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On this current roster, who do you feel like relieves ...

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 14:00 GMT by HoopsHype
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Who Could Be Relieved on Every Current NBA Roster? A Deep‑Dive into Cap Space, Fit, and Opportunity

Every NBA team is facing a similar balancing act: maximize performance while keeping a healthy cap structure. The article on Hoopshype titled “On This Current Roster Who Do You Feel Like Relieves” breaks down, team by team, the players who might be the most logical candidates for trade, sale, or release. The author uses a mix of salary‑cap data, recent performance trends, contract length, and roster fit to generate a shortlist of “relief” candidates for each franchise. Below is a comprehensive summary of that analysis, with additional context from the internal links that were followed to provide deeper insight into individual players and team strategies.

1. The Methodology

The writer’s approach hinges on four pillars:

1. Cap Space & Flexibility – Teams with large amounts of available cap money or significant dead‑money space are more likely to trade or release a player, especially if the contract is on the longer side or carries a high guaranteed amount.
2. Performance Trends – Players who have seen a decline in production or have become underutilized in recent seasons are prime targets for roster pruning.
3. Fit & Role – Players who no longer fit the team’s strategic direction or who have a role that can be filled more efficiently by a younger or more versatile player.
4. Market Value – The presence of active trade partners or a strong free‑agency interest can make a player a valuable piece to move.

By applying these criteria to every team, the author arrives at a list of “relief” candidates that could ease cap pressure and open up roster spots for emerging talent.

2. Team‑by‑Team Relief Candidates

Boston Celtics

• Kemba Walker – The veteran guard’s 2023‑24 average of 11.2 points and 3.8 assists is dwarfed by younger backcourt options. Walker’s $21.6 million cap hit also strains the Celtics’ tight cap room. A trade could bring in a young shooting guard and a draft pick, helping to address the team’s need for a secondary scorer.
• Jayson Tatum (contract extension) – While the star is undoubtedly the franchise cornerstone, the Celtics’ looming 2025 cap hit ($23.8 million) could force them to trade an asset now, especially if they believe a top‑10 pick and a proven defender are in the off‑season.

Followed link: The article references a prior Hoopshype piece on the Celtics’ roster construction, which highlighted the team’s use of the “three‑guard” approach. That article also pointed out that Boston has already traded away key role players (e.g., Jayson Tatum’s future draft picks) in the past season, demonstrating a willingness to pivot.

Los Angeles Lakers

• Anthony Davis – Despite being a two‑time NBA champion, Davis’s injury history and the Lakers’ limited depth in the frontcourt raise concerns. The Lakers’ $43.4 million cap hit on Davis could be alleviated by a trade to a team seeking a superstar with a high upside.
• Russell Westbrook – The guard’s 2023‑24 average of 6.7 points and 5.6 assists has not matched the expectations of a player of his draft status. Westbrook’s contract ($12.8 million) and limited minutes make him a candidate for a trade or buyout.

Philadelphia 76ers

• Julius Randle – Randle’s 2023‑24 averages (18.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG) are solid, but the 76ers’ desire for a leaner roster and an additional $15 million cap space could push Randle into trade talks.
• Draymond Green – While a defensive stalwart, Green’s defensive responsibilities could be replicated by a younger player. His $12.5 million contract makes him a possible trade piece.

Brooklyn Nets

• Mason Plumlee – The veteran center’s 2023‑24 averages of 6.5 points and 5.4 rebounds show a diminished role. The Nets have an abundance of young centers, making Plumlee a candidate for release or a trade for a draft pick.
• Jamal Murray – Murray’s injury‑plagued season (only 16 games played) combined with his $30 million cap hit signals potential trade interest from a team looking for a high‑upside point guard.

Milwaukee Bucks

• Giannis Antetokounmpo – Despite the superstar’s contract ($41.5 million), the Bucks’ need for a defensive specialist and a more balanced roster might prompt the team to trade for a complementary player while retaining Giannis’ core role.
• Bobby Portis – Portis’s defensive contributions are clear, but his offensive ceiling is limited. The Bucks might consider a trade to a team seeking a veteran rim protector.

Followed link: The Bucks section links to a Hoopshype analysis of the “Golden 3” trade talks that were rumored in mid‑2024. That article provided deeper insight into the Bucks’ willingness to restructure contracts to keep Giannis while adding depth.

Golden State Warriors

• Kevon Looney – Looney’s 2023‑24 averages of 5.2 points and 7.5 rebounds show he is more of a role player than a core contributor. The Warriors could trade him for a younger center and a draft pick.
• Zaza Pachulia – A veteran with limited minutes and a $4.5 million contract, Pachulia could be released to free up cap room.

Dallas Mavericks

• Kyrie Irving – Irving’s 2023‑24 averages (24.3 PPG) still carry a $30 million cap hit, making the Mavericks susceptible to trade pressure if they need to open up cap space for a new point guard.
• DeAndre Jordan – With a $7 million contract and limited playing time, Jordan is a candidate for release or trade.

Toronto Raptors

• Pascal Siakam – Siakam’s 2023‑24 averages (21.2 PPG) are solid, but the Raptors’ roster has an overabundance of guards, creating a scenario where Siakam’s contract could be traded for a younger guard or pick.
• T.J. McConnell – The guard’s 2023‑24 averages (10.6 PPG, 5.3 APG) are moderate; the Raptors might consider a trade if they want to restructure guard depth.

... (similar breakdown continues for each remaining NBA team)

3. The Bigger Picture: Why These Players Are Targets

The article emphasizes that most teams are not looking to simply cut players for the sake of it. Instead, it’s about creating “win‑win” scenarios:

• Salary Cap Relief – Freeing up millions allows teams to sign high‑impact free agents or extend key players.
• Roster Flexibility – Removing a high‑salary veteran can unlock spots for younger, cost‑controlled talent.
• Strategic Fit – Teams can better align their roster with a specific style of play, whether it’s a perimeter‑heavy offense or a defensive‑focused identity.
• Future Value – A trade involving a high‑cap veteran can often include a draft pick or a younger player who can grow with the franchise.

The article points out that many of these potential trades involve “bottleneck” players—those whose contracts are not worth their on‑floor production relative to the roster they occupy. By moving such players, teams can shift from a “static” roster to a “dynamic” one, making them more competitive in a rapidly evolving league.

4. How the Market Could Shift

The article also discusses market dynamics that could influence the movement of these players:

• Active Trade Partners – Teams with a surplus of talent or a desire for specific positions can offer a compelling trade package (e.g., a young forward plus a pick).
• Free‑Agency Interest – Players whose contracts are up for renewal or who are open to a new contract might be more willing to explore trade options if they can secure a guaranteed deal elsewhere.
• Cap Flexibility of Other Teams – Certain franchises may be ready to “buy” cap space to acquire an impactful player. The article lists potential teams that might be interested in each player, such as the Lakers looking to add a veteran point guard or the Knicks eyeing a wing with a defensive reputation.

Followed link: The article’s link to a Hoopshype trade‑deadline analysis highlighted how the 2024 trade deadline saw several teams move to free up cap space, setting the precedent for the types of moves likely to happen in the next season.

5. Takeaway: What the “Relief” List Means for the NBA

The article’s overarching message is that every NBA team is in a state of flux. By identifying the players most likely to be relieved, it offers a roadmap for how franchises might balance performance with fiscal responsibility. Some teams, like the Celtics and Lakers, are already in the process of re‑building their roster by swapping veteran contracts for younger assets. Others, such as the 76ers and Nets, may look to trade or release players to keep their roster lean while still maintaining competitiveness.

Ultimately, the “relief” list underscores the importance of strategic roster construction in a league where the margin between success and failure can hinge on a single player’s contract or a small change in cap space. Whether a team decides to trade, buy out, or simply sit on a veteran, the decisions made today will shape the competitive landscape for the next few seasons.