The Brooklyn Nets need to decide on the right price for Nicolas Claxton, but even if he's in the $20 million range, the franchise should still have its NTMLE available (not just below the first apron, but also the luxury-tax threshold).
The Chicago Bulls have two key free agents in DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams (restricted). Lock in that Lonzo Ball takes his option ($21.4 million), and the Bulls won't waive Alex Caruso's $9.9 million (only $3 million is guaranteed). Letting DeRozan and Williams go wouldn't give the Bulls real spending power. The team likely keeps one or both and has some (or all) of its NTMLE to add additional talent.
Outside of Isaac Okoro, the Cleveland Cavaliers essentially have their rotation under contract for next season. The choice may be Okoro or the NTMLE unless the Cavaliers can shed some additional salary.
The Houston Rockets should be able to spend the NTMLE comfortably without reaching the tax threshold. Contract decisions include Jeff Green ($9.6 million team option), Jock Landale ($8 million non-guaranteed) and Jae'Sean Tate ($7.1 million team option).
The Indiana Pacers could near $37.5-$44.4 million in cap space depending on what happens next with Pascal Siakam, TJ McConnell (partially guaranteed) and Jalen Smith (team option). But the most likely outcome would see at least Siakam and McConnell back and the Pacers armed with the NTMLE.
The New Orleans Pelicans seem to have three choices: re-sign Jonas Valančiūnas, use the NTMLE or duck the luxury tax. The answer is likely just one of those three choices, though don't discount the Pelicans changing up their books with a trade.
While the Sacramento Kings may have their NTMLE, they may not be able to use all of it if Malik Monk re-signs as a free agent. If the Kings have an NTMLE target in mind, they may look to move out of a player like Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov or Chris Duarte.
Finally, expect the Washington Wizards to actively rework their roster, but the team should be just over the cap, armed with the full NTMLE.
