The NBA is heading into Week 16, and the trade deadline is Thursday, February 5th. Many teams will be busy at the trade deadline, with a high number of role players. The biggest name to watch on Thursday’s deadline is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee has a big decision to make with its superstar. The Bucks can either make a push to get Giannis help or trade the two-time MVP and stockpile assets for the future. As the league prepares for the trade deadline, here are the Week 16 NBA team power rankings.
30. New Orleans Pelicans
Jan 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) controls the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Pelicans are in the same position as in future seasons. The team isn’t winning, and previous acquisitions haven’t panned out well. The front office’s best decision is to move Zion Williamson and build the roster through future drafts.
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29. Indiana Pacers
Last season’s trip to the NBA Finals is in the rearview mirror. The Pacers have done their best to play the season without Tyrese Haliburton. Indiana won’t be active at the trade deadline.
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28. Sacramento Kings
The Kings have taken a step back after winning 40 games last season. A key factor in this season’s decline is the age of their role players. Sacramento may look to move the likes of Russell Westbrook, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis.
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27. Washington Wizards
Washington’s roster isn’t competitive. They have young players with upside, but they are years away from reaching their potential. The Wizards must hit on selected players in the upcoming drafts.
26. Brooklyn Nets
Injuries and lack of roster talent have hindered the Nets. The team’s depth features many young players, but the roster is missing an elite superstar. Brooklyn has future draft assets to reach a competitive level within the upcoming seasons.
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25. Utah Jazz
Jan 28, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) reacts after a play against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The Jazz haven’t won many games, and the team’s issue starts on defense. The Jazz rank 30th in points allowed per game compared to 6th in points scored per game. Utah’s best move is to move Lauri Markkanen for future draft picks.
24. Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is at a tough spot. They are six games out of the play-in tournament and have lost five consecutive games. The Bucks can either find a way to bring in help at the trade deadline or move Giannis Antetokounmpo in the biggest trade since last season’s deal between the Mavericks and Lakers.
23. Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis’ best-case scenario is reaching the play-in tournament. However, the roster does not possess the depth for a deep playoff run. The Grizzlies must decide if moving Ja Morant sets them up for success in the upcoming seasons.
22. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is a mess. They are without Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Struggles were expected if Davis were to miss time with Irving, potentially out for the entire 2025-2026 season. Cooper Flagg has proven he can become an elite NBA player.
21. Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte has played well enough to land in the play-in tournament. If they were to survive, they could cause issues in the playoffs. However, the Hornets are not serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
20. Los Angeles Clippers
Dec 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Clippers win when their lineup features James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, and Ivica Zubac. When these players miss time, winning becomes an issue, along with inconsistent play. Los Angeles needs to enter the postseason with its core healthy.
19. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have become easy to predict. They are a team that can reach the play-in tournament but not go far after that. Chicago’s defense continues to be its downfall, but its roster has a blossoming star in Matas Buzelis.
18. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland has taken a step back in recent weeks due to injuries. If healthy, the team can make life difficult for an opponent in the playoffs. A trade deadline move will be beneficial for a potential postseason appearance.
17. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta sits in the last play-in spot. A hot stretch can secure its standing as the season continues. Given their roster makeup, the Hawks will be lucky to end the season in the play-in tournament.
16. Orlando Magic
The Magic must acquire depth pieces at the trade deadline. They have the team to reach the playoffs, and health be a factor in how far they go. Desmond Bane was acquired last offseason to reinforce a starting lineup that features Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr.
15. Miami Heat
The team lacks an elite superstar, but the coaching staff always gets the best out of their roster. Miami’s third-ranked offense has led the team to success throughout the season. The Heat must improve defensively.
14. Philadelphia 76ers
Jan 3, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dunks in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Health has contributed to Philadelphia’s rebound following last season’s letdown. The 76ers have found a way to keep Joel Embiid on the court for the most games since the 2022-2023 season. If Joel Embiid can reach the postseason healthy, the 76ers have a path to success.
13. Golden State Warriors
Jimmy Butler is done for the season, and the Warriors have little time left for one last chance with aging veterans. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford can’t get the job done by themselves. Will Golden State win the trade deadline and acquire Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo?
12. Phoenix Suns
If the play-in tournament started today, Phoenix would have the best odds to reach the playoffs. The Suns have used defense to rebound after missing the playoffs last season. The roster needs depth at the PF position.
11. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is amid a hot stretch, winning eight of its last 10 games. The team’s winning ways have tied them for the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference. Last week’s acquisition of Dennis Schroder gives them depth at PG with Darius Garland continuing to nurse an injury.
10. Toronto Raptors
Toronto’s successful season continues to ride on the health of its starting lineup. Immanuel Quickley, Brandon Ingram, R.J. Barrett, and Scottie Barnes have consistently featured in the Raptors’ starting lineup, and increased defense has led to wins. Toronto will be a dark horse in the playoffs.
9. Los Angeles Lakers
Feb 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Lakers will at least reach the play-in tournament. If they survive, the front office needs to make a trade deadline move to ensure they can make a deep playoff run. Any help on the defensive end of the court will lead to success.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves continue their strong play. Anthony Edwards leads the NBA’s 4th–best offense. A healthy roster will give Minnesota the best chance to battle Denver, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City.
7. Boston Celtics
Boston’s defense is highly ranked and makes the team one of the league’s best. The Celtics haven’t skipped a beat without having Jayson Tatum throughout the season. They will be a tough matchup in the playoffs, and Tatum’s potential return can only help.
6. New York Knicks
The Knicks fell short of reaching last season’s NBA Finals. This season, the team is setting itself up for another deep run. New York is one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams on both sides of the court.
5. Houston Rockets
Jan 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a made basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant’s first season with Houston has been nothing short of a success. The team has the fourth-best record in a stacked Western Conference. Defense can carry this team through tough playoff matchups.
4. Denver Nuggets
Denver’s consistency continues, and PG Jamal Murray is having the best season of his career. Heading to his first All-Star selection, Murray produced when Denver has dealt with injuries. In his fourth NBA season, Peyton Watson has been a player to rely on other than Murray and Nikola Jokic.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Other than Denver, San Antonio is the team that can stop Oklahoma City’s pursuit of a second consecutive championship. The Spurs have featured a healthy starting lineup core of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Victor Wembanyama. The key to the rest of the regular season is ensuring Wembanyama is healthy at the start of the playoffs.
2. Detroit Pistons
Detroit has played consistent basketball throughout the season and has the second-best record in the NBA. Cade Cunningham hasn’t skipped a beat after last season’s breakout campaign and leads the NBA’s 10th–ranked offense and 4th–ranked defense. If the playoffs started today, the road to the Eastern Conference Finals would go through Detroit.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Jan 25, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after a play against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Thunder are the league’s top team and rightfully so. They lead the NBA in point differential, conference record, points per game, and opponents points per game. Oklahoma City is on its way to repeating as NBA Champions.
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