The NBA offseason certainly delivered on its promise of fireworks. Kevin Durant`s arrival at the Houston Rockets instantly propels them further into the championship conversation. The Boston Celtics made significant trades, moving on from Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis after Jayson Tatum`s Achilles surgery, causing them to drop from their usual position among the Eastern Conference`s top teams. And the Lakers, well, their offseason never lacks for drama.
With free agency now in full swing, we decided it was a good time to assess how team movements, both major and minor, have shifted the league`s hierarchy. The impact has been considerable. The Orlando Magic jumped into the top 10 (from their position after the regular season concluded in April) following a major move to acquire sharp-shooter Desmond Bane. Similarly, the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Atlanta Hawks all improved their standing with clever offseason additions.
Then there`s the intriguing case of the Philadelphia 76ers. After being one of the league`s worst teams last season, they`re suddenly viewed as potential contenders, assuming key players stay relatively healthy. They`re placed at number 15 after selecting promising two-way prospect VJ Edgecombe third overall in the draft, who will join established veterans Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George.
On a less optimistic note, the Celtics weren`t the only team affected by a significant Achilles injury. Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is also expected to miss the entirety of next season, leading to a fall in the rankings for the reigning East champions.
Naturally, these rankings involve a fair amount of projection since most of these updated rosters haven`t played together yet. We`re forecasting based on how new pieces fit in, combined with teams` success in the regular season and playoffs last year. This is our first 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings edition following the start of free agency.
Biggest Movers
- Philadelphia 76ers: Moved Up 11 Spots
- Boston Celtics: Moved Down 10 Spots
Full 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings
Rank 1: Oklahoma City Thunder
Terrifying. The Thunder return every key player from their championship-winning season, where they also secured the league`s best regular-season record. Their winning formula relies on suffocating defense and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s offensive brilliance. With young stars like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren still improving, OKC could be even stronger in their title defense. Good luck, NBA.
Rank 2: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers didn`t overreact after their unexpected playoff exit. The main roster change is Lonzo Ball joining from Chicago to replace backup guard Ty Jerome. There`s every reason to believe Cleveland will again contend for the East`s number one seed, especially with Boston facing challenges. Coach Kenny Atkinson has found a successful system, and the team could improve as Evan Mobley and Darius Garland continue their development.
Rank 3: New York Knicks
Following a lengthy and sometimes amusing coaching search, Mike Brown is reportedly the new head coach. Known for leading the league`s top offense two seasons ago, he should bring much-needed offensive creativity. The additions of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele provide valuable depth. With the Celtics, Pacers, and Bucks facing setbacks, the Knicks are strong favorites alongside the Cavs in the East.
Rank 4: Houston Rockets
The Rockets prioritized immediate contention over patience, resulting in Kevin Durant joining the team. They also added crucial depth pieces like Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, strengthening an already promising roster despite the departures of Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. Houston`s potential hinges on Durant`s health and the continued growth of emerging stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, but they now have the pieces to be a legitimate championship threat.
Rank 5: Denver Nuggets
Coming close to upsetting the eventual champions seemed to motivate the Nuggets` front office. They traded Michael Porter Jr.`s salary, sacrificing a future first-rounder, to acquire Cam Johnson as an excellent replacement. They then used the cap space to bring back Bruce Brown, add Jonas Valanciunas, and sign Tim Hardaway Jr. They also welcome back DaRon Holmes II, who missed last season with an Achilles injury. Depth was a weakness, but it appears resolved. With a reinforced supporting cast, Nikola Jokic`s potential is even higher.
Rank 6: Minnesota Timberwolves
Despite speculation they might lose Naz Reid or Julius Randle, Minnesota managed to keep both, maintaining continuity from the team that reached the conference finals. While losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a blow, it opens up playing time for young players like Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham. The Wolves finished last season strong, and they hope to carry that momentum into 2025-26.
Rank 7: Los Angeles Clippers
A disappointing playoff exit shouldn`t discourage Clippers fans. They`ll field another excellent team next season. James Harden is back after a strong year, and Kawhi Leonard is healthy heading into the offseason. They also addressed a key need by signing Brook Lopez as a legitimate backup center for Ivica Zubac. Their roster looks deep, with the usual injury caveat, and under Ty Lue, they should compete near the top of the West.
Rank 8: Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James might be traded. The only notable wing addition is Jake LaRavia. Their starting center is now Deandre Ayton, whom the Trail Blazers paid to leave. This isn`t an ideal offseason for a team expected to be formidable with James and Luka Doncic. Perhaps Ayton can recapture his 2021 form, but that`s not guaranteed. Given the West`s talent, it`s hard to see the Lakers competing at the highest level with limited depth beyond their two stars and Austin Reaves.
Rank 9: Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies had an impressive offseason, even if it meant trading Desmond Bane. They acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as a solid replacement and, more importantly, secured Jaren Jackson Jr.`s future. Memphis also added Ty Jerome and brought back Santi Aldama. Overall, they are well-positioned to compete next season, provided Ja Morant stays healthy.
Rank 10: Orlando Magic
Seeing injuries affect the Celtics, Pacers, and Bucks, the Magic saw an opportunity. By going all-in for Desmond Bane, Orlando gained the floor-spacer and secondary playmaker they desperately needed. They also added reliable backup point guard Tyus Jones, easing the playmaking burden on Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. This team had the league`s second-best defense last season, and now their offense should improve significantly from being near the bottom.
Rank 11: Golden State Warriors
With Jonathan Kuminga`s restricted free agency and reports linking Al Horford to the team, the Warriors have significant offseason potential remaining. Sign-and-trade options for Kuminga could bring in players better suited to Steve Kerr`s system. Horford, if signed, would be an upgrade over Kevon Looney and reduce Draymond Green`s minutes at center. For now, the team`s future is pending the resolution of the Kuminga situation.
Rank 12: Detroit Pistons
The federal investigation into Malik Beasley complicated the Pistons` plans, likely leading to an overpayment for Duncan Robinson in a desperate search for shooting. However, the biggest boost for next season is a healthy Jaden Ivey, who was having a breakout year before fracturing his leg. While not making splashy moves, the Pistons had a solid offseason and will return most of the core from last year`s surprisingly competitive team.
Rank 13: Boston Celtics
Many expected the Celtics to have a “gap year” as Jayson Tatum recovers from Achilles surgery, but this was a dismantling. Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet are gone, replaced by Anfernee Simons, Georges Niang, and Luka Garza. With Jaylen Brown and Derrick White (for now), the Celtics are still talented enough for the playoffs, but further roster changes are possible.
Rank 14: Atlanta Hawks
Well, well, look who`s suddenly a contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference. The Hawks arguably had the best offseason, adding Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and rookie Asa Newell to a core of Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu. They also acquired an unprotected 2026 first-round pick (the better of New Orleans and Milwaukee`s picks). Trae Young now has the talent around him; there are no excuses left for another average season.
Rank 15: Philadelphia 76ers
Drafting VJ Edgecombe serves two purposes: he can contribute immediately to a team hoping last season was an anomaly, and he`s a valuable asset if they seek veteran help later. Their offseason wasn`t full of fanfare, but if Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George remain healthy and productive, the Sixers have a genuine chance to compete for a top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Rank 16: Indiana Pacers
Myles Turner was expected to return, but Tyrese Haliburton`s Achilles injury changed things. The cost became too high for Indy, and Turner signed with the rival Bucks, leaving Indiana without a replacement. The Pacers showed impressive depth last season, but it`s a huge challenge to remain competitive with Haliburton likely out all year. Andrew Nembhard will get opportunities to lead, and Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin must step up their playmaking. It`s a harsh reality after their magical playoff run; even reaching the playoffs might be difficult for the current roster.
Rank 17: Dallas Mavericks
Did the Mavericks win the Luka Doncic trade? It`s too early to say definitively, but their future looks much brighter after drafting Cooper Flagg second overall. Pairing him with Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson (still a good three-point shooter), and eventually a healthy Kyrie Irving could make this team very dangerous. While Irving recovers, the Mavs acquired D`Angelo Russell as a comparable temporary option. Jason Kidd is reportedly excited to see Flagg handle primary ball-handling duties. It`s a remarkable turnaround from just months ago.
Rank 18: Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks needed to show Giannis Antetokounmpo their commitment to winning titles, so they… waived Damian Lillard. Giannis was reportedly unhappy about losing Lillard, but the move allowed Milwaukee to bring in Myles Turner from the Pacers to replace Brook Lopez, who signed with the Clippers. Turner is virtually the only significant addition (they re-signed Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, and Kevin Porter Jr.), making it hard to envision the Bucks suddenly becoming contenders. The league will continue to monitor Giannis`s situation closely.
Rank 19: San Antonio Spurs
Despite potential positional overlap, the Spurs could make a huge leap after drafting Dylan Harper to play alongside De`Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. Their offense should immediately improve from being near the bottom of the league last season. Adding Luke Kornet helps maintain defensive strength when Wembanyama rests. The Spurs are a popular pick for “most improved team,” and it`s easy to see why.
Rank 20: Miami Heat
Kasparas Jakucionis falling to the Heat at No. 20 seems like a steal, and there`s a possibility Miami could be in the playoff mix next season. While the Jimmy Butler trade might seem like a step back, the roster includes Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, and Kel`el Ware – enough to be cautiously optimistic. More likely, you`ll see another competent Miami team always ready to pursue the next available superstar.
Rank 21: Portland Trail Blazers
Following a strong finish last season, the Blazers added Jrue Holiday, a necessary veteran presence, while trading Anfernee Simons, whose skillset overlapped with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Portland has the pieces to contend for a postseason spot, and they finally moved on from Deandre Ayton, freeing up minutes for Donovan Clingan and (cautiously) Robert Williams III. This team should be exciting to watch.
Rank 22: Chicago Bulls
Another offseason, another series of questionable decisions by the Bulls. They traded Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro, who struggled for wing minutes on the Cavs due to his shooting limitations. Josh Giddey appears to be returning, meaning he`ll share backcourt duties with Coby White – and Nikola Vucevic is still on the roster. Mediocrity seems to be the ceiling for this Bulls team, while the floor is as low as any non-tanking team.
Rank 23: Sacramento Kings
From a broader perspective, the Kings have lost both De`Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, and their starting point guard is now… Dennis Schröder? What a decline from two seasons ago when they earned the No. 3 seed and ended a 16-year playoff drought. Malik Monk might also leave. This leaves Schröder, LaVine, and DeRozan, all players who need the ball to be effective. In the competitive Western Conference, this simply won`t be enough.
Rank 24: Phoenix Suns
You`d expect a team trading Kevin Durant to get significantly worse, but the Suns were notably poor last season. The fit between Devin Booker and Jalen Green seems questionable, but surprising pairings have worked before. Phoenix now has an abundance of centers after drafting Khaman Maluach and trading for Mark Williams, who joins his former teammate Nick Richards. While it`s a mixed bag unlikely to result in a playoff team, you can`t count out Devin Booker – he`s that good.
Rank 25: New Orleans Pelicans
It`s unclear what the Pelicans` offseason strategy was, as they added players like Kevon Looney and Derik Queen at significant cost (losing a valuable 2026 first-round pick). Can a core of Jordan Poole, Trey Murphy III, and Zion Williamson lead them back to the postseason and beyond? We should find out soon, but history suggests Williamson`s health will remain a major question mark.
Rank 26: Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley provide a decent foundation, but there might be too much overlap in their skill sets to expect a huge jump from Toronto this season. Many players will get opportunities in an unpredictable rotation, and there`s enough talent to imagine the Raptors competing for a playoff spot in the East.
Rank 27: Charlotte Hornets
As usual, Charlotte`s potential depends on LaMelo Ball`s health. Fourth overall pick Kon Knueppel should provide needed shooting for Ball and Brandon Miller, but Charlotte lost vertical spacing by trading Mark Williams. On paper, the Hornets could be decent in a weak Eastern Conference, but currently, the lottery seems a more realistic destination than the Play-In.
Rank 28: Utah Jazz
Austin Ainge stated the Jazz are no longer tanking, but that doesn`t mean they`ll suddenly start winning. Lauri Markkanen`s performance declined last season, and the departures of Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson put significant responsibility on players in their early 20s. We`ll see how the Ace Bailey draft pick pays off, but regardless, Utah is likely a long way from contending in the stacked West.
Rank 29: Washington Wizards
The Jordan Poole era in Washington is over, replaced by an era of veteran contracts. The Wizards prioritized acquiring expiring deals (Khris Middleton, CJ McCollum, Marcus Smart, Kelly Olynyk) that could potentially yield assets later. In the meantime, these veterans will mentor the young core (Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly), who are still far from contention. At least it seems like there`s a long-term plan in place.
Rank 30: Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are playing the long game, sacrificing immediate competitiveness for a potentially bright future. The 2032 Denver pick acquired in the Michael Porter Jr.-Cam Johnson trade could become one of the league`s most valuable assets. They also have players like Cam Thomas, Nic Claxton, and Terance Mann who could bring in decent returns. This season, expect a lot of experimentation at point guard with first-round picks Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf, which should secure them a good draft position in the strong 2026 draft.
Jasper Hawthorne