The 2024-25 NBA season has officially concluded, with the Oklahoma City Thunder claiming their first league title by defeating the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series.
After making their initial Finals appearance in over a decade, the Thunder hold onto the top position in our very early rankings. But following an unpredictable postseason, where do the other 29 teams stand as they head into the summer break?
As the curtain falls on another exciting NBA season, our group of writers reflects on what might unfold during the offseason and lays the groundwork for what should be another competitive and unpredictable 2025-26 season.
Navigate to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2024-25 record: 68-14
- Previous rank: 1 (No Change)
- Result: NBA Finals champions
- 2025 draft picks: No. 15 (via MIA), No. 24 (via LAC), No. 44 (via ATL)
We may need to adjust to seeing the Thunder competing deep into June. Oklahoma City secured the championship with a core of developing young stars. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just reaching his peak at 26. His All-NBA partner Jalen Williams, 24, and likely future All-Star Chet Holmgren, 23, are still exploring their full potential. All three key players are expected to sign significant, long-term extensions this summer. The Thunder will also add a lottery pick next season in guard Nikola Topic, who effectively had a redshirt year recovering from a knee injury. General Manager Sam Presti still needs to decide the fate of the two second-round picks the Thunder hold in this draft, part of their extensive collection of future draft assets.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2024-25 record: 49-33
- Previous rank: 11 (Up)
- Result: Eliminated in Western Conference finals
- 2025 draft picks: No. 17 (via DET), No. 31 (via UTAH)
The Timberwolves appeared to be legitimate contenders until they encountered the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference finals, losing the series in five games.
With Julius Randle and Naz Reid holding player options for the next season, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker becoming a free agent this summer, the Timberwolves face some significant roster decisions.
3. Denver Nuggets
- 2024-25 record: 50-32
- Previous rank: 7 (Up)
- Result: Eliminated in second round
- 2025 draft picks: None
The Nuggets implemented their most significant changes before the regular season concluded by dismissing coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. This leadership change sparked a run to the second round, where Denver was defeated by Oklahoma City in seven games, partly due to Aaron Gordon being severely hampered by a hamstring injury. While the Nuggets might contemplate how far they could have gone with better health, they also recognize the need to enhance the roster surrounding Nikola Jokic. After David Adelman was officially appointed head coach, he emphasized the team`s need for improved conditioning and a continued focus on defense.
Denver requires better depth, particularly to perform effectively during minutes when Jokic is off the court. With Russell Westbrook declining his player option and entering free agency, Denver may need to find another dynamic veteran reserve player. Given that only a first-round pick in 2031 or 2032 is available for trading, Michael Porter Jr. likely represents their best option if they aim for a major offseason trade.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2024-25 record: 64-18
- Previous rank: 2 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in second round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 49 (via MIL), No. 58
Cleveland`s remarkable season came to a sudden end at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, who ultimately won the Eastern Conference title after stunning comeback victories against both New York and Cleveland. A contributing factor to this early exit was guard Darius Garland, whose playoff performance saw him average 18 points on 42% shooting (28.6% from three), a drop from his regular season averages of 20.6 points on 47.2% shooting (40.1% from three). Garland underwent surgery on his left big toe, which impacted him in the postseason, but the Cavaliers anticipate he will be fully ready for training camp.
5. Houston Rockets
- 2024-25 record: 52-30
- Previous rank: 4 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 59 (via OKC)
The Rockets demonstrated that they were just one key offensive playmaker away from a deeper playoff run. The team had hoped one of their talented young players would step into that role. Instead, Houston acquired Kevin Durant on the final day of the NBA season, sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and draft picks – including the No. 10 selection in this week`s draft – to the Suns. Durant previously worked with coach Ime Udoka during their time with the Brooklyn Nets, and the 15-time All-Star brings veteran leadership to a young team that finished second in the Western Conference but was eliminated in the first round by the experienced Warriors.
6. Indiana Pacers
- 2024-25 record: 50-32
- Previous rank: 8 (Up)
- Result: Lost in the NBA Finals
- 2025 draft picks: No. 54
The Pacers were just one victory away from achieving one of the most unexpected upsets in NBA Finals history, but the aftermath of Tyrese Haliburton`s Achilles injury casts a major uncertainty over one of the league`s most exciting teams. Haliburton suffered a noncontact injury in Game 7 of the Finals and did not return, though the team has not yet disclosed the severity of the injury. The Pacers made a surprising journey through the Eastern Conference playoffs to reach their first Finals in 25 years, and their young core positions them well for future contention, despite Haliburton`s 2025-26 season likely being impacted.
7. New York Knicks
- 2024-25 record: 51-31
- Previous rank: 5 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in Eastern Conference finals
- 2025 draft picks: No. 50 (via MEM)
In his statement announcing the dismissal of coach Tom Thibodeau, Knicks president Leon Rose stated in the opening sentence, “Our organization is solely focused on winning a championship for our fans.” That declaration, along with the decision to remove Thibodeau three days after New York`s deepest playoff run in 25 years, clearly indicates the club`s future expectations, regardless of who is hired as the new coach. The Knicks reached the conference finals with a highly skilled starting five – although one that was outscored in the latter half of the season and playoffs – and a shallow bench. At least one of these areas, if not both, will require improvement to compete for a championship next season.
8. Golden State Warriors
- 2024-25 record: 48-34
- Previous rank: 10 (Up)
- Result: Eliminated in second round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 41 (via MIA)
The Warriors head into the offseason pondering how far they might have advanced if Stephen Curry`s hamstring had remained healthy. With that in mind, the Warriors aim to build around Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green. They are in need of more size, additional two-way wings who can shoot, and greater depth.
Jonathan Kuminga will be a restricted free agent, and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. has indicated that the Warriors want Kuminga back. However, Kuminga`s playing time was inconsistent throughout the season, although he performed some of his best basketball in the second-round series against Minnesota – averaging 24.2 points in Games 2 through 5 while Curry was sidelined. Coach Steve Kerr has stated that if Kuminga returns, he is committed to playing him alongside Curry, Butler, and Green to assess if the lineup can function better early in the season. The Warriors possess the ability to match competing offers or potentially arrange a sign-and-trade deal.
9. Los Angeles Lakers
- 2024-25 record: 50-32
- Previous rank: 6 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 55
After not utilizing Jaxson Hayes in their series-ending Game 5 loss to Minnesota in the first round, the top offseason priority for Los Angeles remains finding a reliable center.
They will have access to the taxpayer`s midlevel exception (approximately $5.6 million) to strengthen this position. Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) are also on expiring contracts, providing Los Angeles with some salary cap flexibility to potentially work with in the trade market.
10. LA Clippers
- 2024-25 record: 50-32
- Previous rank: 9 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 30 (via OKC), No. 51 (via MIN)
The Clippers exceeded expectations last season after Paul George`s departure in free agency, fielding a more balanced team with improved defense. James Harden performed at a third-team All-NBA level while Kawhi Leonard was absent. Ivica Zubac established himself as a significant presence on both ends of the court inside the paint, and Norman Powell played like an All-Star through the first half of the season. Harden holds a player option, and if he becomes a free agent, the Clippers are likely to pursue re-signing the point guard to a contract aligned with the remaining two years on Leonard`s deal. The Clippers will seek opportunities to improve and maintain competitiveness by exploring options in the trade market this offseason.
11. Detroit Pistons
- 2024-25 record: 44-38
- Previous rank: 14 (Up)
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 37 (via TOR)
The 2024-25 season was an undeniable success for the Pistons: They increased their win total by 30 games (from 14 to 44), challenged the Knicks significantly in a narrow first-round playoff loss, and saw Cade Cunningham achieve All-NBA recognition for the first time in his career. The franchise will rely on its young core to continue developing. Cunningham needs to reduce turnovers and enhance his scoring efficiency. Jaden Ivey is expected to bounce back from a broken leg, Jalen Duren will improve defensively, and Ausar Thompson should evolve into a more significant offensive threat, similar to his twin brother in Houston.
12. Boston Celtics
- 2024-25 record: 61-21
- Previous rank: 3 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in second round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 28, No. 32 (via WAS)
In the wake of Jayson Tatum`s Achilles tear, few teams face a more critical offseason than Boston. The current roster places the team $23 million over the second apron, and shedding salary may require multiple transactions. The Celtics must determine their direction with a roster that won a championship in 2024 and will likely look different next season.
13. Orlando Magic
- 2024-25 record: 41-41
- Previous rank: 15 (Up)
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 25 (via DEN), No. 46, No. 57 (via BOS)
The Magic are no longer content with a slow ascent in the Eastern Conference; they are prepared for a significant leap forward. After injuries disrupted their 2024-25 season, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs sharing the court for only six games, they traded four unprotected first-round picks, a lightly protected swap, and two role players for Desmond Bane. A career 41% three-point shooter, Bane is expected to boost an offense that ranked 30th in three-point makes and accuracy in 2024-25, while sharing playmaking responsibilities with Orlando`s established stars.
14. Dallas Mavericks
- 2024-25 record: 39-43
- Previous rank: 17 (Up)
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2025 draft picks: No. 1
The Mavericks` long-term concerns – both on the court and financially – stemming from the Luka Doncic deal were lessened by their exceptional lottery fortune, which landed them Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. He will enter the NBA with an opportunity to contribute immediately alongside Anthony Davis and eventually Kyrie Irving, who will miss at least the 2025 portion of next season recovering from a torn ACL. Finding a player to replace Irving who can transition into a key reserve role upon his return will be a priority for Mavs GM Nico Harrison. Dennis Schroder, Malcolm Brogdon, Tyus Jones, and Chris Paul are among potential free agency options for this void. The Mavs also hope to negotiate a new agreement with Irving, who must decide on his $44 million player option.
15. Memphis Grizzlies
- 2024-25 record: 48-34
- Previous rank: 12 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 16 (via ORL), No. 48 (via GS), No. 56 (via HOU)
A challenging late-season stretch led to coaching staff changes that impacted Memphis` playing style in the postseason. Now that Tuomas Iisalo has had the interim tag removed from his head coach title, he has the opportunity to implement his systems throughout the offseason. General manager Zach Kleiman has expressed confidence in Iisalo moving forward. However, the primary duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. has only won one playoff series together. Memphis recently traded Desmond Bane to Orlando in a package that included Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four draft picks, and a pick swap. It appears more roster adjustments are anticipated as the Grizzlies look to retool.
16. Milwaukee Bucks
- 2024-25 record: 48-34
- Previous rank: 13 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 47 (via DET)
Giannis Antetokounmpo`s future in Milwaukee could be one of the major storylines this summer. The Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season, a five-game dismantling by the Pacers that underscored the team`s distance from championship contention. This loss, combined with an Achilles injury to Damian Lillard, leaves the Bucks with many questions to address this offseason, including what kind of roster they can build to satisfy Antetokounmpo`s goal of competing for championships in Milwaukee, or whether his time with the team is nearing its end.
17. San Antonio Spurs
- 2024-25 record: 34-48
- Previous rank: 23 (Up)
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 2, No. 14 (via ATL), No. 38
Gregg Popovich refers to himself as *El Jefe* (the boss). However, Popovich is no longer the head coach as Mitch Johnson begins his first offseason at the helm. With Victor Wembanyama entering his third season, Stephon Castle being named Rookie of the Year, and the trade deadline acquisition of De`Aaron Fox, the Spurs enter a pivotal offseason with the expectation of reaching the postseason in 2025-26 for the first time since 2018-19. Holding the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, the Spurs are expected to add more talent, such as prospect Dylan Harper, to their already promising young group.
18. Miami Heat
- 2024-25 record: 37-45
- Previous rank: 19 (Up)
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 20 (via GS)
After once again ending up in the play-in tournament – only to be decisively defeated by the Cavaliers in the first round – the Heat face significant work to restore the level of competitiveness the franchise has maintained for the past 30 years under Pat Riley`s leadership. However, closing that gap is likely to require more than just one offseason, given how far the team appears to be from the top contenders.
19. Atlanta Hawks
- 2024-25 record: 40-42
- Previous rank: 18 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2025 draft picks: No. 13 (via SAC), No. 22 (via LAL)
Fresh off changes in Atlanta`s front office, the team`s leadership faces a major decision regarding four-time All-Star Trae Young, who is eligible for an extension this summer. He just completed his third consecutive season averaging at least 25 points and 10 assists. However, the hesitation before offering another maximum contract stems from a simple reality: Since the team`s unexpected run to the conference finals in 2020, the Hawks – who have been in the play-in tournament four years in a row – haven`t come particularly close to breaking through again, despite Young`s efforts.
He is not the easiest player to build a strong defense around, and his trade value would likely reflect this, raising the question of whether it`s worthwhile to pursue a more flexible deal with him that allows for better roster balance. Atlanta has a decent foundation in this regard with Dyson Daniels, who led the NBA significantly in steals and deflections last season.
20. Sacramento Kings
- 2024-25 record: 40-42
- Previous rank: 16 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2025 draft picks: No. 42 (via CHI)
The Kings will have more opportunity to rebalance their roster this summer after significantly altering it by trading De`Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine just before the trade deadline. New GM Scott Perry identified the absence of a true point guard as a “clear need.” How Sacramento will acquire one is less certain. Sacramento sent a lottery pick to Atlanta to finalize the Kevin Huerter trade and may not have access to the full non-taxpayer midlevel exception. This will depend on new contracts for reserve players Keon Ellis (who would become an unrestricted free agent next summer if the Kings pick up his team option), Jake LaRavia, and Trey Lyles.
21. Philadelphia 76ers
- 2024-25 record: 24-58
- Previous rank: 26 (Up)
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 3, No. 35
Philadelphia was fortunate in the lottery, securing the No. 3 pick and retaining its top-six protected selection. Now, as a result, the focus for the 76ers will not only be on their draft choice but also on whether a roster severely impacted by injuries last season can rebound. Star Joel Embiid played in only 19 games last season, and the 76ers also missed Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and promising rookie Jared McCain due to season-ending injuries.
22. Portland Trail Blazers
- 2024-25 record: 36-46
- Previous rank: 22 (No Change)
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 11
After extending the contracts of coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin, the Blazers hope to build on their 23-18 record in the second half of the season and contend for the playoffs in 2025-26. Portland has developed a competitive young core led by forwards Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. However, maintaining the Blazers` top-three defensive rating from that period might be challenging. Opponents shot just 34% from three-point range in those games, the second lowest in the league, which is a statistic that typically doesn`t carry over consistently. Denver, Miami, and Washington had the lowest opponent three-point percentages in the second half of the 2023-24 season, and none ranked better than 14th in 2024-25.
23. Chicago Bulls
- 2024-25 record: 39-43
- Previous rank: 20 (Down)
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2025 draft picks: No. 12, No. 45 (via SAC)
The Bulls have posted identical records for two consecutive years and have lost in the play-in tournament to the Heat in three straight seasons. However, significant changes are not expected in Chicago this offseason. The Bulls will likely attempt to re-sign Josh Giddey, who will be a restricted free agent, and aim to build upon a strong finish to the season with their collection of young players surrounding him, including last year`s lottery pick, Matas Buzelis, and the No. 12 pick in this year`s draft.
24. Phoenix Suns
- 2024-25 record: 36-46
- Previous rank: 21 (Down)
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 10 (via HOU), No. 29 (via CLE), No. 52 (via DEN)
Phoenix`s thorough coaching search concluded with the hiring of 40-year-old Jordan Ott, a first-time head coach – and the team`s fourth in the past four years. While Ott was instrumental to the Cavaliers` excellent 2024-25 season and is considered a bright young mind in the sport, he will need to figure out how to balance three ball-dominant guards after Kevin Durant was traded to Houston in a package centered around Jalen Green, according to reports. Green will join a team that already features Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on the roster – and we have already seen the dynamic between that trio and Durant, who is a better off-ball player than Green.
25. New Orleans Pelicans
- 2024-25 record: 21-61
- Previous rank: 27 (Up)
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 7, No. 23 (via IND)
Joe Dumars stated he has had extensive discussions with Zion Williamson regarding accountability and the responsibility that comes with being the face of the franchise. Availability is also a key part of this, as Williamson has played 70 games only once in his five seasons. The Pelicans possess draft assets and controllable contracts that could facilitate a significant trade. Will Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones be ready to start next season? With Dejounte Murray expected to be out until January, the Pelicans will likely look to the draft or free agency to add a primary guard and a big man.
26. Toronto Raptors
- 2024-25 record: 30-52
- Previous rank: 24 (Down)
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 9, No. 39 (via POR)
Over the past 18 months, the Raptors have completely transformed their roster. But as OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet have moved on to join elite teams in New York, Indiana, and Houston, respectively, the question arises whether Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and the rest of the current Raptors roster can elevate the franchise back to prominence in the East. Or if Masai Ujiri and his front office will attempt to make another impactful move this summer.
27. Brooklyn Nets
- 2024-25 record: 26-56
- Previous rank: 25 (Down)
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 8, No. 19 (via MIL), No. 26 (via NYK), No. 27 (via HOU), No. 36
The Nets might consider trading Cameron Johnson, a skilled two-way forward who would seemingly fit well with any contender, for additional draft capital in the current or future drafts.
Another player they need to make a decision on is 23-year-old restricted free agent Cam Thomas, who averaged 24 points last season, establishing himself as one of the league`s most natural scorers, but is still working on developing his playmaking and defensive abilities.
Brooklyn would ideally like to be involved in any future discussions regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo should he become available. However, with indications suggesting he will remain with his current team, the Nets` assets may also stay put for the time being.
28. Charlotte Hornets
- 2024-25 record: 19-63
- Previous rank: 28 (No Change)
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 4, No. 33, No. 34 (via NO)
As difficult as it may be, the conversation must be had: Does the franchise still clearly view 23-year-old LaMelo Ball as a cornerstone player? This past season was his third consecutive season missing significant time, failing to appear in at least 50 games. He also recorded career lows in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and effective field goal rate. Coach Charles Lee would undoubtedly prefer to see his core lineup together more often, as he only had six games with his intended starting five of Ball, Josh Green, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams this past season.
29. Utah Jazz
- 2024-25 record: 17-65
- Previous rank: 30 (Up)
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 5, No. 21 (MIN), No. 43 (via DAL), No. 53 (via LAC)
New president of basketball operations Austin Ainge was firm in stating that the Jazz, who secured the No. 5 pick despite having the league`s worst record last season, would not intentionally tank by manipulating player minutes or using creative injury reporting. However, this does not necessarily mean that winning will be Utah`s top priority next season.
The Jazz entertained offers for Lauri Markkanen before signing the one-time All-Star forward to a five-year, $238 million extension last summer. With Utah in the early stages of a rebuild, could the 28-year-old be acquired in a trade for the right price? The Jazz are expected to continue exploring trade possibilities for veteran players Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins.
30. Washington Wizards
- 2024-25 record: 18-64
- Previous rank: 29 (Down)
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 6, No. 18 (via MEM), No. 40 (via PHX)
Witnessing Oklahoma City`s journey to the NBA Finals provides the Wizards with a roadmap for what a lengthy and comprehensive rebuild can achieve. However, an 18-win season last year, resulting in the league`s second-worst record, did not yield a top-three draft pick but rather the No. 6 pick.
GM Will Dawkins, who began his career with OKC, believes the organization has foundational pieces in young players like Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George. They also hold the sixth and 18th picks in the first round. Depending on their strategy, the Wizards have some veteran players who could potentially be traded, including Jordan Poole, Khris Middleton, and Marcus Smart. Alternatively, Washington could choose to keep some experienced players to help mentor the young talent and contribute to a slightly more competitive season, which might help make another potentially long season more palatable.
The Wizards have lost 67 and 64 games over the past two seasons.