The 2025 NBA Draft is in the rearview mirror, and the early wave of free agency is officially underway. With rosters already starting to take shape, teams are using this stretch to address key needs, add veteran talent, and build momentum for the season ahead.
These NBA power rankings offer a first look at where all 30 teams stand as the offseason heats up. Factoring in each team’s 2024-25 performance, draft decisions, early free agent signings, and overall direction, here’s how the league stacks up right now.
30) Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are coming off another grueling season. They finished with an 18-64 record, the worst in the Eastern Conference. It marked their second straight year with fewer than 20 wins.
While this rebuilding phase wasn’t expected to yield immediate results, there was hope that rock bottom might at least come with the No. 1 pick. Instead, the Wizards fell to sixth in the lottery, a tough blow for a franchise desperate for a foundational star.
Still, Washington added one of the most polished pure scorers in this class in Tre Johnson and another dynamic offensive wing in Will Riley. Florida State’s Jamir Watkins brings two-way toughness on the perimeter.
Their arrivals offer a glimmer of hope, and they join a pair of youngsters in Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington. Sarr began to blossom late in the year, flashing his upside as a modern big with rim protection and stretch potential, while Carrington made the All-Rookie Second Team. Washington also traded for Cam Whitmore, who flashed his talent in limited opportunities with the Rockets.
The Wizards will also have a good mix of veterans, including Marcus Smart, Khris Middleton, and the newly acquired C.J. McCollum. General manager Will Dawkins, a product of Oklahoma City’s rebuild blueprint, appears committed to a slow, patient approach. It may be another long year for Washington, but the foundation is starting to take shape.
29) Brooklyn Nets
While the Brooklyn Nets’ 2024 campaign ended well below .500, the results were largely expected. The front office leaned into a rebuild, prioritizing long-term growth and positioning for the draft. Brooklyn landed the No. 8 pick, the franchise’s first lottery pick since 2010.
First-year head coach Jordi Fernández kept the team competitive despite a rotating cast of young talent and limited availability from leading scorer Cam Thomas (24.0 PPG in just 25 games). Nic Claxton provided interior stability. Cam Johnson was the team’s second-leading scorer and a versatile 3-and-D forward, but Brooklyn traded him to the Nuggets for Michael Porter Jr.
Porter should be able to replace the scoring lost by Johnson’s departure and add size to the wing. The Nets also brought in Terance Mann, who could provide defensive versatility and secondary playmaking.
The Nets came away with an intriguing draft haul, with talented players like Egor Demin, Nolan Traoré, Drake Powell, and Danny Wolf. The new influx of talent joining the core of Thomas, Johnson, and Claxton could be promising, but the vision for the team’s future remains a bit murky.
28) Charlotte Hornets
Only time will tell if the Charlotte Hornets can ever turn potential into progress. What was billed as a possible breakout year ended in massive disappointment, with Charlotte finishing just 19-63, the franchise’s worst mark since the 2011-12 season. The Hornets’ core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Williams barely shared the floor, logging just 211 possessions together all season.
Ball’s health remains a major concern. Last season marked the third time he’s failed to appear in 50 games in four years, and his efficiency hit career lows across the board. Miller was a bright spot, averaging 21.0 points per game, per Basketball Reference, before a season-ending injury limited him to just 27 games.
Kon Knueppel ’24-’25 offensive highlights.
Phenomenal movement shooter. Gets great looks off of screens. Great footwork into his catch-and-shoots. Gets feet in the paint on drives, initiates contact, and finishes through contact. Such a smart player and there’s so much to like. pic.twitter.com/Gf9bORce9b
— HornetsHoops (@hornetshoops_) June 26, 2025
Williams is gone after Charlotte traded the big man to the Suns, but the front office may have found a new anchor in Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, a dominant post defender. The Hornets have also added competition to their backcourt with Collin Sexton and Spencer Dinwiddie.
New head coach Charles Lee has yet to find his footing. Still, there’s no denying that this roster has intriguing individual talent, especially when you factor in Miles Bridges and first-round picks Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley, two of the best shooters in the class. But after years of instability and setbacks, it’s fair to wonder if the vision will ever fully materialize.
27) Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz had a historically bad campaign in 2024. They finished with a 17-65 record, the worst mark in franchise history, and their first time dropping 60 or more games. After two seasons of overachieving under Will Hardy, Utah veered off course. With a -9.2 net rating (third-worst in the league per NBA Advanced Stats), Utah’s struggles were glaring, prompting serious questions about the direction of the rebuild.
The offseason has brought renewed excitement with the arrival of lottery picks Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. Bailey, whose elite athleticism and two-way upside project well next to Markkanen, is expected to be an immediate contributor on the wing. Clayton brings microwave scoring potential to a backcourt that lacked punch after Collin Sexton was traded to Charlotte.
The Jazz believe both can be long-term pieces. Whether Markkanen, who appeared in just 47 games last season and signed a five-year, $238 million extension, remains part of the long-term vision is unclear. Utah moved on from Jordan Clarkson, who’s now joining the Knicks. The team also traded away John Collins, which was a surprising move.
Austin Ainge, the new president of basketball operations, has vowed that he wants the Jazz to be a competitive team. However, this group still has a long way to go. Utah could still end up with another high lottery pick next year.
26) Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are in reset mode after a deeply disappointing season that exposed the flaws of their superstar experiment. Despite having the league’s most expensive squad, the Suns’ trio of Devin Booker, Durant, and Bradley Beal didn’t work well together, and Phoenix limped to just 36 wins. Defensive issues, a weak supporting cast, and a shaky offensive structure contributed to a campaign far short of championship expectations.
The offseason has already brought significant changes. Durant was traded to Houston in a deal that brought in Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 pick. Former Nets, Lakers, and Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott replaced Mike Budenholzer as head coach after just one year at the helm.
On draft night, the Suns aggressively addressed their need for reliable frontcourt talent, trading for Hornets big man Mark Williams and selecting Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming. It’s unclear what the team’s identity will be, but Phoenix now has three promising young bigs to build around.
Still, questions remain about the team’s outlook heading into 2025. The Suns now feature three ball-dominant guards in Green, Booker, and Beal, and it will be difficult to add another star without moving Booker. Phoenix’s prospects for next season are murky at best right now.
25) Toronto Raptors
There are plenty of questions surrounding the Toronto Raptors’ long-term direction. Their 2024 season was riddled with injuries and inconsistency, leading to a disappointing finish outside the play-in tournament. Still, the organization has a clearer picture of its foundation, with a core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Ingram, and Immanuel Quickley.
The Raptors did finish the season with a 22-21 record over their final 43 games, offering a glimmer of hope. However, even with their key players healthy, the results were mixed.
The trio of Barnes, Barrett, and Quickley posted a troubling -12.7 net rating when on the floor together, raising concerns about the fit. Ingram could provide a needed offensive boost, but his teams have historically struggled with him on the court, and he’s yet to play a game in Toronto.
The Raptors selected Collin Murray-Boyles in the draft. The South Carolina product brings toughness, rebounding, and feel on both ends of the floor. Murray-Boyles’ presence could help take some pressure off Jakob Poeltl, who signed a four-year extension to stay in Toronto.
There’s a lot of pressure on this young core to make strides, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see this squad near the bottom of the East again in 2025.
24) New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are searching for stability and a new identity after a year defined by injuries, roster turnover, and unmet expectations.
The Pelicans made a significant move by trading Brandon Ingram to Toronto. At the same time, Dejounte Murray is expected to miss a large portion of the upcoming season as he recovers from a torn Achilles. Trey Murphy III’s promising breakout was also derailed by injury, and Zion Williamson’s ongoing availability issues have left the front office questioning whether he can be the long-term centerpiece.
New Orleans finished last season with a 21-61 record, a steep drop from their play-in contention just a year prior. The firing of executive vice president David Griffin signaled a desire for a fresh start in the front office. Under Joe Dumars’ leadership, New Orleans has added several intriguing pieces this offseason.
The Pelicans acquired Saddiq Bey and Jordan Poole from the Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk, opting for younger, more dynamic talent on the wing and in the backcourt. They also signed Kevon Looney, adding rebounding and interior toughness to a frontcourt that has struggled to stay healthy.
The Pelicans’ 2025 draft class offers further hope. Jeremiah Fears is a dynamic point guard prospect, and Derik Queen is one of the most skilled big men in the class. Both are expected to be part of the team’s long-term core. This roster has a long list of health questions, but the talent is in place to take at least a slight step forward next season.
23) Philadelphia 76ers
The 2024 season was a nightmare for the Philadelphia 76ers, one defined by injuries and failed expectations. Joel Embiid played just 19 games, Paul George appeared in 41, and Tyrese Maxey, despite an All-Star caliber season, missed 30 contests. Even promising rookie Jared McCain was sidelined before finishing his debut campaign.
Unsurprisingly, the Sixers sputtered to a 24-win season, their worst in nearly a decade, and were never seriously in the playoff mix. Still, Philadelphia caught a break in the draft lottery, securing the No. 3 overall pick and selecting VJ Edgecombe, a high-motor, defensive-minded wing from Baylor who fits their need for youth, energy, and perimeter toughness.
The Sixers also added Johni Broome, who could offer reliable frontcourt depth. Broome arrives at the perfect time, considering Philadelphia lost Guerschon Yabusele to free agency (Knicks).
Now, the franchise must decide how to proceed. Do the 76ers build around a young core of Maxey, Edgecombe, and McCain, and look toward the future, or do they roll the dice again with Embiid and George? That’s a tough decision for Daryl Morey, but it’s necessary to move forward.
22) Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls should be cautiously optimistic after a quietly encouraging finish to the 2024 season. Despite another early exit in the play-in tournament, the Bulls showed real signs of growth after moving on from LaVine. The team finished 14-6 over its final 20 games, powered by a retooled starting lineup of Josh Giddey, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, rookie Matas Buzelis, and veteran Nikola Vučević.
Buzelis’ emergence was a bright spot last season, as he doubled his minutes after the All-Star break and averaged 13 points per game on an efficient 58.5% true shooting. Giddey and White, while not definitive franchise cornerstones yet, have given Chicago a backcourt pairing with upside.
Chicago also added a high-ceiling developmental prospect in French forward Noa Essengue, who is undeniably raw but has elite measurables and special tools. Outside of the draft, it’s been a pretty quiet offseason for the Bulls. They re-signed Tre Jones but traded away Lonzo Ball, getting Isaac Okoro in return.
The Bulls are still far from true contention, but with a young, improving core and a clearer sense of direction, they may be getting closer to climbing out of play-in purgatory.
21) Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings seem to have more questions than answers after another underwhelming campaign that ended in a swift play-in tournament exit. Expectations were high after acquiring DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, but the on-court results never matched. A midseason coaching change from Mike Brown to Doug Christie did little to steady the ship.
Sacramento finished just under .500 (40-42) with a bottom-half defense (115.3 defensive rating) and no clear identity, especially after trading Fox at the deadline. With the Kings’ long-term position looking a bit murky, the future of All-Star Domantas Sabonis could also be up in the air.
On the bright side, Sacramento added a polished, NBA-ready two-way wing in Nique Clifford in the first round of the draft. The team also drafted center Maxime Raynaud, who enjoyed an impressive senior season at Stanford. Unfortunately, they join a roster that lacks overall cohesion.
In free agency, the Kings signed veteran point guard Dennis Schröder, who, if nothing else, adds depth to the roster’s weakest position. The losses of Jonas Valančiūnas and Jake LaRavia hurt the frontcourt depth, though.
Sacramento’s ceiling doesn’t appear to be very high with the roster as currently constructed, and the Kings could be headed for another season of battling for a play-in spot.
20) Portland Trail Blazers
There’s some optimism surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers heading into the offseason after one of the league’s most unexpected turnarounds. In what was supposed to be another rebuilding year, Chauncey Billups’ squad outperformed expectations, winning 36 games, 15 more than the previous season, and posting a 23-18 record in the second half of the year.
Portland’s progress earned Billups and general manager Joe Cronin contract extensions, a signal that ownership believes in the long-term vision taking shape in the post-Lillard era.
Fueling the Blazers’ late-season surge was the emergence of a promising young core. Deni Avdija blossomed into a legitimate two-way force, averaging 22.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over his final 22 games. Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Toumani Camara also took encouraging steps forward.
The Blazers made one of the more puzzling picks of the NBA Draft when they took Chinese center Yang Hansen, widely considered a second-round pick with the 16th overall selection. It’s too early to write him off, but they could’ve gotten better value there.
In other frontcourt news, Portland bought out Deandre Ayton, who recently landed with the Lakers. His departure allows the team to see what it has in Donovan Glingan and Hansen. The most notable addition was Jrue Holiday, who came from Boston in the Anfernee Simons deal. His veteran presence could be beneficial for a rising young core.
19) Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are coming off a turbulent 2024-25 campaign, finishing 37-45 and making their third consecutive trip to the play-in tournament. Their postseason was brief, as they were swept by the Cavaliers in the first round, capping a year marked by inconsistency and significant roster changes.
The most notable move was the trade deadline deal that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State, officially closing a dramatic era for the franchise. It also netted Miami another versatile wing in Andrew Wiggins.
Despite the Heat’s overall struggles, there were individual bright spots. Tyler Herro delivered a career-best season, earning his first All-Star selection. Bam Adebayo remained the team’s defensive anchor. However, the duo was not enough to keep Miami in contention. The team struggled mightily in crunch time, going 3-11 in one-possession games.
Bobby Marks breaks down the Norman Powell to Heat trade
“I really like this for MIA. Low risk move, if they wanna re sign Powell they can if not he’s a UFA. He provides a lot of value to what MIA is trying to do. I love how people say oh they’re just gonna be a 6-8 seed, well… pic.twitter.com/GulXcrRTUo
— Heat Culture (@HeatCulture13) July 7, 2025
The front office needed to upgrade the roster this offseason. Miami moved on from Duncan Robinson, Kyle Anderson, and Kevin Love, but the team acquired Norman Powell from the Clippers. Powell averaged 21.8 points per game last season, giving the Heat another proven scorer.
Miami also drafted Kasparas Jakučionis, a highly touted playmaking guard from Illinois. Jakučionis could be a steal, and he fills a pressing need at point guard. The Heat are also hoping for the rapid development of young pieces like Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović, and Kel’el Ware to help them climb the ranks in the East.
18) Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers put together an inspiring and improbable playoff run, pushing the Thunder to seven games in the NBA Finals and exceeding expectations at every turn. Led by the dynamic duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers rode their high-powered offense, strong team chemistry, and standout contributions from a deep supporting cast to the franchise’s first Finals appearance in 25 years.
Myles Turner, Aaron Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, and Andrew Nembhard each had key moments during Indiana’s postseason surge, helping cement the Pacers as one of the league’s most exciting young teams. However, the momentum came to a heartbreaking halt in Game 7 when Haliburton, already playing through a calf strain, went down with a torn Achilles.
Haliburton’s 2025-26 season is almost certainly in jeopardy, casting a shadow over what was a promising sign of things to come. If it’s any consolation, the Pacers added Marquette point guard Kam Jones in the draft, and he comes with valuable experience against top college competition.
Unfortunately, Indiana could not retain Turner, an important player on both ends of the floor. Turner appeared happy where he was, but the Pacers didn’t meet his financial demands. His departure leaves a sizeable hole in the frontcourt without clear answers.
The future remains bright in Indiana, but the immediate outlook is clouded with uncertainty.
17) Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks enter the 2025-26 season at a crossroads, still anchored by Giannis Antetokounmpo but facing mounting pressure to retool around their superstar after a third straight early playoff exit. Milwaukee finished last season with a 48-34 record, capturing the inaugural NBA Cup.
However, the Bucks’ inability to compete with the East’s elite was glaring. They went 0-10 in the regular season against Boston, New York, and Cleveland. Milwaukee’s postseason ended in disappointment yet again, as they fell to the Pacers in the first round.
The season’s trajectory changed dramatically with Damian Lillard’s season-ending Achilles injury. Lillard was ultimately waived this summer to make room for new additions, closing the book on a partnership that never fully materialized.
The front office returned Bobby Portis on a three-year extension and retained key rotation players in Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince, and Gary Trent Jr. The most significant addition is Myles Turner, who arrives on a four-year deal and is expected to anchor the defense and provide floor spacing as a stretch five. Turner was an essential piece of the Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals, and his presence should help offset the loss of longtime center Brook Lopez.
The Bucks’ frontcourt now features Turner, Portis, Kyle Kuzma, and Antetokounmpo, a group with versatility, shooting, and size, but also significant financial investment and pressure to deliver in a conference that feels wide open.
Speculation around Antetokounmpo’s future continues to hover over the franchise. Questions about his long-term commitment will persist until Milwaukee can build a true title contender around him. For now, the Bucks remain in the mix in the East, but the stakes have never been higher.
16) Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics entered this past season as the title favorite and looked the part for much of the year, winning over 60 games and finishing with the NBA’s second-best net rating. But their season unraveled in the second round of the playoffs. The Knicks played well, but a devastating Achilles injury to Jayson Tatum was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Tatum’s injury was unfortunate because he was playing some of the best basketball of his career. His loss ended Boston’s title hopes and casts a long shadow over the team’s immediate future. He’s expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season, which leaves the Celtics with tough decisions this offseason.
The Celtics have already begun reshaping their roster, trading away veterans Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis and adding a scoring guard in Anfernee Simons and a versatile role player in Georges Niang. In the NBA Draft, Boston found an intriguing international stash with real long-term potential in Spain’s Hugo González.
Still, there are significant questions around the frontcourt in the short term. Al Horford is still a free agent, and Boston has already lost Luke Kornet. Luka Garza and Josh Minott are young players, but neither is an exciting addition.
The roster still boasts All-Star talent in Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, which should help Boston avoid a major fall-off. How Brad Stevens navigates this crossroads will determine whether the Celtics can reload around Tatum for another title run in 2026 or take a more dramatic step back.
15) Memphis Grizzlies
After an injury-riddled 2023-24 campaign, the Memphis Grizzlies bounced back with a 48-34 record this season, only to be swept by the Thunder in the first round. Despite flashes of promise, the team struggled with consistency and availability. Morant missed 32 games due to various injuries, and Memphis never quite hit its stride at full strength.
Frustrations led the front office to make significant changes, most notably letting go of head coach Taylor Jenkins late in the season. The Grizzlies also traded a core piece in Bane to Orlando, netting them Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a pick swap.
While Bane was a big part of the team’s success over the past several seasons, Memphis may have found a potential replacement in first-round pick Cedric Coward. He possesses elite physical tools for a modern NBA wing and could develop into a legitimate 3-and-D contributor for Memphis.
Another notable addition was Ty Jerome, whom the Grizzlies landed in free agency. Jerome was one of the best sixth men in the NBA last season with the Cavaliers and brings elite perimeter shooting.
General manager Zach Kleiman inked a massive extension with Jaren Jackson Jr. and retained a key role player in Santi Aldama. It will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies continue to build their roster around Jackson and Morant.
14) Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are in the middle of a pivotal offseason. After another sub-.500 campaign and a quick exit from the play-in tournament, questions about the team’s long-term direction are front and center. There was also trade speculation around four-time All-Star guard Trae Young.
Young remains a dynamic offensive engine, but his defensive limitations and the team’s lack of postseason success have sparked debate about whether he should remain the face of the franchise. There are reasons for optimism, though. Dyson Daniels emerged as a defensive stopper while leading the NBA in steals last season, and Jalen Johnson looked like a budding star before a torn labrum cut his breakout season short.
The front office also took a big swing by acquiring Porziņģis, landing one of the league’s best two-way bigs when healthy. Porziņģis brings much-needed rim protection and pick-and-pop versatility, and his presence could help elevate the Hawks into a more balanced and competitive team.
The Hawks also landed Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a vital piece in the Timberwolves’ playoff run. His versatility on both ends of the floor is expected to be a major asset. Sharpshooter Luke Kennard gives Young more space to operate, and he could help replace some of the scoring lost by Caris LeVert’s departure.
With additional young talent like Zaccharie Risacher and first-round pick Asa Newell, Atlanta has a higher ceiling than it did when the offseason began.
13) San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are entering an exciting chapter of their rebuild. With Victor Wembanyama poised to become one of the faces of the NBA and a strong young core already in place, the franchise is trending toward contention sooner rather than later.
The arrival of De’Aaron Fox at the trade deadline signaled that San Antonio isn’t content with a slow rebuild. The Fox-Wembanyama pairing was limited to five games together, but the potential is sky-high.
The Spurs added two promising and versatile prospects to the fold in the 2025 NBA Draft in Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant. Harper, in particular, is another high-upside playmaker who joins an intriguing core featuring Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson.
It’s been a quiet free agency period for San Antonio, but the team did add frontcourt depth with Luke Kornet, who proved to be a valuable role player for the Celtics.
Head coach Mitch Johnson takes over for Gregg Popovich, who has shifted to a front office role. San Antonio finished with a 34-48 record, a 12-win improvement over the previous season. The pieces are in place for this team to take the next step in its ascension.
12) Golden State Warriors
The 2025 offseason marks a defining moment for the Golden State Warriors. Their season ended with a second-round playoff exit against the Timberwolves, a result that seemed unlikely just months earlier.
The turning point came with the midseason acquisition of Jimmy Butler III, whose arrival injected much-needed toughness, defensive intensity, and playmaking into a squad that had struggled to find its identity following Klay Thompson’s departure. Butler’s impact was immediate, helping to stabilize the Warriors and reignite their competitive edge alongside the veteran leadership of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
However, the playoffs reminded everyone how fragile things can be when your stars are in their mid-to-late 30s. Golden State got contributions from Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and a breakout postseason from Jonathan Kuminga, but the lack of depth became a problem down the stretch.
Kuminga’s status as a restricted free agent looms large, and the front office must address the team’s need for additional size, shooting, and overall depth to remain in the championship conversation. The departure of longtime center Kevon Looney leaves a void in the frontcourt. With the right moves, the Warriors should remain a contender in the Western Conference, but the margin for error has never been slimmer.
11) Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons enter the 2025 season riding a wave of momentum after one of the league’s most remarkable turnarounds. Following five straight years with 23 or fewer wins, Detroit surged to a 44-38 record, their best since 2015-16, and returned to the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade.
Under first-year head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the Pistons established a new culture built on defensive intensity and veteran leadership. Cade Cunningham enjoyed a breakout season, stamping himself as the franchise centerpiece. He delivered an All-NBA caliber campaign, averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game on 46.9% shooting from the field and 35.6% from three.
Jalen Duren anchored the paint on both ends of the floor. Ausar Thompson flashed elite defensive versatility, and Jaden Ivey looked increasingly comfortable as a secondary playmaker before his season was cut short.
The Pistons’ supporting cast was bolstered by the additions of veterans Malik Beasley, Tobias Harris, and Tim Hardaway Jr., who provided much-needed shooting and experience. However, Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schröder, who provided a spark off the bench, departed in free agency this summer.
Meanwhile, a dark cloud surrounds Beasley’s legal situation, which could significantly impact Detroit’s rotation. He was an integral part of the team’s success last season. Adding Duncan Robinson in free agency and Chaz Lanier in the draft could help offset Beasley’s absence.
The Pistons also signed Caris LeVert and Paul Reed through free agency, adding notable depth to the backcourt and frontcourt. Even after a first-round loss to New York, Detroit’s momentum is real.
10) Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers’ identity drastically changed after the blockbuster midseason trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić. The move reshaped the franchise’s trajectory, pairing the perennial MVP candidate with LeBron James in a bold attempt to chase another title.
The Lakers finished the year with a 50-32 record and the No. 3 seed in the West. But under first-year head coach JJ Redick, Los Angeles got bounced in the first round for a second straight season, falling to Minnesota in five games. The need for frontcourt reinforcements was painfully evident as the Lakers struggled to match the Timberwolves’ size and physicality.
With the Mark Williams deal falling through and Jaxson Hayes unable to provide consistent minutes, addressing the center position has become the front office’s top priority. The Lakers signed Deandre Ayton in free agency, strengthening their presence in the paint. Ayton immediately gives this team a boost on the glass, but effort lapses leave questions about his impact on the defensive end.
Los Angeles lost Dorian Finney-Smith to free agency, removing a versatile defender and floor spacer from the mix. However, the Lakers added an explosive and physical two-way wing in Adou Thiero through the draft. Jake LaRavia adds depth and shooting to the frontcourt.
With James entering his age-41 season and Dončić now in the fold, Rob Pelinka and company must continue to be aggressive this offseason if the Lakers want to build a title-ready roster around their superstar duo.
9) Dallas Mavericks
The lottery ball fortunately bounced in the Dallas Mavericks’ favor, giving general manager Nico Harrison new life after the stunning decision to trade Luka Dončić, the franchise cornerstone, to the Lakers for Anthony Davis.
Davis got injured in his debut and appeared in only nine games for Dallas, while Kyrie Irving tore his ACL, leaving the Mavs without their two All-NBA talents for most of the season. That resulted in a forgettable year that ended in the play-in and raised serious questions about the team’s trajectory. However, Cooper Flagg’s arrival brings excitement back into the building.
The consensus top prospect gives Dallas a potential future superstar to build around, while the hope remains that Davis and Irving, once healthy, can anchor a championship-contending team.
The roster also features a strong supporting cast that includes Thompson, Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford. The front office also added D’Angelo Russell, another proven playmaker and scorer who can hold down the fort until Irving is fully healthy.
The West is loaded, but the pieces are in place for the Mavericks to make some noise. If Davis and Irving can stay on the floor and Flagg lives up to expectations, the Mavericks could quickly move back into the conference’s upper tier.
8) Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are signaling that their rebuilding phase is over, and they’re ready to win now. After making the playoffs for the second straight season but falling to the Celtics in five games, the Magic decided to accelerate their climb by pulling off a blockbuster trade for Desmond Bane. It cost them quite a bit, but it netted them a high-efficiency shooter and playmaker.
Despite finishing with a .500 record and facing significant injuries, the Magic still boasted the NBA’s second-best defensive rating. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner posted career years, while Jalen Suggs took a leap before a quad injury ended his season.
But the offense lagged, finishing near the bottom of the league in both efficiency and shooting. Bane, a career 41% 3-point shooter, immediately boosts Orlando’s scoring and floor spacing without compromising its defensive identity.
Adding Michigan State’s Jase Richardson in the draft should also help Orlando on the offensive end. He’s a high-IQ, skilled combo guard who plays with poise, has an NBA pedigree, and can shoot. The front office also landed Tyus Jones in free agency, giving this youthful squad a steady veteran presence in the backcourt.
With one of the most exciting young cores in the league, the Magic look poised to make a serious push in the Eastern Conference next season.
7) Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers entered the offseason in a stronger position than their first-round playoff exit might suggest. Despite losing Paul George and Russell Westbrook last summer, the Clippers defied expectations by winning 50 games and making their 12th postseason appearance in the previous 14 years.
Defensively, the Clippers ranked among the NBA’s elite, finishing with a top-three defensive rating. Their identity was further shaped by the resurgence of James Harden, who averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, ranking fifth in the league in assists while shouldering a significant offensive load.
Harden’s playmaking and scoring kept the Clippers’ offense afloat, particularly during stretches when Kawhi Leonard was sidelined. Leonard, limited to just 37 games due to injury, remained highly impactful when available. Norman Powell delivered a career year as a scorer, providing consistent production on the wing and helping to offset the loss of star power.
However, Los Angeles moved on from Powell, trading him to the Heat as part of a three-team deal. In return, the Clippers received Jazz power forward John Collins, who adds length and a dynamic lob threat to their frontcourt.
Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac emerged as a dominant two-way presence in the paint, posting career highs across the board. The Clippers’ most notable offseason addition is Brook Lopez, who agreed to a two-year contract and is expected to provide elite rim protection, floor spacing, and experience to the frontcourt alongside Zubac.
This team’s ability to stay healthy, maximize the Harden-Leonard duo, and integrate new pieces will determine whether it can translate regular-season success into a deeper playoff run. The Clippers remain one of the West’s most dangerous teams.
6) New York Knicks
The New York Knicks entered the offseason with the message from leadership that championship expectations are the standard. Despite reaching their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years and posting back-to-back 50-win seasons, the team parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau just days after their playoff exit, signaling that good isn’t good enough.
Knicks president Leon Rose made it clear that the goal is a title, and whoever takes over as head coach will inherit a roster built to compete for one. New York’s starting five is among the league’s best, featuring All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, two-way wings Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, and the ever-versatile Josh Hart.
While the talent at the top is undeniable, the lack of bench production and offensive creativity proved costly in the postseason. The front office responded with targeted moves to address depth and versatility. Guerschon Yabusele, who averaged 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds on 50.1% shooting last season, bolsters the frontcourt. Jordan Clarkson’s scoring punch off the bench could provide the offensive spark the Knicks were missing late in games.
Perhaps the most significant change comes on the sidelines, where two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown takes over for Thibodeau. He brings a fresh perspective and a reputation for defensive discipline and player development. With a team knocking on the door, Brown will be tasked with maximizing the Knicks’ championship window.
5) Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the offseason with both momentum and uncertainty. While they won fewer games in the regular season than in the 2023-24 season, the Wolves once again proved themselves in the playoffs, reaching the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year.
After rolling through the Lakers and the Warriors, Minnesota hit a wall against the eventual champions, losing in five games and exposing a clear gap between the Western Conference’s top contender and the rest of the field. Still, back-to-back deep playoff runs confirm that the Timberwolves have arrived as a legitimate force.
Anthony Edwards looks every bit like a future MVP, finishing fourth in the league in scoring and first in total 3-pointers made, per Basketball Reference. Staying a contender won’t be simple, but Minnesota retained Julius Randle and Naz Reid, ensuring the frontcourt remains intact for next season. However, the Wolves must replace a key role player in Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who left in free agency.
The most notable newcomer this offseason is first-round pick Joan Beringer, but the French big man is far from a complete prospect.
Despite some questions needing answers, with Edwards leading the charge, Minnesota should remain in the mix out West.
4) Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets experienced a challenging yet ultimately respectable 2024-25 season, finishing with a 50-32 record, a slight decline from their 57-win campaign following the 2023 championship. Injuries to key contributors such as Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, combined with some midseason inconsistency, tempered their regular-season success.
Nevertheless, under new head coach David Adelman, the Nuggets demonstrated resilience in the playoffs, dispatching a surging Clippers team in the first round and pushing the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder to a full seven games in the conference semifinals despite ongoing injury issues and the absence of longtime coach Michael Malone.
At the heart of Denver’s success remains Nikola Jokić. The reigning MVP runner-up turned in another historic season, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists. Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook were the only other players to average a triple-double across a full season.
The Nuggets didn’t have any picks in this year’s draft, but they made up ground early in free agency. They moved on from Michael Porter Jr., but gained Cam Johnson, a reliable three-and-D wing who can stretch the floor and provide scoring punch. Bruce Brown is back in Denver, and the team also brought in veterans Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valančiūnas, bolstering depth on the perimeter and interior.
With a retooled roster and a generational superstar, Denver looks poised to make another deep playoff run in a highly competitive Western Conference.
3) Cleveland Cavaliers
The 2024-25 season was a breakthrough year for the Cleveland Cavaliers, at least until the playoffs. Behind a 64-18 record, the best in the Eastern Conference and the franchise’s top mark since 2008, the Cavs looked like legitimate title contenders. They led the NBA in offensive rating (121.0), posted the best point differential in team history, and saw first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson earn Coach of the Year honors.
Evan Mobley took a significant leap, winning Defensive Player of the Year, while the trio of Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, and Darius Garland powered a dominant regular-season run. All that momentum came to a screeching halt in the postseason, though. Plagued by injuries, particularly to Garland, Cleveland fell in five games to Indiana.
The disappointing exit has reignited questions about the long-term fit between Mitchell and Garland and the future of the frontcourt pairing of Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland acquired Lonzo Ball from the Bulls, adding much-needed playmaking and perimeter defense. However, they lost sixth man Ty Jerome, who shot nearly 44% from deep.
Regardless, the Cavaliers will enter next season with a talented core, a proven coach, and unfinished business.
2) Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets took a massive leap forward this past season, winning 52 games and securing the No. 2 seed in the loaded Western Conference. It marked the franchise’s best finish since the James Harden era. Head coach Ime Udoka helped turn one of the league’s youngest rosters into a near-top-10 unit on both ends of the floor (12th in offensive rating; fifth in defensive rating), marking a rapid turnaround.
“Is the pressure on him [Kevin Durant] or is the pressure on them [Rockets].”
Will the Rockets contend next season with Kevin Durant 🤔 (via @GilsArenaShow) pic.twitter.com/imnZKW8Kum
— Underdog (@Underdog) July 7, 2025
While the Rockets’ postseason run ended early with a Game 7 loss to the battle-tested Warriors, the experience solidified that this young team has arrived. Rather than standing pat, Houston doubled down and acquired Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade, giving them one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
Despite moving on from Jalen Green, the Rockets retain a strong core of Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr.; Durant’s arrival will provide the late-game scoring punch that Houston lacked in the playoffs.
Houston filled out its roster by adding high-level role players in Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith and re-signing Steven Adams, Aaron Holiday, Jae’Sean Tate, and Jeff Green. The Rockets look like legitimate contenders with a balanced mix of rising stars and proven veterans.
1) Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2025 offseason as the defending champions and the NBA’s new standard. Their run to the title, capped by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Finals MVP performance, validated what the numbers had been saying all year: the Thunder were the best team in basketball.
Despite being pushed to seven games by Denver and Indianapolis, Oklahoma City dominated the regular season. They reasserted their dominance in the West with a convincing 4-1 series win over Minnesota.
What makes the Thunder’s rise even scarier for the rest of the league is how sustainable it looks. Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off winning regular-season and Finals MVP honors, is just 26 and entering his physical prime.
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are already high-impact players with All-NBA ceilings. Add in redshirt rookie Nikola Topić and a treasure chest of future draft picks, and it’s clear that the Thunder’s championship window is just opening. The rich also got richer with the selection of Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber, who could become a centerpiece in the frontcourt for years to come.
With elite defense, rare depth, and unmatched organizational stability, Oklahoma City is built to stay at the top.
