Overview
- League owners are slated to vote this week to begin adding two franchises for the 2028–29 season, according to multiple reports.
- Seattle and Las Vegas are widely expected to receive teams, which would require shifting one current Western club to the Eastern Conference to maintain balance.
- Executives expect either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Memphis Grizzlies to be moved East, per reporting attributed to Shams Charania.
- Outlets report an expansion draft could limit each incumbent to protecting eight players, implying at least one loss per team, though the NBA has not confirmed rules.
- Analysts note the West has generally been stronger, suggesting a move East could ease the path to contention for the selected team, while final decisions remain pending.