Hoops Rumors is in the process of taking a closer look at each NBA team’s current roster situation, evaluating which clubs still have some moves to make and which ones seem most prepared for training camp to begin.
This series is meant to provide a snapshot of each team’s roster right now, so these articles won’t be updated in the coming weeks as more signings, trades, and cuts are made. You can follow our roster counts page to keep tabs on teams’ open spots as opening night nears.
We’re continuing our pre-camp Roster Snapshot series today with the Southwest Division. Let’s dive in…
Dallas Mavericks
- Players on guaranteed standard contracts: 14
- Players on non-guaranteed standard contracts: 1
- Markieff Morris ($200K partial guarantee)
- Players on Exhibit 10 contracts: 3
- Players on two-way contracts: 2
The Mavericks spend much of the early part of the offseason on the hunt for a reliable veteran center, having been linked to players like Deandre Ayton and Clint Capela. They’d probably still welcome a trade for a big man if one falls into their laps, but if not, they seem likely to open the season with a full 15-man roster that features their current 14 players on guaranteed contracts, plus Morris.
Dallas’ Exhibit 10 camp invitees, including Brown, Walker, and Wieskamp, could end up vying to earn the team’s final two-way contract.
Houston Rockets
- Players on guaranteed standard contracts: 12
- Players on non-guaranteed standard contracts: 2
- Boban Marjanovic ($1.3MM partial guarantee), Aaron Holiday ($1.05MM partial guarantee)
- Players on Exhibit 10 contracts: 4
- Players on two-way contracts: 3
It’s extremely unlikely that Porter will play another game for the Rockets — the question is whether he’ll be traded, released, or simply sent home for the start of the season.
Whether or not Porter remains on the roster, Houston is in position to add one more player to its 15-man squad before opening night, since grouping Marjanovic and Holiday with the 12 players with guaranteed salaries would leave one opening.
Memphis Grizzlies
- Players on guaranteed standard contracts: 17
- Players on Exhibit 10 contracts: 1
- Players on two-way contracts: 3
Five games into Morant’s suspension, the Grizzlies will be able to move him to the suspended list and open up an extra roster spot. However, that won’t be possible at the start of the season, so Memphis will have to trade or waive two of its 17 players with guaranteed contracts by opening night. Christopher and Todd appear to be the most at risk, especially if no trade opportunities arise.
New Orleans Pelicans
- Players on guaranteed standard contracts: 13
- Players on non-guaranteed standard contracts: 1
- Players on two-way contracts: 1
- Players who have reportedly reached contract agreements: 4
- Trey Jemison (training camp), Tevian Jones (training camp), Landers Nolley (training camp), Liam Robbins (training camp)
Alvarado is a lock to make the roster, of course, which would give the Pelicans 14 players on standard contracts. New Orleans is a little over the tax and would rather duck below that line (perhaps by trading Lewis) than go further above it, so I wouldn’t expect the team to add a 15th man for opening night unless it can make a cost-cutting trade.
The Pelicans’ primary offseason goal could be finding a pair of players who will join Seabron on two-way deals. Jemison, Jones, Nolley, and Robbins haven’t been officially signed yet, but they could all be contenders for one of those spots.
San Antonio Spurs
- Players on guaranteed standard contracts: 17
- Players on two-way contracts: 3
- Players who have reportedly reached contract agreements: 1
- Charles Bediako (training camp)
Like Memphis, San Antonio will have to trade or release two players with guaranteed salaries before the season begins. A report last week suggested that the Spurs probably won’t make any more cuts before training camp begins, with all 17 of those players on guaranteed deals given the opportunity to make a strong impression at camp.
Of course, some roster spots are more secure than others. Osman, Bullock, McDermott, and perhaps Bassey could be trade candidates, while Birch and Graham will have little trade value and might be the odd men out if San Antonio decides to simply waive two players. The Spurs already removed one veteran on an expiring contract from their roster when they cut Cameron Payne earlier this month.
Previously: