With the 2025-26 NBA season just around the corner, anticipation is high for a season expected to bring significant changes and shake-ups. The league is bracing for the ripple effect of major player movements, with stars like Kevin Durant, Myles Turner, and Kristaps Porzingis joining new squads. Concurrently, teams such as the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers face the challenge of competing without their star players due to injuries.
These shifts in team rosters and player availability raise a crucial question: could an unexpected contender emerge as the next NBA champion?
A panel of NBA insiders has weighed in, providing their insights on the biggest questions heading into the 2025-26 season. Their predictions cover which teams are poised for a major turnaround, which stars might seek an exit from their current teams, and whether the league will crown a new champion for the eighth consecutive season. Voting was based on a weighted system: five points for a first-place vote, three for second, and one for third.
Here are the detailed results from the forecast:
Team Turnaround: Which teams are expected to make a major leap?
- San Antonio Spurs / Atlanta Hawks: 55 points (tie)
- Philadelphia 76ers: 49 points
- Orlando Magic: 48 points
- Minnesota Timberwolves: 6 points
- Houston Rockets: 5 points
The San Antonio Spurs, after a six-year playoff drought following a remarkable 22 consecutive postseason appearances from 1997-98 to 2018-19, appear poised for a resurgence. Their strategy of drafting in the top 10 for four straight years, coupled with the health and development of young talents like back-to-back NBA Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, is key. A revamped roster also includes No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, another Rookie of the Year candidate, alongside veteran additions Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk.
Not far behind in the predictions are the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers. Just five years ago, these two teams fiercely contested the Eastern Conference semifinals. Philadelphia`s potential hinges on the health of veteran stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, as well as the continued progression of Tyrese Maxey. Meanwhile, the Hawks have had a potentially transformative offseason, adding scorers such as Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard to complement Trae Young, along with a reliable defender in Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The youthful and ambitious Orlando Magic are also lurking as they aim to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
Team Turmoil: Which team is likely to decline this season?
- Milwaukee Bucks: 41 points
- Los Angeles Lakers: 32 points
- Boston Celtics / Phoenix Suns: 28 points (tie)
- Philadelphia 76ers: 25 points
- Indiana Pacers: 19 points
The Milwaukee Bucks top this list due to growing uncertainty surrounding the franchise as their championship window appears to be closing. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the world`s elite players, but the disparity in talent between him and the rest of the roster is stark, despite an unexpected move to sign Myles Turner in free agency. To facilitate Turner`s signing, the Bucks waived guard Damian Lillard and stretched his remaining contract of over $110 million over the next five years. This decision is viewed by rival teams as a desperate attempt by the Bucks to maximize Antetokounmpo`s remaining prime years.
Milwaukee`s strategy for success this season will heavily rely on Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP has faced immense challenges before, but leading this roster into contention without a clear second star will demand arguably his most extraordinary effort. Last season, the Bucks started 2-8, yet managed to rally and secure a playoff spot before an early first-round exit. The question remains whether the Bucks will demonstrate the necessary patience and confidence to recover if they face another slow start this season.
The next superstar to request a trade will be…?
- Zion Williamson: 10 votes
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 7 votes
- LeBron James: 6 votes
- Ja Morant: 1 vote
- Trae Young: 1 vote
(Note: This category was scored on a one-point-per-vote basis.)
There is no situation currently brewing that seems as destined for a midseason separation as Jimmy Butler`s strained relationship with the Miami Heat was last season. However, speculation runs high for several stars.
Zion Williamson`s tenure in New Orleans might have been extended by the Pelicans` front office change, with Joe Dumars replacing David Griffin as the primary decision-maker. Yet, if Williamson starts the season strongly and avoids the persistent injury issues that have plagued his career, he might still seek a fresh start rather than remaining with a New Orleans franchise that appears stuck in neutral. Meanwhile, silence has followed LeBron James`s agent Rich Paul`s attempt to pressure the Lakers immediately after James exercised his $52.6 million player option for this season. The all-time leading scorer and his representatives understand the immense complexity of a trade involving him, given his age, substantial contract, and contractual right to veto any deal. Despite years of speculation, Giannis Antetokounmpo asking out of Milwaukee midseason seems unlikely, especially if he chose not to take such a drastic step over the summer.
Which superstar injury will have the biggest impact in the East?
- Jayson Tatum: 20 votes
- Tyrese Haliburton: 5 votes
- Joel Embiid: 1 vote
(Note: This category was scored on a one-point-per-vote basis.)
Jayson Tatum`s Achilles injury served as a major catalyst for the Boston Celtics` aggressive sell-off and spending cuts. Already forced to dismantle their core and reduce payroll to avoid the second apron, Boston took further drastic measures. They traded both center Kristaps Porzingis and guard Jrue Holiday, lost backup center Luke Kornet, and are likely to part ways with beloved veteran big man Al Horford, who is currently a free agent.
While the Celtics still possess talents like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White on the wings, and newcomer Anfernee Simons is a capable scorer, no team in the league lost more top-end skill and talent this offseason than Boston. The team`s depth is no longer championship caliber, particularly in the post. It is evident that Boston is focusing on next season to reopen its title window, once Tatum is able to return to the lineup.
Will we get a different champion for the eighth straight season?
- Yes: 15 votes
- No: 11 votes
(Note: This category was scored on a one-point-per-vote basis.)
The topic of parity in the NBA and the absence of long-standing dynasties, a historical cornerstone of the league, has been a frequent discussion. It`s understandable why predictions might lean towards the trend of a new champion, especially after the Thunder became the seventh consecutive new champion this spring, and the Celtics became the sixth consecutive defending champion to not advance past the conference semifinals.
However, this voting might be overly reactive, focusing on past trends rather than a thorough examination of the Oklahoma City Thunder`s case. Oklahoma City was the second-youngest team in 50 years to win a title, only behind the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers. With all their players returning this season, they present a strong argument for being even stronger in 2025-26. Many within the league believe the Thunder are strong contenders to repeat, seeing no credible arguments against them.
Despite this, a repeat victory for Oklahoma City is far from guaranteed. Last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, widely expected to meet in the Eastern Conference finals, both failed to reach that stage. The Thunder themselves faced considerable challenges, being on the brink against the Denver Nuggets in the second round and the Indiana Pacers in the Finals. The inevitable increase in league-wide competitiveness, coupled with some lingering questions about OKC`s long-term staying power, led the panel to conclude that parity will likely continue to reign in the NBA this season.
Which team is most likely to make a big move before the trade deadline?
- Golden State Warriors: 7 votes
- Los Angeles Lakers: 5 votes
- Cleveland Cavaliers / New Orleans Pelicans: 3 votes (tie)
- Philadelphia 76ers: 2 votes
- Memphis Grizzlies: 1 vote
(Note: This category was scored on a one-point-per-vote basis.)
The Golden State Warriors lead this list, having actively signaled a desire for significant movement before the trade deadline throughout the offseason. Their two-year, $45 million contract offer to restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga was strategically designed to set a salary figure that could be easily traded by January. The Los Angeles Lakers, currently transitioning into the Luka Doncic era, have preserved several first-round draft picks as valuable sweeteners for potential deals, especially with LeBron James`s expiring contract looming. As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, potential disappointment and desperation could drive them to make moves. If they perceive that their high-value core four will once again fall short in the playoffs, they might decide to trade a key player to reshape their roster dynamics.