While $400 million may seem like a lot …

While $400 million may seem like a lot for new additions in a summer where far fewer players will hit free agency than last summer, it will be an absolutely brutal market for players who want to make more than $10 million. As recently as January, I projected eight teams would use cap space this summer and amazingly that number is actually even lower now. While a few other franchises could clear functional space if desired, only seven look like they will use cap space this summer: the Hawks, Knicks, Pistons, Heat, Suns, Hornets and Trail Blazers, a group that could easily shrink if Phoenix chooses to retain Dario Saric or Portland keeps Trevor Ariza’s $12.8 million.