as they were in need of a player with intangibles. With his arrival, the team’s dynamic should improve significantly, benefiting James Harden and Joel Embiid. This could be the year the Sixers finally make a breakthrough.

Toronto Raptors

Will Otto Porter have a significant impact on the Raptors?

The Raptors’ season concluded with a defeat against the Sixers in the initial round, but they are optimistic that their key free agent acquisition will propel them to a deeper playoff run.

After winning a championship with the Golden State Warriors, Otto Porter Jr. is set to join the Toronto Raptors. He will bolster an already formidable lineup featuring Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, and Fred VanVleet. The Raptors secured Porter with a two-year contract, praised by Bleacher Report as the fifth-best signing in free agency.

Although Porter’s career statistics may not be outstanding, his presence will provide the Raptors with valuable intangibles and veteran experience.

Washington Wizards

Was it a mistake for the Wizards to re-sign Bradley Beal?

The Wizards secured their cornerstone player by signing Beal to a five-year, $251 million maximum contract, which also includes a no-trade clause.

Was it worth the effort?

Beal has consistently performed well for the Wizards, but they have not advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs. With Beal at 29 years old and the team not close to being contenders, it may be the ideal time to trade him for assets to help with rebuilding efforts.

Management, obviously, felt otherwise.

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