Cleveland Cavaliers — Philadelphia 76ers

Watson isn't guaranteed a spot in the starting five immediately but will have the chance to compete for it during training camp. The 24-year-old forward figures to play a sizable role for Cleveland after being acquired from the Nuggets in August in a multi-team deal. Watson was limited to just 54 regular-season appearances (40 starts) in 2025-26 due in large part to a strained hamstring, though he impressed when healthy, averaging career highs in points (14.6), rebounds (4.9), assists (2.1) and steals (0.9) while chipping in 1.1 blocks per game and shooting 41.1 percent from beyond the arc. His length and defensive versatility will be key for a Cleveland team trying to reach the Finals for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign. However, his growth on the offensive end will also be crucial to achieving that objective. Watson is one of the top candidates to join James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the starting lineup, but Atkinson isn't ready to commit to that idea just yet, as the Cavaliers have other options like Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson.

Bona suffered a foot sprain this offseason, clouding his ability to participate in camp later this month. It's unclear if his status for Opening Night is in serious doubt, as he does have about a month until the regular season begins. Until Bona is cleared to retake the floor, Dominick Barlow and Ariel Hukporti should handle the backup center reps.

After exercising his $21.6 million player option in June, Caldwell-Pope is set to join LeBron James and the 76ers for the 2026-27 campaign. Caldwell-Pope was traded from Orlando to Memphis in June 2025 and appeared in 51 regular-season games (14 starts) with the club before undergoing surgery on his right pinky finger in February. He averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 0.8 steals across 21.3 minutes per contest with the Grizzlies. The 33-year-old is now expected to compete with Anfernee Simons, Labaron Philon and Justin Edwards for playing time off the bench.