As the NBA offseason largely concludes, it`s an opportune moment to assess team performances. While some narratives, such as restricted free agency stalemates and potential contract extensions, remain, most significant roster changes impacting the 2025-26 season have been finalized. Key unrestricted free agents have secured deals, and impactful trades have propelled teams like the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic into contender status within their conferences.
This evaluation focuses not merely on team improvement or decline, but on the strategic utilization of available resources, emphasizing free agency and trades due to the inherent unpredictability of draft outcomes. Although most teams fall within the average `B` range, this analysis identifies two teams deserving of an `A` grade and one receiving an `F`, the latter stemming from the summer`s most unbalanced trade. Teams are presented in alphabetical order.
Atlanta Hawks
Grade: A
The Hawks significantly elevated their status as legitimate Eastern Conference contenders by acquiring Nickeil Alexander-Walker, one of the top free agents to switch teams (formerly of the Minnesota Timberwolves), and adding Kristaps Porzingis for enhanced frontcourt size. However, the most astute move was securing the better of the 2026 first-round picks from the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans on draft night, effectively moving down 10 spots from No. 13 to No. 23. Even if Atlanta remains in the play-in tournament, the prospect of potentially adding another lottery pick to a core featuring 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher represents a franchise-altering opportunity, especially for a Hawks team that traded its own pick to the San Antonio Spurs in the Dejounte Murray deal.
Boston Celtics
Grade: C
On the positive side, the Celtics successfully managed their financial situation without surrendering any future first-round draft picks, navigating below the second salary apron with a viable strategy to potentially avoid the tax entirely in a transitional year following Jayson Tatum`s Achilles injury. The drawback, however, is Boston`s substantial loss of talent, including every player taller than 6-foot-8 who saw at least 13 minutes of action in the 2025 playoffs. The Celtics will face significant challenges in rebuilding their frontcourt depth and, critically, replacing the versatility that was lost with the departures of Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
Brooklyn Nets
Grade: C-
Considering the Nets` advantageous position as the sole team with over $30 million in cap space this summer, their overall return has been underwhelming. Brooklyn did manage to acquire an unprotected 2032 first-round pick from Denver and harbors hopes of rehabilitating Michael Porter Jr.`s value. Additionally, the Nets secured the No. 22 pick along with Terance Mann prior to the draft. However, retaining all five first-round picks and utilizing them primarily on players whose playing styles appear to lack synergy was perplexing. Brooklyn still possesses the ability to generate over $20 million in cap space, and it remains to be seen whether further deals will materialize before training camp.
Charlotte Hornets
Grade: B-
The Hornets are poised for increased competitiveness in the 2025-26 season after successfully acquiring playmakers to complement LaMelo Ball. Charlotte`s offense suffered significantly in Ball`s absence last season, a vulnerability that is unlikely to persist with the additions of veteran guards Spencer Dinwiddie and Collin Sexton, and the return of Tre Mann. Furthermore, No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel, who was named MVP of the summer league championship game, is expected to provide immediate assistance to the Hornets` shooting capabilities.
Chicago Bulls
Grade: C-
The decision by the Bulls to re-sign Tre Jones to a three-year, $24 million contract with a team option for the final season was a positive move. Chicago could also potentially extract more value from wing Isaac Okoro, acquired from Cleveland in exchange for Ball. Nevertheless, the Bulls should not be content with largely maintaining the status quo after experiencing three consecutive play-in losses. And while there is high optimism for No. 12 pick Noa Essengue, Chicago would have benefited more from executing a draft-night deal similar to the one Atlanta made with New Orleans.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Grade: B
The extent of Lonzo Ball`s contribution to the Cavaliers remains to be seen, as he was limited to just 35 games last season due to wrist injuries, following a 2½-year absence from the court for his left knee. Ball represented a cost-effective acquisition for Cleveland, intended to help replace Ty Jerome, who was shed to assist in managing the Cavaliers` substantial tax bill. Similarly, bringing back Larry Nance Jr. as a third center was a shrewd move. Despite Jerome`s departure, Cleveland appears to be the favored team to emerge victorious in the East.
Dallas Mavericks
Grade: B-
Dallas receives no special commendation for selecting Cooper Flagg, a move any team holding the lottery`s top pick would have made. The Mavericks successfully landed D`Angelo Russell, utilizing only their taxpayer mid-level exception in free agency after reaching a new contract agreement with an injured Kyrie Irving for a smaller starting salary. However, Dallas still faces a surplus in its frontcourt, having opted against any trades involving veteran players thus far. This situation will likely push Flagg and P.J. Washington into perimeter roles.
Denver Nuggets
Grade: A-
Once the offseason commotion settled, Denver`s roster emerged as its strongest on paper since securing the 2023 championship. A highlight was the exchange 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 enabled the Nuggets to strategically acquire Jonas Valanciunas from the Kings, while shedding the seldom-used Dario Saric. Denver further fortified its perimeter depth by signing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to minimum contracts.
Detroit Pistons
Grade: C
The Pistons` offseason trajectory drastically shifted when news broke regarding guard Malik Beasley`s federal investigation connected to a gambling probe. After All-Star Cade Cunningham, Beasley was arguably Detroit`s second-best player last season, and this late development severely restricted the Pistons` options for his replacement in free agency. They did manage to acquire Duncan Robinson to provide the shooting Beasley offered and Caris LeVert for bench shot 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 assess until the status of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is resolved. If Golden State indeed signs veteran center Al Horford and re-signs guard De`Anthony Melton, as has been reported as a possibility, that would constitute a solid summer, building upon last season`s strong finish following the Jimmy Butler trade. For now, all these potential moves are still pending.
Houston Rockets
Grade: A
No team did more to enhance their prospects for the 2026 title than the Rockets, who successfully acquired two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant without compromising their depth in the process. Houston deserves credit for seizing the opportunity for 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 financial maneuver 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 hindsight, the Pacers` decision not to commit to Myles Turner through his mid-30s might prove beneficial. However, financial prudence doesn`t win championships, and Indiana lost a crucial component of a starting five that relied more on complementary fit than individual talent. The Pacers currently lack a clear replacement for Turner. While taking a chance on Jay Huff, who possesses a similar skill set, was understandable, 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` roster age after integrating veterans Chris Paul (40), Brook Lopez (37), and Bradley Beal (32). Nevertheless, for the Clippers to secure all three players armed solely with the non-taxpayer midlevel exception constitutes a significant win. The Clippers bolstered their short-term depth and added size with a trade for John Collins, while simultaneously keeping an eye on future cap space opportunities, with 2027 being a more probable target for retooling the roster with younger talent.
Los Angeles Lakers
Grade: B
The Lakers present an interesting contrast to their crosstown rivals` offseason approach. Building around 26-year-old Luka Doncic, the Lakers acquired Jake LaRavia, 23, the youngest unrestricted free agent to switch teams for more than the minimum salary, along with Deandre Ayton, who recently turned 27. Marcus Smart, 31, is the oldest newcomer to the Lakers` roster. While the Lakers` new additions were not as impactful last season as those for the Clippers, the new Lakers roster has a greater likelihood of contributing long-term.
The primary question surrounding the Lakers` offseason strategy is its implications for 40-year-old superstar LeBron James. However, James possesses limited leverage after exercising his player option. Of greater importance for the Lakers is persuading 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, from a long-term perspective, Memphis made a shrewd decision by securing four first-round picks in return, including a highly sought-after 2026 pick most likely originating from the Phoenix Suns. The addition of Jerome on a value contract helps mitigate the loss of Bane`s shooting and shot creation, and the Grizzlies successfully signed Jaren Jackson Jr. to an extension that compensates him less than he could have earned next summer as an unrestricted free agent.
Miami Heat
Grade: B+
The Heat executed an opportunistic offseason, leveraging the salary savings from swapping Duncan Robinson for Simone Fontecchio to transform fringe rotation players into Norman Powell, who averaged 21.8 points per game for the Clippers last season. Powell helps address some of the scoring void left by Jimmy Butler`s departure in February and maintains Miami`s financial flexibility — for now — as the team targets 2027 cap space.
Milwaukee Bucks
Grade: C+
While 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 propel Milwaukee into contention, it does provide the Bucks with a 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 demonstrated creative financial management to retain the remainder of last season`s core, albeit at the expense of granting numerous player options. A remarkable five Bucks players received 2026-27 options, which could complicate future roster construction next summer.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Grade: B-
Following the trade of Towns, the Timberwolves successfully managed their payroll to retain the majority 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 allow Alexander-Walker to depart via sign-and-trade, opting instead to prioritize Naz Reid, the 2023-24 Sixth Man Award winner. Reid`s five-year, $125 million contract could be considered an overpayment if he is unable to develop beyond a bench role.
New Orleans Pelicans
Grade: F
The draft-night trade between the Hawks and Pelicans appeared to be the summer`s most unbalanced transaction. While it could potentially benefit New Orleans in the long run, the immediate risks were far too substantial to be considered sensible—especially when viewed within the context of the Pelicans` other moves. New Orleans is gambling on Jordan Poole developing into a playoff-caliber starting point guard and has oversaturated 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 for maneuvers 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 these veterans, Jordan Clarkson—signed after reaching a buyout with the Utah Jazz—provides the Knicks with greater athleticism off the bench compared to unsigned backup guards Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Grade: B+
The defending champions are returning every player who saw at least 50 minutes of action during the 2025 playoffs. Therefore, the primary focus for the Thunder front office was securing long-term extensions for stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. A supermax deal for Gilgeous-Alexander and max deals for Holmgren and Williams will necessitate difficult future decisions for Oklahoma City. However, the Thunder made astute moves by signing Holmgren to a deal capped at 25% of the 2026-27 salary cap and avoiding a player option for Williams on his extension.
Orlando Magic
Grade: B
The trade for Bane looks increasingly favorable for Orlando given the fluidity of the Eastern Conference. 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 coverage after going 21-26 in the 47 games starter Jalen Suggs missed last season.
Philadelphia 76ers
Grade: C
After last summer was defined by the high-profile signing of nine-time All-Star Paul George—an acquisition that ultimately did not pan out—perhaps a quieter offseason is preferable. Nevertheless, it is surprising that Philadelphia is bringing back 10 players from last season`s roster, with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes likely increasing that total to 11. The 76ers are banking 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 their 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 23-year-old center Mark Williams, acquired via trade.
Portland Trail Blazers
Grade: C
It was an eventful summer for the Blazers, who acquired Jrue Holiday, made the draft`s most intriguing selection 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 when 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 did not seem to advance the Kings closer to a playoff return. Prioritizing the point guard position after trading De`Aaron Fox in February was logical, but Sacramento offered Dennis Schroder a three-year, $45 million deal, which may not age well given Schroder`s reliance on quickness. This deal compelled the Kings to exchange Jonas Valanciunas for Dario Saric, who barely played last season, in order to avoid the luxury tax. Sacramento might have been better off targeting a point guard with a more affordable contract, such as Tre Jones, or allowing Valanciunas to depart for a reported offer from Greek club Olympiacos and completely exiting his deal.
San Antonio Spurs
Grade: B
The Spurs do not receive extra credit for ascending to No. 2 in the lottery and drafting Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. However, San Antonio successfully upgraded its frontcourt with veteran players Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk. With a training camp to integrate De`Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama`s rapid development, the Spurs are expected to improve this season and still possess the draft picks necessary to make another significant move to build out their core.
Toronto Raptors
Grade: C-
A trade deadline deal for Brandon Ingram proved to be Toronto`s most significant offseason move. Given the limited cap space available, Ingram wisely secured a three-year, $120 million deal after the trade. 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, with limited financial flexibility, particularly after a substantial extension for center Jakob Poeltl.
Utah Jazz
Grade: C
After hiring Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations, the Jazz definitively chose a direction. Utah moved veterans Clarkson, Collins, and Sexton, meaning they will no longer appear on lengthy injury reports, thereby creating playing time for Utah`s young talent. The Jazz likely waited too long to move on from Clarkson and Sexton, which forced Utah to give up a second-round pick in the process. Still ahead: 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 cleared Washington`s financial books for massive cap space in summer 2026, while also taking low-cost gambles on recent first-round picks. Including this year`s picks, Tre Johnson and Will Riley, the Wizards now remarkably possess 10 players drafted in the first round since 2023. Corey Kispert is the only veteran Washington has under contract for 2026-27, meaning the Wizards could command $80 million in cap space after trading Jordan Poole for CJ McCollum`s expiring contract.
