LeBron James (76ers), Jalen Brunson, Giannis (Heat), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and other stars in 2026 NBA offseason power rankings
LeBron James (76ers), Jalen Brunson, Giannis (Heat), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and other stars in 2026 NBA offseason power rankings
No professional sports league does the offseason better than the NBA, and the hierarchy of power across the league has been upended by the moves we've seen this offseason. From LeBron James and Jaylen Brown going to the Philadelphia 76ers to Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to the Miami Heat to other stars like Kawhi Leonard, Ja Morant, and LaMelo Ball being traded, the NBA power rankings have changed drastically.
Although some key free agents remain, such as Jalen Duren and Peyton Watson, most teams in the NBA have finalized their rosters ahead of training camp in September.
No more major trades are expected, and now it's time to really evaluate what every team did this offseason and what their respective outlooks appear to be entering the 2026-27 season.
LeBron going to Philly certainly changes the dynamic of the Eastern Conference, but will anyone be able to take down the defending champion New York Knicks? That still feels very weird to say.
Over in the Western Conference, we all know how good the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are, as many tend to believe this will be the Western Conference Finals matchup for the next five years. Do all the moves made in the West this offseason impact the power at the top of the West?
Let's take a look at our first 2026-27 NBA power rankings with the major moves this offseason already out of the way.
1. New York Knicks
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (M) is interviewed by ESPN broadcaster ernie Johnson (L) during the championship trophy presentation after game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (M) is interviewed by ESPN broadcaster ernie Johnson (L) during the championship trophy presentation after game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
Additions: C Andre Drummond (free agency) Departures: C Mitchell Robinson (free agency – BOS), C Ariel Hukporti (free agency – PHI)
Until they are taken down, the New York Knicks are the defending champions, and they have earned the right to enter the 2026-27 NBA season as the No. 1 team in the power rankings. And outside of coming off their first championship since 1973, the Knicks are basically running things back, minus Mitchell Robinson and Arie Hukporti.
Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, and Jordan Clarkson all took discounts to remain with the team, and veteran center Andre Drummond will fill Robinson's void behind Karl-Anthony Towns. Drummond, a four-time rebounding champion, has been one of the best backup centers in the NBA over the last few seasons, and while he's not the best free-throw shooter at 63.1% last year, at least that's better than Robinson's 40.8% from the line!
The Knicks are still the best team in the NBA until proven differently.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Additions: C Aday Mara (#12 pick), G Bennett Stirtz (#16 pick) Departures: F Lu Dort (trade – ATL), G Isaiah Joe (trade – DET), F Aaron Wiggins (trade – ATL)
The Oklahoma City Thunder aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and losing in the Western Conference Finals last season is only going to fuel their ambitions entering the 2026-27 season.
However, everything for this team revolves around Jalen Williams' overall health, as he was never 100% healthy at any point last year. Without Williams on the court, the Thunder don't have their No. 2 scorer and ball-handler next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He was one of the main reasons why the Thunder won the 2025 NBA Finals.
It will be interesting to see how Mark Daigneault shakes up his second unit after losing Dort, Joe, and Wiggins in the offseason, but the rich certainly got richer this offseason with the additions of Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz in the NBA Draft, two older rookies who will immediately contribute.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Additions: F Tobias Harris (free agency), C Jayden Quaintance (#20 pick), C Tarris Reed Jr. (#26 pick) Departures: NONE
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs will undoubtedly use their Finals loss to the Knicks to fuel their ambitions this upcoming year. More importantly, the experience this team has gained is invaluable, and this entire core group is returning.
Nothing has changed for the Spurs except Tobias Harris joining the team as an experienced veteran forward who will continue to instill a winning culture and mindset in this locker room, and recent Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is taking Sean Sweeney's spot as Mitch Johnson's top assistant.
The Spurs are in a better spot than any other team in the league right now regarding their future, especially with Wemby taking a small discount on his max extension and allowing the organization to have flexibility for upcoming contract discussions down the road with Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey after the game at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Additions: F LeBron James (free agency), F Jaylen Brown (trade – BOS), G Anfernee Simons (free agency), F Dean Wade (free agency), C Ariel Hukporti (free agency), G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (free agency), G Labaron Philon Jr. (#22 pick) Departures: G/F Paul George (trade – BOS), C Andre Drummond (free agency – NYK), F Kelly Oubre Jr. (free agency – IND), F/C Johni Broome (trade – LAC)
LeBron James and Jaylen Brown are joining Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe to try and win a championship in Philadelphia. Could anyone have even predicted this before the offseason began?
This has been a crazy offseason for the 76ers, one that now puts a lot of pressure and expectations on this group to win it all. On paper, the Sixers have the best starting five in the NBA, and they should have what it takes to win a championship. However, Nick Nurse and this team's medical staff will ultimately dictate their fate.
Embiid will not be able to play in all 82 games, and he'll be lucky to play in more than 50 games. James played in 60 games a season ago and will be 42 years old in December, which is why he can't be counted on fully either.
If this team is fully healthy come time for the playoffs in April, there is no reason why they can't win 16 playoff games and capture their first championship since 1983. Quite honestly, anything less than a title will be a disappointment for this team.
5. Detroit Pistons
Additions: G Isaiah Joe (trade – OKC), F John Collins (free agency), G Ebuka Okorie (#17 pick), G Gary Harris (trade – MIL), F Taurean Prince (trade – MIL) Departures: F Tobias Harris (free agency – SAS), G Caris LeVert (trade – MIL), F/C Isaiah Stewart (trade – MEM)
Fresh off being the 1-seed in the East, the Detroit Pistons have made major changes around Cade Cunningham. Maybe John Collins can add a layer of athleticism and rebounding that Harris couldn't at the power forward position, but losing Isaiah Stewart's competitiveness and toughness in the paint will be hard to replace.
And then there is Jalen Duren's ongoing restricted free agency holding up the final piece of Detroit's offseason. No progress has been made on a new deal for the recent All-Star and All-NBA center, and he has not been pleased with the organization's estimates of what he's worth.
The Pistons are definitely still a top team in the East, but there is reason to be bearish on their overall future, especially after seeing their plans to pursue Coby White, Austin Reaves, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and other notable players fall through this offseason.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
Additions: F Mario Hezonja (free agency), G Meleek Thomas (#34 pick) Departures: F Dean Wade (free agency – PHI), G Keon Ellis (free agency – BKN), F/C Larry Nance Jr. (free agency – IND)
What was supposed to be a huge offseason for the Cavs by adding LeBron ended up being very quiet, with their only free-agent signing being Spanish League star and former top-five pick Mario Hezonja. Although the Cavs are high in the first installment of the NBA power rankings for the 2026-27 season, this is a team facing serious make-or-break pressure.
Donovan Mitchell just signed a massive $273 million extension, and with James Harden set to return on a new long-term deal, the Cavaliers are basically locked into what they have. As other teams around them continue to improve, Cleveland will look almost the same as they did last year.
7. Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center.
Additions: C Walker Kessler (free agency), G Quentin Grimes (free agency), F Sandro Mamukelashvili (free agency), G Collin Sexton (free agency), G Jaden Hardy (trade – WAS), C Kevon Looney (free agency), F Matisse Thybulle (free agency), F Ziaire Williams (free agency), G Cameron Carr (#24 pick) Departures: F LeBron James (free agency – PHI), F Rui Hachimura (free agency – LAC), G Marcus Smart (free agency – HOU), G Luke Kennard (free agency – PHX), C Deandre Ayton (trade – WAS), C Jaxson Hayes (free agency – UTA)
The Los Angeles Lakers have a completely new look. With James and other veterans walking out the door in free agency, the Lakers made it their mission to get younger, adding more shooters and fortifying their depth around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
This team may give up over 120 points per game every single night since they look like one of the worst defensive teams in the league, but Los Angeles may end up being alright since they are going to be able to outscore virtually every team on any given night.
Rob Pelinka and this front office took a major gamble this summer by committing over $450 million in free agency to Reaves, Walker Kessler, and others. We will see if it pays off.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
Additions: G LaMelo Ball (trade – CHA), G Josh Green (trade – CHA), G/F Isaiah Evans (#33 pick) Departures: F Julius Randle (trade – BKN), C Naz Reid (trade – CHA), G Mike Conley Jr. (free agency – BOS), F Kyle Anderson (free agency – TOR)
Did the Minnesota Timberwolves get better this offseason? The answer to this varies depending on who you ask.
On one hand, the Wolves finally added a key point guard with star-level qualities in LaMelo Ball next to Anthony Edwards, but it came at the cost of an impactful forward in Julius Randle. Although Randle being traded was a given this summer, the Timberwolves have lost size in their frontcourt and will be a lot smaller in a Western Conference dominated by big men.
Still, Minnesota has a lot of dynamic scoring guards on its roster, and Jaden McDaniels should have no problem defending at the power forward position. This is another team facing big boom-or-bust expectations this season.
9. Denver Nuggets
Additions: G Tyus Jones (free agency), C Marvin Bagley III (free agency), F Trevon Brazile (#35 pick), F Alpha Diallo (free agency) Departures: G Tim Hardaway Jr. (free agency – MIA), C Jonas Valanciunas (free agency – Europe)
It is hard to definitively say who the Denver Nuggets are and where they will be in the power rankings come time for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season simply because a lot is still unsolved about this team.
Will the Nuggets be a second-apron team, which they currently are now? Can they find common ground on a new deal with Peyton Watson? If not, what would the return in a sign-and-trade look like? And if Watson does actually stay, could this mean that either Cam Johnson or Christian Braun gets moved so the Nuggets don't face a $500 million combined salary and tax payroll?
We can't count out a team led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but as of right now, it's hard to definitively say that the Nuggets are still near the top of the West hierarchy until this Watson situation gets figured out.
10. Atlanta Hawks
Additions: F Lu Dort (trade – OKC), F Aaron Wiggins (trade – OKC), G Kingston Flemings (#7 pick), G Devin Carter (trade – SAC), F Zuby Ejiofor (#23 pick), G Ryan Nembhard (trade – DAL), C Henri Veesaar (#52 pick) Departures: F Jonathan Kuminga (free agency), F Zaccharie Risacher (trade – DAL), G Gabe Vincent (free agency)
There is serious reason to buy into what Onsi Saleh has built with the Atlanta Hawks, as this team has depth, athleticism, and plenty of length up and down the roster. Jalen Johnson is the featured star in Atlanta, and Saleh has surrounded him with versatile options at virtually every position.
Lu Dort and Dyson Daniels are two All-Defensive players, Aaron Wiggins can finally prove his two-way worth in a key wing role, and the Hawks still have plenty of shooters on the perimeter in CJ McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Corey Kispert, and Buddy Hield.
Not to mention, those last two guys can easily be utilized in a mid-season trade for the Hawks to further improve. I am a huge fan of what the Hawks have built, and there is certainly reason to believe they can become a top-four team in the East during the 2026-27 season.
11. Toronto Raptors
NBA player for the Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard.
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.
Additions: F Kawhi Leonard (trade – LAC), F Allen Graves (#19 pick), F Kyle Anderson (free agency) Departures: F Brandon Ingram (trade – LAC), G Gradey Dick (trade – LAC), F Sandro Mamukelashvili (free agency – LAL)
When will the Kawhi Leonard trade be completed? The better question to ask is when his investigation will officially be concluded, as the NBA is waiting to hear what the law firm Wachtell Lipton says about their almost year-long investigation.
Until there is clarity on what actually happened and what penalties could be handed out to Kawhi or the LA Clippers, the Toronto Raptors are stuck in a holding pattern and won't finalize this trade.
The worst possible scenario for Toronto is this trade falling through, and they bring back Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. This roster has been built around the idea of having Leonard and Scottie Barnes together, which instantly puts the Raptors in the discussion to be one of the top teams in the East.
12. Miami Heat
Additions: F Giannis Antetokounmpo (trade – MIL), F/C Bobby Portis (trade – MIL), G Tim Hardaway Jr. (free agency), G Ryan Conwell (#37 pick) Departures: G Tyler Herro (trade – MIL), G Norman Powell (free agency – CHI), F/C Kel'el Ware (trade – MIL), G/F Jaime Jaquez Jr. (trade – MIL), G Kasparas Jakucionis (trade – MIL)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is finally on the Miami Heat's roster, and the Heat paid a hefty price to get him. Although Miami still has Bam Adebayo, Davion Mitchell, and Andrew Wiggins, the second unit in South Beach still needs some work for them to be legitimate title contenders in a crowded East.
Adding players like Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, and/or Bradley Beal would obviously help the Heat, and they will likely end up with at least one of these guys. However, this team's shooting is still a big problem, even with the addition of Tim Hardaway Jr. That is why the Heat desperately want to add Thompson and make him what Ray Allen was to the 2012-13 championship team.
13. Boston Celtics
Additions: G/F Paul George (trade – PHI), C Mitchell Robinson (free agency), G Mike Conley Jr. (free agency), C Chris Cenac Jr. (#27 pick) Departures: F Jaylen Brown (trade PHI), C Nikola Vucevic (free agency – ORL)
Brad Stevens took the biggest gamble out of anyone this offseason by trading away Jaylen Brown in a deal for draft picks and Paul George, who is 36 years old and owed over $110 million through the 2027-28 season, especially since there's no chance he will decline his $56.5 million player option next offseason.
Adding Robinson in the frontcourt definitely helps Boston, but the Celtics got rid of a true MVP-caliber player for basically no reason other than Stevens not wanting him there anymore. It is just really hard to look at the Celtics right now and think Jayson Tatum alone can carry this team in what the East has become.
14. Houston Rockets
Additions: G Marcus Smart (free agency), G Bogdan Bogdanovic (free agency), G Bruce Thornton (#31 pick) Departures: F Dorian Finney-Smith (trade – CHA), G Aaron Holiday (free agency), G/F Josh Okogie (free agency – UTA)
No big, splashy moves were made by the Houston Rockets this summer after they added Kevin Durant a year ago, and that is because GM Rafael Stone and this front office still believe that this team can be at the top of the West when at full strength. The only problem this past year was that Fred VanVleet was recovering from a torn ACL, Steven Adams wasn't healthy, and others dealt with multiple injuries.
Adding key veterans like Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic secures depth at two key areas of need in Houston: backcourt talent and shooting depth.
Pressure certainly exists for the Rockets heading into the 2026-27 season, and should they underperform heading into the trade deadline, noise surrounding Durant's future will again be prominent.
15. Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.
Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Additions: C Nikola Vucevic (free agency) Departures: F/C Moritz Wagner (free agency – BKN)
The Orlando Magic have a lot of money invested in Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs. That is why a lot of eyes across the league will be on them entering the 2026-27 season.
Sean Sweeney is a first-time head coach, and he will enter a year in which the Magic are expected to make the playoffs and be competitive. This team has the talent to put up a fight against the best in the East, but it still seems like they are far from being in the same conversation as the Knicks and 76ers.
Adding Nikola Vucevic back should definitely help the Magic, especially since they now have three capable big men all holding different roles in Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, and Vuc, who returns to the Magic following their trade with Chicago in 2021.
16. Indiana Pacers
Additions: F Kelly Oubre Jr. (free agency), F/C Larry Nance Jr. (free agency) Departures: C Micah Potter (free agency – POR)
Tyrese Haliburton is back from his Achilles injury, and the Indiana Pacers are ready to completely forget that the 2025-26 season happened. All of Indiana's depth from their NBA Finals run is back, and Ivica Zubac should be 100% for the start of the 2026-27 season.
Although the Pacers didn't add much this offseason, they really didn't need to since their additions are getting guys back from injury.
Do not sleep on the Pacers because they have some of the best depth in the league, and almost all of these guys have won the Eastern Conference before together. The only reason why they're No. 16 in these power rankings is that we need to actually see the Pacers play before fully locking them in as being back in the title mix.
17. Phoenix Suns
Additions: F Miles Bridges (trade – CHA), G Luke Kennard (free agency), F Koa Peat (#30 pick) Departures: G Grayson Allen (trade – CHA), F Royce O'Neale (trade – CHA)
The Phoenix Suns had been trying to get Miles Bridges for over a year, and they finally landed him in a trade for Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale. However, this wasn't the Suns' best offseason move.
Luke Kennard is exactly what the Suns needed — a 48% 3-point shooter. As a catch-and-shoot option in Jordan Ott's offense, Kennard will feast on the perimeter in Phoenix, and this organization will certainly get their money's worth with him.
Whether or not the Suns can truly take that next step and be a threat is fully dependent on whether Jalen Green can remain on the court. Someone needs to step up next to Devin Booker, and Green's offensive abilities still make him one of the most promising-looking young scorers in the league.
18. Golden State Warriors
Detailed view of the jersey of Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center with LeBron James & Kevin Hart in the background
Detailed view of the jersey of Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center with LeBron James & Kevin Hart in the background
Additions: F Yaxel Lendeborg (#11 pick) Departures: C Quinten Post (free agency – MEM), G Pat Spencer (free agency – PHX)
This was supposed to be a massive offseason for the Golden State Warriors, one where they finally add another key superstar next to Stephen Curry. For one moment, it seemed like there was serious momentum for LeBron to join the team he dueled with in the NBA Finals from 2015 through 2018, but that dream never became the Warriors' reality.
Draymond Green is back, as are Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II. The Warriors plan to try and ride things out until the trade deadline and re-evaluate everything then, especially with Jimmy Butler and hopefully Moses Moody back on the court by then.
If everyone is healthy, and it's a big if with how things have gone for Golden State, this team has proved on the court that they can win games. That is why the Warriors' front office still has hope and is not willing to mortgage their entire future on anyone but Giannis, whom they also missed out on this summer.
19. Washington Wizards
Additions: F AJ Dybantsa (#1 pick), C Deandre Ayton (trade – LAL), F Khris Middleton (free agency) Departures: G D'Angelo Russell (trade – MEM), G Jaden Hardy (trade – LAL)
Can AJ Dybantsa, Trae Young, and Anthony Davis lift the Washington Wizards and their young core from the depths of the East? I definitely believe this is possible, and I am already penciling in the Wizards as a playoff team this upcoming year.
It will obviously take time for this team to reach its full potential, and it won't happen overnight, but Wizards fans have to be excited about what their future looks like. Dybantsa becomes the young leader of a core that features Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, and Will Riley.
With a great blend of experienced veterans who have won in this league and youthful options on the rise, the Wizards have a clear path to becoming a threat in the Eastern Conference over the next several years.
20. Portland Trail Blazers
Additions: G Ja Morant (trade – MEM), C Branden Carlson (free agency), C Micah Potter (free agency), F Jeremy Sochan (free agency) Departures: F Jerami Grant (trade – MEM), F Kris Murray (trade – MEM)
The Portland Trail Blazers have a ton of guards who are really good, but all of them can't play together. Ja Morant and Damian Lillard are a head-scratching duo, and now if you add Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday to the mix, someone is going to end up being the odd man out in Portland.
Although talent definitely exists on this roster, it's really hard to see how things are going to play out for the Trail Blazers this season.
Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara are the only wings on the roster, Micah Nori is being tasked with turning things around on basically a disrespectful one-year deal, and the Blazers' new owner seems like he's leaning to taking the team out of Portland due to disputes over their arena. All of this could really impact the mentality of the team.
21. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Additions: F Santi Aldama (trade – MEM), F Zaccharie Risacher (trade – ATL), G Marcus Sasser (trade – DET), F/C Morez Johnson Jr. (#9 pick), G Sergio De Larrea (#25 pick), G Tarik Biberovic (trade – MEM) Departures: F Khris Middleton (free agency), C Marvin Bagley III (free agency), G Ryan Nembhard (trade – ATL), G Brandon Williams (free agency)
There is a lot of size and frontcourt talent on the Dallas Mavericks' roster entering the 2026-27 season. After trading for Santi Aldama, drafting Morez Johnson Jr., and keeping Moussa Cisse as a restricted free agent, Dallas now has nine of its roster spots occupied by forwards or centers.
This shouldn't surprise anyone, especially since Masai Ujiri always emphasizes size and athleticism on his rosters. Once again, he has built this type of team very quickly in Dallas.
Even though Daniel Gafford and Klay Thompson remain on the trade block and the Mavs have made it clear they're open to trading veteran players, Kyrie Irving is not one of those players being shopped. Dallas has big plans for their Kyrie and Cooper Flagg duo.
22. Charlotte Hornets
Additions: C Naz Reid (trade – MIN), G Grayson Allen (trade – PHX), F Royce O'Neale (trade – PHX), F Dorian Finney-Smith (trade – HOU), C Hannes Steinbach (#14 pick), G Christian Anderson Jr. (#18 pick), Departures: G LaMelo Ball (trade – MIN), F Miles Bridges (trade – PHX), G Josh Green (trade – MIN)
While it may look like the Charlotte Hornets have taken a step back from where they just were, it's only going to be a momentary step back. The Hornets did a fantastic job of getting value and draft picks for both LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, plus this front office actually has a vision to build around Brandon Miller and Kon Knuppel.
Adding Naz Reid will prove to be one of the most underrated moves any team made this offseason, and Hannes Steinbach has the tools to be the perfect fit next to Reid in the frontcourt.
Maybe this team won't be a playoff team right away, but with plenty of assets and depth, the Hornets look like they're gearing up to do something monumental in the near future.
23. LA Clippers
Additions: F Brandon Ingram (trade – TOR), G Gradey Dick (trade – TOR), F Rui Hachimura (free agency), G Keaton Wagler (#5 pick), F/C Johni Broome (trade – PHI) Departures: F Kawhi Leonard (trade – TOR), F John Collins (free agency – DET), G Bogdan Bogdanovic (free agency – HOU), G Bradley Beal (free agency), F Nic Batum (free agency)
Kawhi is leaving the Clippers and heading to the Raptors… or so we think. This trade has yet to be finalized, and it's still possible that Leonard is hit with a hefty fine or possibly even a small suspension for any possible involvement in the supposed cap circumvention that took place between him and the Clippers.
If this investigation is not over by the end of August, it's reasonable to believe that Kawhi could begin training camp still on the Clippers' roster.
This is the main reason why LA hasn't been able to do anything else, whether that be making a decision on Bennedict Mathurin's future or potentially agreeing to a sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson. As of right now, the Clippers appear to be taking a step back and retooling for the future.
24. Memphis Grizzlies
The third pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Duke forward Cameron Boozer after he was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies at Barclays Center.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Additions: F Cam Boozer (#3 pick), F/C Isaiah Stewart (trade – DET), F Jerami Grant (trade – POR), C Quinten Post (free agency), F Kris Murray (trade – POR), F Karim Lopez (#21 pick) Departures: G Ja Morant (trade – POR), F Santi Aldama (trade – DAL), G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (buyout)
Many have already counted the Memphis Grizzlies out in the Western Conference. Do not let their No. 24 spot in these power rankings fool you because the Grizzlies are going to be better than they're being given credit for right now. How much better is the big question, as plenty of potential exists on this roster.
This has been an escalated rebuild over the last year for GM Zach Kleiman and the Grizzlies, especially since they have virtually every position already covered, and then some.
The Grizzlies' young frontcourt pairing of Cam Boozer and Zach Edey is supported by Quinten Post and Isaiah Stewart. Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward on the wing are supported by Jerami Grant. And then at the guard positions, the Grizzlies have plenty of options with Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer, and Walter Clayton Jr.
Maybe I will be wrong about the Grizzlies, but I look at this team and truly believe they can sneak into the play-in tournament.
25. Utah Jazz
Additions: G Darryn Peterson (#2 pick), C Jaxson Hayes (free agency), G/F Josh Okogie (free agency) Departures: C Walker Kessler (free agency – LAL)
Another team in the West who should end up finishing better in the NBA power rankings than their initial rankings here is the Utah Jazz.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen will be a tough duo to stop since they can both score in the post or from beyond the 3-point line, and Darryn Peterson is the perfect young guard to add next to Keyonte George for the future of this organization. Both guards can score off the dribble, and Peterson looks like and carries himself like a star in the making.
This team has size and athleticism, which puts them on the rise.
26. Chicago Bulls
Additions: F Caleb Wilson (#4 pick), G Norman Powell (free agency), C Nic Claxton (trade – BKN), G/F Dailyn Swain (#15 pick) Departures: G Collin Sexton (free agency – LAL), G Anfernee Simons (free agency – MIA), F/C Guerschon Yabusele (overseas), C Nick Richards (free agency)
There is no doubt that the Chicago Bulls improved during the offseason from whatever it was they were last year. However, the Bulls look like a team that simply wants to avoid the bottom three spots in the NBA standings during the 2026-27 season with the new draft lottery reform rules.
Caleb Wilson has serious Rookie of the Year potential, and his performances in Las Vegas for Summer League were eye-opening. The future in Chicago is definitely bright for him.
As far as the 2026-27 season goes, the Bulls just don't look like a team that can compete for anything more than 25 wins.
27. Sacramento Kings
Additions: G Darius Acuff Jr. (#7 pick), F Alex Karaban (#29 pick), G Emanuel Sharp (#45 pick) Departures: G/F DeMar DeRozan (waived), G Russell Westbrook (free agency), G Devin Carter (trade – ATL)
DeMar DeRozan was waived by the Sacramento Kings, and Russell Westbrook's potential return is very much up in the air. This is now a full-scale rebuild for the Sacramento Kings, who are believing in No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr. to lead them into the future. Acuff is the perfect fit for the Kings at the point guard position because he's a leader by example and can help instill a new culture right away.
“I'm a winner. It's a simple answer, but that's all anyone needs to know,” Acuff told ClutchPoints in Las Vegas. “We are going to win in Sacramento.”
It will be interesting to see what happens in Sacramento this upcoming year with Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, two former All-Stars who will be featured heavily in trade rumors before February's deadline.
28. Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) celebrates his three point shot against the Orlando Magic to send the game to overtime during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) celebrates his three point shot against the Orlando Magic to send the game to overtime during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Additions: F Julius Randle (trade – MIN), G Mikel Brown Jr. (#6 pick), G Keon Ellis (free agency), F/C Moritz Wagner (free agency), F Joshua Jefferson (#28 pick) Departures: C Nic Claxton (trade- CHI), F Ziaire Williams (free agency – LAL), F Jalen Wilson (free agency – ATL)
Much like the Bulls and their roster full of players with no clear direction, the Brooklyn Nets have also assembled what they believe can be an anti-bottom-three roster to have the best lottery odds in 2027. That is why the Nets are keeping Michael Porter Jr. (for the moment), and added Julius Randle, whose fit is definitely questionable with this team's style of play.
The good news for the Nets is that they have Egor Demin entering his second season and expected to make a big sophomore jump, as well as rookie Mikel Brown Jr. Both players can be electric scorers, and they represent the future of this organization.
29. New Orleans Pelicans
Additions: NONE Departures: C Kevon Looney (free agency – LAL)
What are the New Orleans Pelicans doing, and what does this front office think they are? The Pelicans made no additions this offseason in trades, free agency, or the draft, and this franchise's only move was signing 38-year-old DeAndre Jordan to a two-year, $8 million deal.
Jordan, who played 12 games this past season, got $8 million through the 2027-28 season. This is definitely not meant to be disrespectful to Jordan in any way, but why are the Pelicans giving him this contract?
New Orleans has no idea what they are doing right now, and that is clear with them making no changes after winning only 26 games a season ago.
30. Milwaukee Bucks
Additions: G Tyler Herro (trade – MIA), F/C Kel'el Ware (trade – MIA), G/F Jaime Jaquez Jr. (trade – MIA), G Kasparas Jakucionis (trade – MIA), G Brayden Burries (#10 pick), F Nate Ament (#13 pick), G Caris LeVert (trade – DET), F Bogoljub Markovic (draft rights) Departures: F Giannis Antetokounmpo (trade – MIA), F/C Bobby Portis (trade – MIA), G Gary Harris (trade – DET), F Taurean Prince (trade – DET), F Thanasis Antetokounmpo (free agency)
The post-Giannis era will begin at the bottom of the NBA power rankings for the Milwaukee Bucks. Brayden Burries has a ton of potential to become the new face of the Bucks, but he joins an incredibly crowded backcourt and will be fighting for minutes with all of the new guards Milwaukee added.
Without control of their own 2027 draft pick, the Bucks have no choice but to try and be competitive. Maybe that can happen with all of their depth, but this team looks like a mess on paper right now, especially with Gary Trent Jr.'s new contract and Damian Lillard's dead cap hit on the books.