NBA Offseason Performance Review: Grading Every Team Ahead of the 2025-26 Season

Atlanta Hawks

Grade: A

The Hawks significantly elevated their status as a legitimate Eastern Conference threat by acquiring Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a premier free agent from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and adding Kristaps Porzingis to bolster their frontcourt size. However, their most astute move was securing the more favorable of two 2026 first-round picks (from the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans) on draft night, simply by moving down ten spots from pick 13 to 23.

Even if Atlanta remains within the play-in bracket, the prospect of adding another potential lottery pick to a core that already includes 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher offers a franchise-altering opportunity. This is particularly crucial given that the Hawks previously traded their own 2026 pick to the San Antonio Spurs in the Dejounte Murray deal.

Boston Celtics

Grade: C

On the upside, the Celtics successfully balanced their financial books without sacrificing any future first-round picks, managing to dip below the second luxury tax apron. They now have a plausible path to avoid the tax entirely in what`s considered a transition year following Jayson Tatum`s Achilles injury. The downside is Boston shed a substantial amount of talent, including every player taller than 6-foot-8 who saw at least 13 minutes in the 2025 playoffs. The Celtics will face a significant challenge in replenishing their frontcourt depth and, critically, replacing the versatility lost with the departures of Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.

Brooklyn Nets

Grade: C-

Considering the Nets` commanding position as the sole team with over $30 million in cap space this summer, their overall return has been rather underwhelming. Brooklyn did manage to acquire an unprotected 2032 first-rounder from Denver and can hope to rehabilitate Michael Porter Jr.`s value. The Nets also landed the No. 22 pick along with Terance Mann prior to the draft. However, retaining all five first-round picks and largely selecting players whose skill sets don`t appear complementary was a perplexing strategy. Brooklyn still has the potential to generate over $20 million in cap space; it remains to be seen if additional deals materialize before training camp.

Charlotte Hornets

Grade: B-

The Hornets are poised for a more competitive 2025-26 season after successfully acquiring playmakers to complement LaMelo Ball. Charlotte`s offense severely faltered without Ball last season, a situation unlikely to recur with the additions of seasoned veterans Spencer Dinwiddie and Collin Sexton, and the return of Tre Mann. Furthermore, No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel, who was the MVP of the summer league championship game, is expected to immediately bolster the Hornets` shooting capabilities.

Chicago Bulls

Grade: C-

I appreciated the Bulls` decision to bring back Tre Jones on a three-year, $24 million contract that includes a team option for the final season. Chicago could also potentially extract more value from wing Isaac Okoro after acquiring him from Cleveland in exchange for Ball. Nevertheless, the Bulls should not be satisfied with largely maintaining the status quo after enduring three consecutive play-in losses. And while I`m optimistic about No. 12 pick Noa Essengue, Chicago would have been better served by executing the same draft-night deal that Atlanta did with New Orleans.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Grade: B

The impact Lonzo Ball will have on the Cavaliers remains to be seen, as he was limited to just 35 games last season due to wrist injuries, following two and a half years off the court because of his left knee. Ball was a cost-effective acquisition for Cleveland, helping to replace Ty Jerome, who was let go to manage the Cavaliers` substantial luxury tax bill. Similarly, bringing back Larry Nance Jr. as a third center was a sensible move. Despite Jerome`s departure, Cleveland appears to be the frontrunner to win the Eastern Conference.

Dallas Mavericks

Grade: B-

Dallas doesn`t receive special commendation for selecting Cooper Flagg, a straightforward decision for any team winning the draft lottery. The Mavericks made a sound move by securing D`Angelo Russell, utilizing only their taxpayer midlevel exception in free agency after agreeing to a new contract with a reduced starting salary for the injured point guard Kyrie Irving. However, Dallas still has an excess of talent in its frontcourt, having opted against any trades involving veteran players thus far. This situation likely pushes both Flagg and P.J. Washington into perimeter roles.

Denver Nuggets

Grade: A-

After the offseason dust settled, Denver emerged with its strongest roster on paper since clinching the 2023 title. A highlight was the trade of Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson, at the cost of a valuable unprotected 2032 first-round pick. The financial flexibility generated by this deal allowed the Nuggets to effectively “steal” Jonas Valanciunas from the Kings, by shedding little-used Dario Saric. Furthermore, Denver enhanced its perimeter depth by signing both Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to minimum contracts.

Detroit Pistons

Grade: C

The Pistons` offseason trajectory drastically shifted when it was reported that guard Malik Beasley was under federal investigation in connection with a gambling probe. After All-Star Cade Cunningham, Beasley was arguably Detroit`s second-best player last season, and this late development severely limited the Pistons` options for replacing him in free agency. They did manage to acquire Duncan Robinson to provide the shooting Beasley offered and Caris LeVert for bench scoring and creation, but the likely outcome is a weaker Detroit second unit.

Golden State Warriors

Grade: Incomplete

Having only added a pair of picks in the 50s (Will Richard and Alex Toohey), the Warriors` offseason remains impossible to fully evaluate until the status of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is resolved. If Golden State does indeed sign veteran center Al Horford and re-sign guard De`Anthony Melton, as has been reported, that would constitute a solid summer building upon last season`s strong finish after the Jimmy Butler trade. For now, however, all of this remains pending.

Houston Rockets

Grade: A

No team did more to enhance its prospects for the 2026 title than the Rockets, who successfully acquired two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant without compromising their existing depth. Houston deserves credit for opportunistically seizing a reasonable trade for Durant, then leveraging a team-friendly contract for Fred VanVleet (two years, $50 million) to access the non-taxpayer midlevel exception. This allowed the Rockets to add proven 3-and-D wing Dorian Finney-Smith, helping to compensate for the departure of Dillon Brooks.

Indiana Pacers

Grade: D

It`s conceivable that in retrospect, the Pacers might be seen as better off by not committing to Myles Turner through his mid-30s. However, fiscal prudence doesn`t win championships, and Indiana lost a crucial component of a starting five that thrived more on synergy than raw talent. The Pacers lack a clear replacement for Turner. While I liked taking a chance on Jay Huff, who possesses a similar skill set, expecting him to step into a starting role after falling out of Memphis` playoff rotation is unrealistic. Indiana`s other traditional centers—Tony Bradley, Isaiah Jackson, and James Wiseman—are also career backup players.

LA Clippers

Grade: B+

Concerns exist regarding the Clippers` age after acquiring veterans Chris Paul (40), Brook Lopez (37), and Bradley Beal (32). However, for the Clippers to secure all three using only their non-taxpayer midlevel exception is undeniably a triumph. The Clippers bolstered their depth in the short term and added size with a trade for John Collins, all while keeping an eye on future cap space possibilities as early as next summer, with 2027 being a more probable target to retool the roster with younger talent.

Los Angeles Lakers

Grade: B

The Lakers` offseason presents an interesting contrast to their crosstown rivals. Building around 26-year-old Luka Doncic, the Lakers acquired Jake LaRavia, 23, the youngest unrestricted free agent to change teams for more than the minimum, along with Deandre Ayton, who recently turned 27. Marcus Smart, at 31, is the Lakers` oldest newcomer. While the Lakers` new additions were not as impactful last season as those of the Clippers, the revamped Lakers roster stands a better chance of contributing long-term.

The primary question surrounding the Lakers` offseason approach is its implication for 40-year-old superstar LeBron James. However, James possesses limited leverage after exercising his player option. For the Lakers, it`s more crucial to persuade Doncic to sign an extension when he becomes eligible this weekend.

Memphis Grizzlies

Grade: B

The Grizzlies might experience a slight regression in a highly competitive Western Conference after trading starting guard Desmond Bane. However, in the long term, Memphis made a wise strategic move by securing four first-round picks in return, including a highly coveted 2026 pick most likely originating from the Phoenix Suns. Adding Jerome on a value contract helps compensate for Bane`s shooting and shot creation, and the Grizzlies successfully signed Jaren Jackson Jr. to an extension that pays him less than he could have commanded next summer as an unrestricted free agent.

Miami Heat

Grade: B+

This offseason was an opportunistic one for the Heat. They capitalized on the money saved by trading Duncan Robinson for Simone Fontecchio to transform players on the fringes of their rotation into Norman Powell, who averaged 21.8 points per game for the Clippers last season. Powell helps fill some of the scoring void left by Jimmy Butler`s February departure and keeps Miami`s finances flexible — for now — as the team targets cap space in 2027.

Milwaukee Bucks

Grade: C+

No, the Bucks` decision to stretch Damian Lillard`s salary over the next five years to create cap room and sign Myles Turner away from the Pacers—the top player to switch teams in free agency—is unlikely to immediately make Milwaukee a true contender. However, it at least provides the Bucks with a fighting chance this season, especially with a power vacuum in the East due to injuries and Giannis Antetokounmpo still performing at a top-five level. Milwaukee did creative work to retain the rest of last season`s core, albeit at the cost of liberally handing out player options. A remarkable five Bucks players received 2026-27 options, which could complicate roster construction next summer.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Grade: B-

After trading Towns, the Timberwolves successfully managed their payroll to retain the core of the team that reached the past two conference finals. A new contract for Julius Randle means he and Donte DiVincenzo will earn a combined $43 million, significantly less than the $53 million Towns is set to make. Minnesota did have to let Alexander-Walker depart via sign-and-trade, opting instead to prioritize 2023-24 Sixth Man Award winner Naz Reid. Reid`s five-year, $125 million contract could prove to be an overpay if he`s unable to expand beyond a bench role.

New Orleans Pelicans

Grade: F

The draft-night swap between the Hawks and Pelicans appeared to be the summer`s most lopsided transaction. While it could potentially pay off for New Orleans, the risk was far too great to be considered sensible—especially given the context of the Pelicans` other moves. New Orleans is gambling on Jordan Poole becoming a playoff-caliber starting point guard and has overstocked its depth chart at center by drafting Derik Queen and signing veteran Kevon Looney. Only three Western Conference teams have longer odds of winning the conference, and the Pelicans traded away their safety net now that they no longer control their 2026 first-round pick.

New York Knicks

Grade: B

After acquiring Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns last offseason, the Knicks had limited flexibility this summer. Securing Guerschon Yabusele for slightly less than their full taxpayer midlevel exception allowed New York to upgrade its second-unit frontcourt and still fill out its bench with veteran minimum contracts. One of those veterans, Jordan Clarkson—signed after reaching a buyout with the Utah Jazz—provides the Knicks with more athleticism off the bench compared to unsigned backup guards Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Grade: B+

The reigning champions retained every player who saw at least 50 minutes of action during the 2025 playoffs. Therefore, the real work for the Thunder front office involved securing long-term extensions for stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. While a supermax deal for Gilgeous-Alexander and max deals for Holmgren and Williams will necessitate difficult future choices for Oklahoma City, the Thunder made shrewd moves to sign Holmgren to a deal capped at 25% of the 2026-27 cap and to avoid giving Williams a player option on his extension.

Orlando Magic

Grade: B

The trade for Desmond Bane looks increasingly favorable for Orlando in light of the Eastern Conference`s evolving landscape. The Magic now have a realistic opportunity to secure home-court advantage in the first round for the first time since 2011. Orlando`s acquisition of backup point guard Tyus Jones on a one-year, $7 million deal was also a beneficial addition. The Magic will possess significantly more backcourt depth after recording a 21-26 record in the 47 games starter Jalen Suggs missed last season.

Philadelphia 76ers

Grade: C

After last summer was marked by the high-profile signing of nine-time All-Star Paul George—an acquisition that ultimately went awry—perhaps a quiet offseason is for the best. Nevertheless, it`s surprising that Philadelphia is bringing back ten players from last season`s roster, with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes likely to increase that total to eleven. The 76ers appear to be relying on improved health and enhanced frontcourt depth rather than implementing significant roster changes.

Phoenix Suns

Grade: C+

Similar to Milwaukee, Phoenix incurred a substantial amount of dead salary on its books with a buyout for the final two years of Bradley Beal`s contract. After trading Kevin Durant, the Suns cannot realistically contend for a championship. Even making the playoffs will be a challenge in the Western Conference. However, they have shifted their roster towards a younger direction with three 2025 draft picks—having started the summer with none—and the acquisition of 23-year-old center Mark Williams via trade.

Portland Trail Blazers

Grade: C

It was an eventful summer for the Blazers, who traded for Jrue Holiday, made the draft`s most intriguing pick in Chinese center Yang Hansen, and reunited with franchise icon Damian Lillard. The addition of two veteran All-Star guards could create a crowded backcourt for Portland once Lillard returns from an Achilles injury, likely in 2026-27. Furthermore, the Blazers have yet to find a new home for forward Jerami Grant, who was surpassed in the rotation last season by younger players Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara.

Sacramento Kings

Grade: D+

A puzzling offseason didn`t seem to move the Kings closer to a playoff return. Prioritizing the point guard position after trading De`Aaron Fox in February was reasonable, but Sacramento gave Dennis Schroder a three-year, $45 million deal that might not age well given Schroder`s reliance on quickness. This deal compelled the Kings to swap Jonas Valanciunas for Dario Saric, who barely played last season, simply to avoid the luxury tax. Sacramento might have been better off targeting a point guard on a more affordable deal, such as Tre Jones, or allowing Valanciunas to depart for a reported offer from Greek club Olympiacos, thereby getting out of his contract entirely.

San Antonio Spurs

Grade: B

The Spurs don`t receive bonus points for leaping to No. 2 in the lottery and drafting Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. However, San Antonio did well to upgrade its frontcourt with veterans Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk. With a full training camp to integrate De`Aaron Fox and the anticipated rapid development of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are expected to improve this season and still possess the draft picks to make another significant move to build out their core.

Toronto Raptors

Grade: C-

A deadline deal for Brandon Ingram proved to be Toronto`s most substantial offseason move. Given the limited cap space available, Ingram made a wise decision to secure a three-year, $120 million deal after the trade. Being over the tax line, the Raptors merely replaced unsigned Chris Boucher with Sandro Mamukelashvili and drafted Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9. The outcome is a roster that still doesn`t appear to be a top-six team in the East, coupled with limited financial flexibility, particularly after a costly extension for center Jakob Poeltl.

Utah Jazz

Grade: C

After hiring Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations, the Jazz firmly committed to a new direction. Utah traded veterans Clarkson, Collins, and Sexton, meaning these players will no longer appear on lengthy injury reports, thus opening up playing time for Utah`s young talent. The Jazz likely waited too long to move on from Clarkson and Sexton, which forced Utah to surrender a second-round pick in the process. Still ahead is a crucial decision regarding center Walker Kessler, who is eligible for a rookie extension through October.

Washington Wizards

Grade: B

A series of trades significantly streamlined Washington`s financial books, creating massive cap space for summer 2026, while also allowing them to take low-cost flyers on recent first-round picks. Including this year`s picks Tre Johnson and Will Riley, the Wizards now boast an impressive ten players drafted in the first round since 2023. Corey Kispert is the only veteran Washington has under contract for 2026-27, which means the Wizards could command up to $80 million in cap space after trading Jordan Poole for CJ McCollum`s expiring contract.