But to really shed some big bucks off the books, Stevens will have to trade either Jrue Holiday or Kristaps Porzingis -- or both. Dealing one should help Boston get under the second apron, and dealing both would get them under while allowing Stevens some wiggle room to build out the rest of the roster.

The awareness of these three factors indicates that each team has an objective that needs to be fulfilled in the offseason.

If he wants to win, the best route for Giannis would be to demand a trade from the Bucks and begin with a clean slate somewhere else.