NBA Offseason Analysis
As the NBA offseason approaches its conclusion, analysts are assessing the impact of recent moves made by various franchises. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks previously outlined several key narratives to follow, including ongoing discussions around restricted free agents and the potential for unexpected trades. For the upcoming 2025-26 season, most significant player movements have occurred, with nearly all notable unrestricted free agents now contracted and blockbuster trades pushing teams like the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic into contender status within their conferences.
Team Grades Overview
In evaluating each team’s performance, the grades reflect not solely their improvement or decline, but also how effectively they utilized available resources through trades and free agency, as draft outcomes tend to be harder to forecast. While the majority of teams landed in the solid “B” range, a couple achieved top marks of “A,” while one team received an undesirable “F,” particularly due to a notably unequal trade.
Grade Breakdown by Team
Atlanta Hawks: A
The Hawks have significantly strengthened their roster, acquiring former Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker and adding Kristaps Porzingis to reinforce their frontcourt. Additionally, they secured a first-round pick from the Bucks and Pelicans, enhancing their future prospects. This strategic maneuvering positions them nicely in the Eastern Conference, potentially providing another lottery pick to bolster their squad anchored by 2024’s first overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher.
Boston Celtics: C
Boston has managed to maintain financial balance without sacrificing future first-round picks, cleverly navigating around luxury tax concerns after acquiring offensive firepower. However, the team saw the departure of several key players who contributed to their playoff success. This will present challenges in replacing both depth and versatility after the exits of Al Horford and Porzingis.
Brooklyn Nets: C
Despite having the largest cap space in the league, Brooklyn’s offseason results were lackluster. They acquired a future unprotected first-round pick from Denver alongside Michael Porter Jr., but their strategy to stockpile picks with questionable complementary fit remains puzzling. The Nets retain significant cap space that could be leveraged for further roster adjustments before the season.
Charlotte Hornets: B
With a focus on enhancing playmaking around LaMelo Ball, Charlotte seeks to rebound offensively with the addition of veterans Spencer Dinwiddie and Collin Sexton, alongside No. 4 draft pick Kon Knueppel. This improved depth should help deter past collapses experienced without Ball.
Chicago Bulls: C
The Bulls successfully re-signed Tre Jones but remain stagnant after a series of playoff endeavor failures. Despite the potential of their No. 12 draft choice Noa Essengue, Chicago would have been wiser to pursue more dynamic moves similar to Atlanta’s trade.
Cleveland Cavaliers: B
While Lonzo Ball‘s injury history raises questions, his acquisition represents a low-cost option for Cleveland alongside Larry Nance Jr.. Thus far, their moves keep them competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Dallas Mavericks: B
Dallas’s offseason was highlighted by securing D’Angelo Russell as well as drafting Cooper Flagg. However, the Mavs have yet to make significant trades, leaving a surplus in their frontcourt position.
Denver Nuggets: A
The defending champions look even stronger after securing Cameron Johnson for Michael Porter Jr. while also bolstering their perimeter options with the additions of Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr.. This positions them favorably after a successful title run in 2023.
Detroit Pistons: Incomplete
The Pistons’ offseason took a hit due to the investigation into Malik Beasley, limiting their strategic options. With the addition of Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert, they hope to compensate for Beasley’s loss, but inconsistent depth remains a concern.
Houston Rockets: A
Houston seized the moment, acquiring Finals MVP Kevin Durant without sacrificing depth, while also inking Fred VanVleet to a value contract. Their roster improvements markedly elevate their championship odds for 2026.
Indiana Pacers: D
The Pacers’ decision not to extend Myles Turner raises eyebrows, especially in a competitive landscape where maintaining fit over talent is crucial. Their lack of a clear replacement for Turner hinders their trajectory.
Los Angeles Clippers: B
The acquisition of veteran stars Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, and Bradley Beal, bolstered by their trade for John Collins, demonstrates the Clippers’ strategy to enhance immediate performance while plotting for future flexibility.
Los Angeles Lakers: B
The Lakers made moves that suggest a focus on developing younger pieces around Luka Doncic, albeit with the critical concern regarding LeBron James’s future as he exercises his player option.
Memphis Grizzlies: B+
Even after trading Desmond Bane, Memphis’s acquisition of four first-round picks is a clever long-term play. The signing of Jaren Jackson Jr. to an extension adds to their depth going forward.
Miami Heat: B+
The Heat maneuvered effectively this offseason, transforming fringe players into reliable scoring threats like Norman Powell, potentially addressing scoring gaps from Jimmy Butler‘s exit.
Milwaukee Bucks: C
Though Milwaukee’s moves regarding Damian Lillard’s contract don’t project immediate contention, they proactively maintain their core, suggesting a cohesive plan moving forward.
Minnesota Timberwolves: F
After trading away Towns, Minnesota faced challenges in re-signing key contributors while navigating financial commitments that could hinder roster stability.
Orlando Magic: D
Orlando’s strategies to reshape their lineup may not yield immediate results, particularly following a risky move for Jordan Poole alongside crowded center roles without previously established depth.
Philadelphia 76ers: C
Staying the course, Philadelphia is relying heavily on their existing roster, with limited offseason reinforcements signaling a conservative approach in an unpredictable environment.
Phoenix Suns: C
With significant financial burdens remaining post-Durant, Phoenix is adopting a youthful approach while still facing pressure in an intensely competitive West.
Portland Trail Blazers: D
Despite intriguing acquisitions, the Blazers face a puzzling backcourt situation, compounded by their unresolved status regarding Jerami Grant.
Sacramento Kings: C
Sacramento’s emphasis on acquiring a point guard may have backfired with a hefty contract for Dennis Schroder, straining their financial flexibility moving forward.
San Antonio Spurs: C
With added veterans to support burgeoning star Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs will strive for growth, armed with an abundance of future draft picks.
Toronto Raptors: C
Toronto’s modest offseason adjustments do not project them as immediate contenders, as they only marginally improved their frontcourt without addressing larger concerns in their roster.
Utah Jazz: B
The Jazz are prioritizing youth in their player rotations, utilizing recent draft selections and foregoing older contracts, setting the stage for a fresh approach.
Washington Wizards: C
Strategically clearing cap space for 2026, the Wizards are embracing a roster overhaul, stockpiling young talents while eyeing future flexibility.
