The Western Conference of the NBA is already fiercely competitive, but things will get even tougher next year.
Writing on X, Jake Weinbach predicted that 2025-26 is going to be brutal and a number of teams will have a “realistic shot” at competing for a place in the playoffs.
“Many of these teams will be more aggressive than usual — not just to upgrade the roster but to outbid rival teams as well. The West is going to be an absolute gauntlet next year.” Weinbach said, stating that 14 of 15 teams will be true threats to make the playoffs.
14 out of 15 teams in the West have a realistic shot at competing for a playoff spot next season.
Many of these teams will be more aggressive than usual — not just to upgrade the roster but to outbid rival teams as well. The West is going to be an absolute gauntlet next year.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) June 11, 2025
So, who is Weinbach counting out?
Will it be the Utah Jazz who aren’t able to compete next year, or perhaps the Portland Trail Blazers?
The truth is that it’s not clear because the upcoming offseason could be hugely consequential for a number of teams, including those who aren’t doing well right now.
There might be a bunch of big trades that completely reshape entire rosters and turn has-been teams into true fighters that are climbing up the standings.
Where will Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and others go?
And what other players will be shipped to new locations?
All of this has to be considered because it can have a massive impact on several teams.
This offseason might end up being very wild, and it could get started soon.
There is no telling when trades will begin, but most reports say NBA fans won’t have to wait much longer, and they will hear something around the draft.
If Western Conference teams thought they had it tough this year, they haven’t seen anything yet.
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