Way-Too-Early NBA Power Rankings: A Post-Finals Look at All 30 Teams for 2025-26

The 2024-25 NBA season has concluded, with the Oklahoma City Thunder securing their first NBA championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series.

After reaching their first Finals in over a decade, the Thunder maintain the top position in our initial post-Finals rankings. Given the unpredictable nature of the recent postseason, let`s examine where the other 29 teams stand as the league heads into the summer.

As we wrap up another exciting NBA campaign, our panel reflects on expected offseason developments and lays the groundwork for what promises to be another competitive and unpredictable 2025-26 season.

Note: Team rankings reflect the collective assessment of our panel members regarding team outlook after the 2024-25 NBA season.

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• 2024-25 record: 68-14
• Previous rank: 1
• Result: NBA Finals champions
• 2025 draft picks: No. 15 (via MIA), No. 24 (via LAC), No. 44 (via ATL)

Get ready to see the Thunder competing deep into June for the foreseeable future. Oklahoma City`s championship run was built around a core of rapidly developing talent. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just entering his prime at 26, while All-NBA caliber forward Jalen Williams (24) and potential future All-Star Chet Holmgren (23) are still exploring their full potential. All three cornerstone players are expected to sign significant long-term contract extensions this summer. The team will also integrate lottery pick Nikola Topic, who essentially redshirted his rookie season due to a knee injury. General Manager Sam Presti has draft assets to spare, including two second-round picks in this upcoming draft, part of the team`s extensive collection for future years. The future looks incredibly bright for OKC. — Tim MacMahon

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• 2024-25 record: 49-33
• Previous rank: 11
• Result: Eliminated in Western Conference finals
• 2025 draft picks: No. 17 (via DET), No. 31 (via UTAH)

The Timberwolves appeared to be strong contenders until they encountered the dominant force of the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, losing the series in five games. With Julius Randle and Naz Reid holding player options for the next season, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker entering free agency this summer, Minnesota faces some significant roster decisions. — Dave McMenamin

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• 2024-25 record: 50-32
• Previous rank: 7
• Result: Eliminated in second round
• 2025 draft picks: None

The Nuggets made major personnel changes late in the regular season, parting ways with coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. This spurred a playoff run that ended in the second round, losing a seven-game series to Oklahoma City, partly hampered by Aaron Gordon`s significant hamstring injury. While the team might ponder their potential fully healthy, they also need to strengthen the roster surrounding Nikola Jokic. Newly appointed head coach David Adelman emphasized the need for improved conditioning and continued focus on defense. Denver requires more depth, especially to maintain effectiveness when Jokic is off the court. With Russell Westbrook declining his player option and becoming a free agent, the Nuggets may need to find another veteran contributor off the bench. Their trade options are limited, with only a distant first-round pick available, suggesting Michael Porter Jr. might be their most valuable asset if they seek a major offseason move. — Ohm Youngmisuk

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• 2024-25 record: 64-18
• Previous rank: 2
• Result: Eliminated in second round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 49 (via MIL), No. 58

Cleveland`s impressive season concluded abruptly against the Indiana Pacers, who went on to win the Eastern Conference after stunning playoff comebacks against both New York and Cleveland. Guard Darius Garland`s performance was a factor in the early exit; he averaged just 18 points on 42% shooting (28.6% from three) in the playoffs, down from his regular season averages of 20.6 points on 47.2% (40.1% from three). Garland had surgery on his left big toe which affected him in the postseason, but the Cavaliers expect him to be ready for training camp. — McMenamin

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• 2024-25 record: 52-30
• Previous rank: 4
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 59 (via OKC)

The Rockets demonstrated last season that they are just one offensive catalyst away from a deeper playoff run. While they hoped one of their talented young players would step into that role, Houston instead acquired Kevin Durant on the final day of the NBA season. This trade sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and draft picks (including the No. 10 pick in the recent draft) to the Suns. Durant previously worked with coach Ime Udoka in Brooklyn and brings a veteran presence and leadership to a young team that finished second in the Western Conference but lost in the first round to the experienced Warriors. — Michael C. Wright

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• 2024-25 record: 50-32
• Previous rank: 8
• Result: Lost in the NBA Finals
• 2025 draft picks: No. 54

The Pacers came remarkably close to achieving one of the most improbable upsets in NBA Finals history. However, the uncertainty surrounding Tyrese Haliburton`s Achilles injury casts a major doubt over one of the league`s most exciting teams. Haliburton suffered a noncontact injury in Game 7 of the Finals and did not return, and the severity of the injury is currently unknown. Despite this, the Pacers made an unexpected run through the Eastern Conference playoffs to reach their first Finals in 25 years. Their young core positions them well for future contention, although Haliburton`s availability for the 2025-26 season is almost certainly in question. — Jamal Collier

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• 2024-25 record: 51-31
• Previous rank: 5
• Result: Eliminated in Eastern Conference finals
• 2025 draft picks: No. 50 (via MEM)

Knicks president Leon Rose`s opening statement announcing the dismissal of coach Tom Thibodeau, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,” spoke volumes about the team`s future ambitions, regardless of who takes the coaching job. Reaching the conference finals with a talented starting five (despite being outscored in the second half of the season and playoffs) but a thin bench suggests that upgrades to either the starting lineup, the bench, or both will be necessary to achieve a championship next season. — Chris Herring

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• 2024-25 record: 48-34
• Previous rank: 10
• Result: Eliminated in second round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 41 (via MIA)

The Warriors enter the offseason contemplating how much further they could have advanced if Stephen Curry had remained healthy. With that in mind, the team aims to add complementary pieces around Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green. They need more size, versatile two-way wings who can shoot, and overall roster depth. Jonathan Kuminga is a restricted free agent, and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. has stated the Warriors want him back. Despite inconsistent playing time throughout the season, Kuminga showed his potential with strong performances in the second-round series against Minnesota (averaging 24.2 points in Games 2-5 with Curry sidelined). Coach Steve Kerr has indicated that if Kuminga returns, he will commit to playing him alongside Curry, Butler, and Green early in the season to explore potential chemistry. The Warriors can match any offer for Kuminga or potentially arrange a sign-and-trade. — Ohm Youngmisuk

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• 2024-25 record: 50-32
• Previous rank: 6
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 55

After not utilizing Jaxson Hayes in their first-round series-ending loss to Minnesota, the Lakers` top offseason priority remains acquiring a center. They will have the taxpayer`s midlevel exception (around $5.6 million) available to strengthen this position. Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) are also on expiring contracts, providing the Lakers with potential salary flexibility in the trade market. — McMenamin

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• 2024-25 record: 50-32
• Previous rank: 9
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 30 (via OKC), No. 51 (via MIN)

The Clippers exceeded expectations last season after letting Paul George leave in free agency, building a more balanced, defensively-oriented team. James Harden performed at a high level while Kawhi Leonard was sidelined. Ivica Zubac became a dominant interior presence on both ends, and Norman Powell had an All-Star level first half of the season. Harden holds a player option, and if he opts out to become a free agent, the Clippers will likely seek to re-sign the point guard to a deal aligning with Leonard`s remaining two years. The Clippers will explore options to improve and remain competitive through the trade market this offseason. — Ohm Youngmisuk

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• 2024-25 record: 44-38
• Previous rank: 14
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 37 (via TOR)

The 2024-25 season was undeniably successful for the Pistons: they increased their win total by 30 (from 14 to 44), pushed the Knicks hard in a close first-round playoff series loss, and saw Cade Cunningham earn All-NBA honors for the first time. The franchise`s continued progress hinges on its young players taking further steps forward. Cunningham needs to reduce turnovers and improve shooting efficiency. Jaden Ivey should bounce back from a broken leg, Jalen Duren will aim to improve defensively, and Ausar Thompson is expected to develop into a more significant offensive threat, similar to his twin brother in Houston. — Zach Kram

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• 2024-25 record: 61-21
• Previous rank: 3
• Result: Eliminated in second round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 28, No. 32 (via WAS)

Following Jayson Tatum`s Achilles tear, few teams face a more critical offseason than Boston. The current roster is significantly over the second apron, necessitating salary shedding potentially through multiple transactions. The Celtics must decide the direction they will take with a team that won a championship in 2024 but is likely to look different next season. — Tim Bontemps

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• 2024-25 record: 41-41
• Previous rank: 15
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 25 (via DEN), No. 46, No. 57 (via BOS)

The Magic are no longer content with a gradual ascent in the Eastern Conference hierarchy; they are aiming for a significant leap. After injuries disrupted their 2024-25 season, limiting Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs to just six games together, they traded multiple unprotected first-round picks, a protected swap, and two role players for Desmond Bane. Bane, a career 41% three-point shooter, is expected to significantly boost an offense that ranked last in three-point makes and accuracy in 2024-25, while sharing playmaking duties with Orlando`s existing stars. — Zach Kram

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• 2024-25 record: 39-43
• Previous rank: 17
• Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
• 2025 draft picks: No. 1

The Mavericks` long-term concerns, both on the court and financially, stemming from the Luka Doncic deal were alleviated by their remarkable lottery luck, landing the No. 1 pick and Cooper Flagg. Flagg arrives with the potential to contribute immediately alongside Anthony Davis and eventually Kyrie Irving, who is expected to miss at least the first half of next season while recovering from a torn ACL. Finding a replacement guard who can transition into a key reserve role upon Irving`s return will be a priority for GM Nico Harrison. Potential free agency options include Dennis Schroder, Malcolm Brogdon, Tyus Jones, and Chris Paul. The Mavericks also hope to negotiate a new contract with Irving, who faces a decision on his $44 million player option. — Tim MacMahon

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• 2024-25 record: 48-34
• Previous rank: 12
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 16 (via ORL), No. 48 (via GS), No. 56 (via HOU)

A difficult late-season stretch led to coaching staff changes that altered Memphis` playing style in the postseason. Now that Tuomas Iisalo has the head coach title permanently, he has the offseason to fully implement his systems. General Manager Zach Kleiman has expressed confidence in Iisalo moving forward. However, the core duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. has only won one playoff series together. Memphis recently traded Desmond Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four picks, and a pick swap, signaling that more roster adjustments are likely as the Grizzlies look to retool. — Michael C. Wright

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• 2024-25 record: 48-34
• Previous rank: 13
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 47 (via DET)

Giannis Antetokounmpo`s future in Milwaukee could be a major talking point this summer. The Bucks have now been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, including a five-game loss to the Pacers that highlighted the gap between them and championship contention. Combined with Damian Lillard`s Achilles injury, the Bucks face significant questions this offseason, including how they can build a team capable of competing for championships to meet Antetokounmpo`s ambitions, or whether his time with the franchise is approaching an end. — Jamal Collier

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• 2024-25 record: 34-48
• Previous rank: 23
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 2, No. 14 (via ATL), No. 38

While Gregg Popovich humorously refers to himself as “El Jefe,” Mitch Johnson is heading into his first offseason as the head coach. With Victor Wembanyama entering his third season, Stephon Castle having been named Rookie of the Year, and the addition of De`Aaron Fox at the trade deadline, the Spurs face a pivotal offseason with expectations to return to the postseason in 2025-26 for the first time since 2018-19. Holding the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, the Spurs are likely to add another talented prospect, such as Dylan Harper, to their promising young core. — Michael C. Wright

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• 2024-25 record: 37-45
• Previous rank: 19
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 20 (via GS)

After once again finishing in the play-in tournament and being convincingly defeated by the Cavaliers in the first round, the Heat have significant work ahead to regain the level of competitiveness that Pat Riley`s leadership has fostered over the past three decades. However, closing the apparent gap might require more than just one offseason for Miami. — Tim Bontemps

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• 2024-25 record: 40-42
• Previous rank: 18
• Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
• 2025 draft picks: No. 13 (via SAC), No. 22 (via LAL)

Following a shake-up in Atlanta`s front office, the team`s leadership faces a major decision regarding four-time All-Star Trae Young, who is eligible for an extension this summer. He`s coming off a third consecutive season averaging at least 25 points and 10 assists. However, the hesitation about offering another max deal stems from the team`s performance: despite Young`s efforts, the Hawks, who have been in the play-in tournament four years in a row, haven`t come close to replicating their 2020 conference finals run. Young presents defensive challenges, which would likely impact his trade value. This raises the question of whether a more flexible deal might be better to achieve better roster balance. The team has a good starting point for this balance with Dyson Daniels, who led the NBA in steals and deflections by a wide margin last season. — Chris Herring

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• 2024-25 record: 40-42
• Previous rank: 16
• Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
• 2025 draft picks: No. 42 (via CHI)

The Kings will have more time this summer to reconfigure their roster after trading De`Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine just before the deadline. New GM Scott Perry identified the lack of a true point guard as a clear need, but finding one is challenging. Sacramento sent a lottery pick to Atlanta to complete the Kevin Huerter trade and may not have access to the full non-taxpayer midlevel exception, depending on new contracts for reserves Keon Ellis, Jake LaRavia, and Trey Lyles. — Kevin Pelton

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• 2024-25 record: 24-58
• Previous rank: 26
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 3, No. 35

Philadelphia benefited significantly from lottery luck, securing the No. 3 pick and retaining their top-six protected selection. Consequently, the focus for the 76ers shifts not only to their draft choice but also to the potential recovery of a roster severely impacted by injuries last season. Star player Joel Embiid was limited to just 19 games, and the team also lost Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and promising rookie Jared McCain to season-ending injuries. — Tim Bontemps

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• 2024-25 record: 36-46
• Previous rank: 22
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 11

Following contract extensions for coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin, the Blazers hope to build on their 23-18 second-half performance and contend for a playoff spot in 2025-26. Portland has developed a competitive young core featuring forwards Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. However, maintaining their top-three defensive rating from that period might be difficult, as opponents shot an unusually low 34% from three against them (second lowest in the league), a statistic that often doesn`t carry over year-to-year. — Kevin Pelton

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• 2024-25 record: 39-43
• Previous rank: 20
• Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
• 2025 draft picks: No. 12, No. 45 (via SAC)

The Bulls have finished with the same record for two consecutive years and have lost in the play-in tournament to the Heat three years in a row. Despite this, significant changes are not expected in Chicago this offseason. The Bulls plan to re-sign restricted free agent Josh Giddey and hope to build upon a strong final two months of the season with their collection of young players around him, including last year`s lottery pick Matas Buzelis and this year`s No. 12 pick. — Jamal Collier

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• 2024-25 record: 36-46
• Previous rank: 21
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 10 (via HOU), No. 29 (via CLE), No. 52 (via DEN)

Phoenix concluded its extensive coaching search by hiring 40-year-old Jordan Ott, a first-time head coach and the team`s fourth in as many years. While Ott was integral to the Cavaliers` successful 2024-25 season and is considered a bright young mind, he faces the challenge of balancing three ball-dominant guards following the trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston for a package centered on Jalen Green. Green joins a roster already featuring Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, raising questions about fit given the previous results with Durant, a better off-ball player than Green. — Dave McMenamin

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• 2024-25 record: 21-61
• Previous rank: 27
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 7, No. 23 (via IND)

Joe Dumars stated he has extensively discussed accountability and the responsibilities of being a franchise cornerstone with Zion Williamson. Availability is a key aspect of this, as Williamson has played 70 or more games in only one of his five seasons. The Pelicans possess draft assets and controllable contracts that could facilitate a significant trade. The availability of Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones for the start of next season is uncertain. With Dejounte Murray expected out until January, the Pelicans will likely look to the draft or free agency to add a lead guard and a big man. — Michael C. Wright

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• 2024-25 record: 30-52
• Previous rank: 24
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 9, No. 39 (via POR)

Over the last 18 months, the Raptors have completely transformed their roster. With OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet now key contributors on contending teams in New York, Indiana, and Houston, respectively, the question for Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and the rest of the roster is whether they can elevate the franchise back to prominence in the East. Alternatively, Masai Ujiri and the front office may opt to make another impactful move this summer. — Tim Bontemps

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• 2024-25 record: 26-56
• Previous rank: 25
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 8, No. 19 (via MIL), No. 26 (via NYK), No. 27 (via HOU), No. 36

The Nets might consider trading Cameron Johnson, a versatile two-way forward who could fit well on a contender, for additional draft capital in the current or future drafts. Another key decision revolves around 23-year-old restricted free agent Cam Thomas. He averaged 24 points last season, showcasing his effortless scoring ability, but is still developing his playmaking and defensive skills. Brooklyn would ideally like to be involved in any potential trade discussions for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available. However, with indications suggesting he will remain in Milwaukee, the Nets` assets may stay put for the time being. — Chris Herring

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• 2024-25 record: 19-63
• Previous rank: 28
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 4, No. 33, No. 34 (via NO)

Though potentially uncomfortable, the question must be considered: Does the franchise still definitively view 23-year-old LaMelo Ball as a foundational piece? Last season was his third straight failing to appear in at least 50 games, and he recorded career lows in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and effective field goal rate. Coach Charles Lee would certainly benefit from having his core players together more consistently, as his projected starting five of Ball, Josh Green, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams only played six games together last season. — Chris Herring

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• 2024-25 record: 17-65
• Previous rank: 30
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 5, No. 21 (MIN), No. 43 (via DAL), No. 53 (via LAC)

New president of basketball operations Austin Ainge has been firm that the Jazz, despite landing the No. 5 pick after having the league`s worst record last season, will not intentionally tank by manipulating playing time or injury reports. However, this does not guarantee that winning will be Utah`s primary focus next season. The Jazz reportedly entertained offers for Lauri Markkanen before signing the former All-Star forward to a large extension last summer. With Utah still in the early stages of a rebuild, could the 28-year-old be available for the right trade package? The Jazz are also expected to continue exploring trade possibilities for veterans Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins. — Tim MacMahon

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• 2024-25 record: 18-64
• Previous rank: 29
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 6, No. 18 (via MEM), No. 40 (via PHX)

Witnessing Oklahoma City`s NBA Finals victory provides the Wizards with a blueprint for what a comprehensive and lengthy rebuild can achieve. However, their 18-win season, the second-worst record in the league last season, resulted in the No. 6 pick rather than a top-three selection. GM Will Dawkins, who started his career in OKC, believes the organization has foundational pieces in young players like Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George. They hold the sixth and 18th picks in the first round. Depending on their strategic direction, the Wizards have veteran players potentially available for trade, such as Jordan Poole, Khris Middleton, and Marcus Smart. Alternatively, they could choose to keep some experienced players to mentor the young talent and potentially make the team slightly more competitive to navigate what could be another challenging season. The Wizards have lost 67 and 64 games over the past two seasons. — Ohm Youngmisuk