Fantasy Basketball Exit Interviews: What's next for the 10 teams that missed the NBA playoffs?

What to Watch: MPJ's extension decision is one of the summer's biggest questions. Also, will the Nets take some swings in the trade market (like the Wizards) and buy low on some vets to upgrade their roster?

Utah Jazz (22-60)

The Jazz acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis at the deadline, adding him to a core that already includes Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Ace Bailey and Walker Kessler. They’re tied for the fourth-highest odds in the lottery this season and saw considerable growth in George, Bailey and Isaiah Collier. George is eligible for a rookie extension and JJJ's escalating contract could put the Jazz in a financial bind when it comes to retaining Kessler as a restricted free agent. Next season could be go time for a squad that's been near the bottom of the standings since trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert years ago.

What to Watch: Which way will the Jazz go in the draft and will they field offers for Kessler?

Sacramento Kings (22-60)

The injury gods got their lick back on the Kings. Doug Christie's first year as head coach was a disaster through no real fault of his own. Sacramento lost Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and De'Andre Hunter to season-ending injuries. Keegan Murray played in just 23 games. The funny thing is, there’s a good chance the Kings will be forced to spin the block on this dysfunctional unit once again because every starter except Russell Westbrook is under contract until at least 2027-28. Barring any surprising trades, it looks like fantasy managers will have to decide whether it's worth buying the dip on many of the Kings players.

What to Watch: How will the Kings continue to integrate rookie big man Maxime Raynaud when Sabonis is healthy? Can they actually find a trade partner for any of their vets?

Memphis Grizzlies (25-57)

It’s looking like Ja Morant will get traded in the offseason after playing in 20 games and falling out of favor with the front office and coaching staff. How are you going to tell that man to stay home on his own bobblehead night? Smh. The roster is a blank canvas now, with the Grizzlies investing in their youth movement. Fantasy-wise, it’ll likely be a stay away for me outside of a few players like Cedric Coward, Ty Jerome and GG Jackson II.

What to Watch: Coward and Jackson. Plus, whoever lands via the draft lottery.

Dallas Mavericks (26-56)

Cooper Flagg. Man, what a rookie season. He flashed all the upside fantasy managers wanted to see. He’ll be a force in any format after posting 21-7-5 with 2 stocks per game, shooting 47% from the field and 83% from the free-throw line. He was a top-45 player in High Score and 9-cat formats. Getting Kyrie Irving back should relieve some of the pressure on Flagg, but it’s wheels-up on Cooper being a second- or third-round pick next season. The rest of the squad isn’t that appealing for fantasy purposes.

What to Watch: How Dallas continues to build around Flagg.

New Orleans Pelicans (26-56)

The Pelicans had to make the playoffs to retain their early 2026 draft pick. They failed. Miserably. The Pelicans roster is a mess but still offers plenty of fantasy value. Trey Murphy continues to be a 9-cat demon, finishing 11th in per-game value. Dejounte Murray was productive in his return from an Achilles injury. Per usual, Zion Williamson was better for points leagues than 9-cat, but he played at least 60 games for the third time in his career. Kudos to healthy Zion and to the resurgence of Saddiq Bey. Then there’s the rookies — Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Both look to be cornerstone pieces at the moment. Everyone else seems expendable. That said, it wouldn’t shock me if New Orleans tried to move Zion in the offseason, since he and Murphy would net the most assets in return.

What to Watch: What will Troy Weaver and Joe Dumars do next…? It could be nothing, could be something. Whatever it is, I hope that they don’t fumble future draft capital.

Chicago Bulls (31-51)

Chicago finally picked a lane. The Bulls made a league-high seven trades at the deadline, netting eight second-round picks. Not all good deals, but hey, it’s progress towards a rebuild and not punishing their fanbase with another middling play-in situation. The Bulls are walking into the summer with a top-10 pick, the No. 15 pick from the Trail Blazers and up to $64 million to use in free agency. Let’s hope they don’t waste it on another bad contract like the one with Patrick Williams.

What to Watch: How Matas Buzelis treats this offseason because it’s a big one for him. He’s one of my early risers heading into next season since his volume and usage are about to go up.

Milwaukee Bucks (32-50)

The Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Giannis Antetokounmpo is heading into the final year of his contract, but it doesn’t matter because he’s getting traded. Doc Rivers is gone. Myles Turner was a huge bust in his first season with the team. Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. were nice stories for fantasy; however, the offseason is all about Giannis. Milwaukee is in the gutter and Giannis wants out.

What to Watch: Giannis' destination is the biggest domino in fantasy basketball. His landing spot could alter several players' fantasy value overnight.