As the majority of the NBA`s offseason activities conclude, it`s an opportune moment to assess each team`s performance. Key storylines continue to unfold, such as restricted free agents in contract impasses and pending extensions, alongside the persistent possibility of unexpected trades.
Nonetheless, most significant moves shaping the 2025-26 season are finalized. Top unrestricted free agents have signed contracts, and major blockbuster deals have transformed teams like the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic into formidable contenders within their respective conferences.
These evaluations focus not just on improvement or decline, but primarily on how effectively teams utilized their available resources, with a strong emphasis on free agency and trades, given the less predictable nature of draft outcomes. While most teams fall within the `B` range, two teams earned an `A` grade, and one received an `F,` reflecting their involvement in the summer`s most unbalanced trade.
Teams are presented in alphabetical order.
Atlanta Hawks
Grade: A
The Hawks significantly bolstered their status as a legitimate Eastern Conference threat by acquiring top free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker (formerly of the Minnesota Timberwolves) and enhancing their frontcourt size with Kristaps Porzingis. A strategic move on draft night saw them acquire the more favorable of the 2026 first-round picks from the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans, by trading down ten spots from 13th to 23rd overall.
Even if Atlanta`s immediate future places them in the play-in tournament, the prospect of adding another potential lottery pick to a core already featuring 2024`s top draft selection, Zaccharie Risacher, presents a transformative opportunity for a franchise that had previously sent its own pick to the San Antonio Spurs in the Dejounte Murray trade.
Boston Celtics
Grade: C
On the positive side, the Celtics successfully managed their finances without sacrificing any future first-round picks, getting below the second apron with a plausible path to avoid the tax entirely in a transition year following Jayson Tatum`s Achilles rupture. The significant drawback is Boston shed a substantial amount of talent, including all players taller than 6-foot-8 who played at least 13 minutes in the 2025 playoffs. The Celtics face a challenge in replenishing their frontcourt depth and, critically, the versatility lost with the departures of Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
Brooklyn Nets
Grade: C-
Considering the Nets` dominant position with over $30 million in cap space this summer, their overall return has been modest. Brooklyn did secure an unprotected 2032 first-rounder from Denver and can hope to revitalize Michael Porter Jr.`s value. The Nets also acquired the No. 22 pick along with Terance Mann before the draft. However, keeping all five first-round picks and using them primarily on players whose skill sets don`t appear complementary was perplexing. Brooklyn still has the flexibility to create over $20 million in cap space, and it remains to be seen if additional deals will materialize before training camp.
Charlotte Hornets
Grade: B-
The Hornets are expected to be more competitive in the 2025-26 season after adding playmakers to complement LaMelo Ball. Charlotte`s offense struggled significantly without Ball last season, a situation unlikely to recur with the additions of veterans Spencer Dinwiddie and Collin Sexton, and the return of Tre Mann. Furthermore, No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel, the MVP of the summer league championship game, should provide immediate assistance to the Hornets` shooting.
Chicago Bulls
Grade: C-
I found the Bulls` decision to re-sign Tre Jones to a three-year, $24 million contract with a team option on the final season to be favorable. Chicago could also benefit more from wing Isaac Okoro after acquiring him from Cleveland in exchange for Lonzo Ball. Still, the Bulls should not be content with largely maintaining the status quo after three consecutive play-in tournament losses. Although I am optimistic about No. 12 pick Noa Essengue, Chicago would have been better served by executing a similar draft-night deal to what Atlanta did with New Orleans.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Grade: B
The extent of Lonzo Ball`s contribution to the Cavaliers, limited to 35 games last season due to wrist injuries following 2.5 years off the court with a left knee issue, remains to be seen. Ball was a low-cost acquisition for Cleveland to help replace Ty Jerome, who was let go to manage the Cavaliers` substantial tax bill. Similarly, bringing back Larry Nance Jr. as a third center was a cost-effective move. Despite Jerome`s departure, Cleveland appears to be the favorite to win the Eastern Conference.
Dallas Mavericks
Grade: B-
Dallas does not receive special credit for selecting Cooper Flagg, a move any team would have made after winning the lottery. The Mavericks successfully acquired D`Angelo Russell, utilizing only their taxpayer midlevel exception in free agency after reaching a new agreement with a reduced starting salary for injured point guard Kyrie Irving. However, Dallas still has an excess in its frontcourt, having opted not to make any trades involving veteran players thus far. This situation likely pushes Flagg and P.J. Washington into perimeter roles.
Denver Nuggets
Grade: A-
After all the offseason adjustments, Denver`s roster is, on paper, the strongest it has been since winning the 2023 title. A key highlight was swapping 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 acquire Jonas Valanciunas from the Kings, while shedding the seldom-used Dario Saric. Denver further strengthened its perimeter depth by signing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to minimum contracts.
Detroit Pistons
Grade: C
The Pistons` offseason trajectory dramatically shifted when it was reported that guard Malik Beasley was under federal investigation in connection with a gambling probe. After All-Star Cade Cunningham, Beasley was arguably Detroit`s second-best player last season, and this late development restricted the Pistons` options for replacing him in free agency. They signed 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 evaluate until the status of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is resolved. If Golden State indeed signs veteran center Al Horford and brings back guard De`Anthony Melton, as has been reported as possible, that would constitute a solid summer, building on last season`s strong finish after the Jimmy Butler trade. For now, all these potential developments are on hold.
Houston Rockets
Grade: A
No team did more to enhance its prospects for the 2026 title than the Rockets, who successfully acquired two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant without compromising their existing depth. Houston deserves credit for seizing a reasonable trade opportunity for Durant, then utilizing a team-friendly contract for Fred VanVleet (two years, $50 million) to access the non-taxpayer midlevel exception. This allowed the Rockets to add the 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 be viewed favorably. However, fiscal responsibility alone doesn`t win championships, and Indiana lost a crucial component of a starting five that thrived more on collective fit than sheer individual talent. The Pacers lack a clear replacement for Turner. While taking a chance on Jay Huff, who possesses a similar skill set, was an interesting move, 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 backups.
LA Clippers
Grade: B+
Concerns exist regarding the Clippers` roster age after adding veterans Chris Paul (40), Brook Lopez (37), and Bradley Beal (32). Nevertheless, for the Clippers to secure all three players using only the non-taxpayer midlevel exception is a significant victory. The Clippers strengthened their short-term depth and added size with a trade for John Collins, while also keeping future cap space possibilities in mind, with 2027 being a more probable target to retool 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, along with Deandre Ayton, who recently turned 27. Marcus Smart, 31, is the Lakers` oldest newcomer. While the Lakers` new additions were not as impactful last season as the Clippers`, the new Lakers roster has a better chance of contributing long-term.
The biggest question surrounding the Lakers` offseason is how this strategy impacts 40-year-old superstar LeBron James. However, James has limited leverage after exercising his player option. It is more crucial for the Lakers to persuade 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, in the long term, Memphis made a shrewd move by acquiring four first-round picks in return, including a highly sought-after 2026 pick most likely from the Phoenix Suns. Adding Jerome on a value contract helps replace Bane`s shooting and shot creation, and the Grizzlies successfully signed Jaren Jackson Jr. to an extension that pays him less than he could have earned next summer as an unrestricted free agent.
Miami Heat
Grade: B+
It was an opportunistic offseason for the Heat, who capitalized on the money saved by swapping Duncan Robinson for Simone Fontecchio to convert players on the fringes of their rotation into Norman Powell, who averaged 21.8 points per game for the Clippers last season. Powell helps fill some of the scoring void left by Jimmy Butler`s February departure and keeps Miami`s financial books clear—for now—as the team targets 2027 cap space.
Milwaukee Bucks
Grade: C+
While the Bucks stretching Damian Lillard`s salary over the next five years to create cap room and signing Myles Turner away from the Pacers—the top player to change teams in free agency—is unlikely to immediately make Milwaukee a true contender, it at least provides them with a fighting 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 creatively managed to retain the rest of last season`s core, though this came at the cost of distributing player options generously. A remarkable five Bucks players received 2026-27 options, which could complicate future roster construction.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Grade: B-
Following the trade of Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves successfully managed their payroll to retain the core 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 let Alexander-Walker depart via sign-and-trade, opting instead to prioritize 2023-24 Sixth Man Award winner Naz Reid. Reid`s five-year, $125 million contract could be an overpay if he is unable to expand beyond a bench role.
New Orleans Pelicans
Grade: F
The Hawks-Pelicans draft-night swap appeared to be the summer`s most unbalanced transaction. While it could potentially benefit New Orleans in the long run, it was far too risky to be considered a sensible move, especially given the context of the Pelicans` other actions. New Orleans is gambling on Jordan Poole becoming a playoff-caliber starting point guard and has oversaturated its center depth chart 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 by relinquishing control of 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 this summer. Getting Guerschon Yabusele to accept 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 those veterans, Jordan Clarkson—signed after reaching a buyout with the Utah Jazz—provides the Knicks with more 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 logged at least 50 minutes during the 2025 playoffs, meaning the primary task 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 contracts for Holmgren and Williams will necessitate difficult future choices for Oklahoma City. However, the Thunder did well to sign Holmgren to a deal fixed at 25% of the 2026-27 cap and to avoid giving Williams a player option on his extension.
Orlando Magic
Grade: B
Acquiring Bane appears increasingly beneficial for Orlando following the Eastern Conference`s shifting landscape. The Magic now have a realistic opportunity to secure home-court advantage in the first round for the first time since 2011. Orlando`s addition of backup point guard Tyus Jones on a one-year, $7 million deal was also a shrewd acquisition. The Magic will possess significantly more backcourt depth after recording a 21-26 record in the 47 games that starter Jalen Suggs missed last season.
Philadelphia 76ers
Grade: C
After last summer`s prominent signing of nine-time All-Star Paul George—an addition that ultimately did not pan out—perhaps a quieter offseason is for the best. Nevertheless, it is surprising that Philadelphia is bringing back 10 players from last season`s roster, with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes likely to increase that total to 11. The 76ers are relying on improved health and enhanced frontcourt depth rather than making significant changes to their core roster.
Phoenix Suns
Grade: C+
Similar to Milwaukee, Phoenix incurred a substantial amount of dead salary on its books through a buyout for the final two years of Bradley Beal`s contract. Following the trade of Kevin Durant, the Suns cannot realistically contend for a championship. Even making the playoffs will be a challenge in the competitive Western Conference. However, they have transitioned their roster towards a younger direction with three 2025 draft picks—having started the summer with none—and the acquisition of 23-year-old center Mark Williams via trade.
Portland Trail Blazers
Grade: C
It was an eventful summer for the Blazers, who traded for Jrue Holiday, made one of the draft`s most intriguing selections in Chinese center Yang Hansen, and reunited with franchise icon Damian Lillard. Adding two veteran All-Star guards could create a crowded backcourt situation for Portland when Lillard returns from an Achilles rupture, likely in the 2026-27 season. 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 gave Dennis Schroder a three-year, $45 million deal that may not age well given Schroder`s reliance on quickness. This deal compelled the Kings to swap Jonas Valanciunas for Dario Saric, who barely played last season, in order to avoid the luxury tax. Sacramento might have been better served targeting a point guard on a more affordable contract, such as Tre Jones, or simply letting Valanciunas depart for a reported offer from Greek powerhouse Olympiacos, thereby getting out of his contract entirely.
San Antonio Spurs
Grade: B
The Spurs do not receive extra credit for moving up to No. 2 in the lottery and drafting Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. However, San Antonio successfully upgraded its frontcourt with veterans Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk. With a full training camp to integrate De`Aaron Fox and the continued rapid development of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are expected to improve this season and still possess the draft picks necessary to make another significant move to further build out their core.
Toronto Raptors
Grade: C-
A deadline deal for Brandon Ingram proved to be Toronto`s most substantial offseason maneuver. Given the limited cap space available, Ingram was wise to secure a three-year, $120 million deal after the trade. Operating over the luxury 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, coupled with limited financial flexibility, especially after a generous extension for center Jakob Poeltl.
Utah Jazz
Grade: C
After hiring Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations, the Jazz firmly committed to a new direction. Utah traded veterans Clarkson, Collins, and Sexton, meaning these players will no longer appear on lengthy injury reports, thereby opening up playing time for Utah`s young talent. The Jazz likely waited too long to move on from Clarkson and Sexton, forcing Utah to relinquish a second-round pick in the process. Still ahead is a crucial decision regarding center Walker Kessler, who is eligible for a rookie extension through October.
Washington Wizards
Grade: B
A series of trades effectively cleared Washington`s salary cap for substantial 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 boast an impressive 10 players drafted in the first round since 2023. Corey Kispert is the only veteran Washington has under contract for 2026-27, which means the Wizards could potentially have $80 million in cap space after trading Jordan Poole for CJ McCollum`s expiring contract.