Way-Too-Early NBA Power Rankings: A post-Finals look at all 30 teams for 2025-26

The 2024-25 NBA season has now ended with the Oklahoma City Thunder claiming their first-ever NBA championship after defeating the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series.

Having reached their first Finals in over a decade, the Thunder hold onto the top spot in our preliminary rankings. But after a postseason full of surprises, where do the remaining 29 teams stand as we transition into the summer?

As we wrap up another exciting NBA season, our writers offer insights into potential offseason developments and lay the groundwork for what promises to be another competitive and unpredictable 2025-26 season.

Note: Team rankings are based on the collective assessment by members of our panel (including ESPN writers Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael C. Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring, Kevin Pelton, and Zach Kram) regarding each team`s predicted standing after the 2024-25 NBA season.

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1. Oklahoma City Thunder

• Season Record (2024-25): 68-14
• Previous rank: 1
• Result: NBA Finals champions
• 2025 draft picks: No. 15 (via MIA), No. 24 (via LAC), No. 44 (via ATL)

We might need to get used to seeing the Thunder playing into June. Oklahoma City`s championship team is built around emerging talent. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just entering his prime at 26. His All-NBA teammate Jalen Williams, 24, and likely future All-Star Chet Holmgren, 23, are still far from their peak. All three core players are expected to sign significant long-term contract extensions this offseason. The Thunder will also add a lottery pick to their roster next season in guard Nikola Topic, who spent his rookie year recovering from a knee injury. General Manager Sam Presti still needs to decide what to do with the two second-round picks the Thunder hold in this draft, part of Oklahoma City`s extensive collection of future draft assets.

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2. Minnesota Timberwolves

• Season Record (2024-25): 49-33
• Previous rank: 11
• Result: Eliminated in Western Conference finals
• 2025 draft picks: No. 17 (via DET), No. 31 (via UTAH)

The Timberwolves appeared to be a strong contender until they faced the dominant Thunder in the conference finals, losing in five games.

With Julius Randle and Naz Reid holding player options for the next season, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker entering free agency this summer, the Wolves have important roster decisions ahead.

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3. Denver Nuggets

• Season Record (2024-25): 50-32
• Previous rank: 7
• Result: Eliminated in second round
• 2025 draft picks: None

The most significant changes for the Nuggets occurred before the regular season ended with the dismissal of coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. This led to a run to the second round, where Denver lost to Oklahoma City in seven games, partly due to Aaron Gordon being significantly hampered by a hamstring injury. While the Nuggets might speculate on how far they could have advanced if fully healthy, they recognize the need to strengthen the roster surrounding Nikola Jokic. Newly appointed head coach David Adelman emphasized the need for improved conditioning and continued focus on defense.

Denver requires greater depth, particularly to perform better during minutes when Jokic is off the court. With Russell Westbrook declining his player option and becoming a free agent, Denver may need to find another veteran spark off the bench. Having only a first-round pick in 2031 or 2032 available for trade, Michael Porter Jr. is likely their most valuable trade asset if they aim for a major offseason acquisition.

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4. Cleveland Cavaliers

• Season Record (2024-25): 64-18
• Previous rank: 2
• Result: Eliminated in second round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 49 (via MIL), No. 58

Cleveland`s remarkable season concluded abruptly at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, who went on to win the Eastern Conference title after stunning comeback victories against New York and Cleveland.

Guard Darius Garland`s performance contributed to the early exit; he averaged 18 points on 42% shooting (28.6% from 3) in the playoffs compared to 20.6 points on 47.2% (40.1% from 3) during the regular season. Garland underwent surgery on his left big toe, which affected him in the postseason, but the Cavaliers anticipate he will be ready for training camp.

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5. Houston Rockets

• Season Record (2024-25): 52-30
• Previous rank: 4
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 59 (via OKC)

The Rockets demonstrated that they are just one offensive focal point away from making a deeper playoff run. The team had hoped one of their young, talented 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 pick in this week`s draft, to the Suns. Durant previously worked with coach Ime Udoka while with the Brooklyn Nets, and the 15-time All-Star adds a seasoned leader to a young squad that finished second in the Western Conference but fell in the first round to the experienced Warriors.

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6. Indiana Pacers

• Season Record (2024-25): 50-32
• Previous rank: 8
• Result: Lost in the NBA Finals
• 2025 draft picks: No. 54

The Pacers were just one victory shy of achieving one of the most improbable upsets in NBA Finals history, but the aftermath of Tyrese Haliburton`s Achilles injury casts significant doubt over one of the league`s most exciting teams. Haliburton suffered a non-contact injury in Game 7 of the Finals and did not return, although the team has not yet disclosed the extent of the injury. The Pacers made an unexpected run through the Eastern Conference playoffs, reaching their first Finals appearance in 25 years, and their young core positions them well to compete for years to come, though Haliburton`s availability for the 2025-26 season is almost certainly uncertain.

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7. New York Knicks

• Season Record (2024-25): 51-31
• Previous rank: 5
• Result: Eliminated in Eastern Conference finals
• 2025 draft picks: No. 50 (via MEM)

In his statement announcing coach Tom Thibodeau`s firing, Knicks president Leon Rose began by stating, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans.” This statement, and 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 they hire as the next coach. The Knicks reached the conference finals with a highly skilled starting lineup, though it was outscored in the latter half of the season and playoffs, and a limited bench. At least one, if not both, areas will require upgrades to contend for a championship next season.

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8. Golden State Warriors

• Season Record (2024-25): 48-34
• Previous rank: 10
• Result: Eliminated in second round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 41 (via MIA)

The Warriors head into the offseason contemplating how much further they might have advanced if Stephen Curry had remained healthy. With this in mind, the Warriors aim to build around Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green. They need more size, versatile wings capable of shooting and playing defense, and overall depth.

Jonathan Kuminga will be a restricted free agent, and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. stated the Warriors want him 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 with Curry sidelined. Coach Steve Kerr has indicated that if Kuminga returns, he will commit to playing him alongside Curry, Butler, and Green from the start of the season to see if that combination can be more effective. The Warriors can match offers or potentially pursue a sign-and-trade agreement.

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9. Los Angeles Lakers

• Season Record (2024-25): 50-32
• Previous rank: 6
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 55

After not utilizing Jaxson Hayes in their decisive Game 5 loss to Minnesota in the first round, the Lakers` main offseason goal remains finding a reliable center.

They will have the taxpayer`s midlevel exception available (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 potential salary for trade purposes.

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10. LA Clippers

• Season Record (2024-25): 50-32
• Previous rank: 9
• 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 departed in free agency, fielding a more balanced and defensively focused team. James Harden performed at a level comparable to a third-team All-NBA player while Kawhi Leonard was absent. Ivica Zubac emerged as a strong presence inside on both ends, and Norman Powell played like an All-Star during the first half of the season. Harden has a player option, and if he becomes a free agent, the Clippers will likely seek to re-sign the point guard to a deal that aligns with the two years remaining on Leonard`s contract. The Clippers will explore opportunities to improve and remain competitive by evaluating the trade market this offseason.

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11. Detroit Pistons

• Season Record (2024-25): 44-38
• Previous rank: 14
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 37 (via TOR)

The 2024-25 season was an unqualified success for the Pistons: they increased their win total by 30 (from 14 to 44), challenged the Knicks significantly in a close first-round playoff loss, and saw Cade Cunningham earn All-NBA honors for the first time. The franchise will rely on its young players continuing to develop. Cunningham needs to reduce turnovers and improve shooting efficiency. Jaden Ivey should bounce back from a broken leg, Jalen Duren is expected to enhance his defense, and Ausar Thompson should become a greater offensive threat, similar to his twin brother in Houston.

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12. Boston Celtics

• Season Record (2024-25): 61-21
• Previous rank: 3
• Result: Eliminated in second round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 28, No. 32 (via WAS)

Following 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 might require multiple transactions. The Celtics must decide on the future direction of a roster that won a championship in 2024 and will likely undergo changes next season.

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13. Orlando Magic

• Season Record (2024-25): 41-41
• Previous rank: 15
• 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 gradual ascent in the Eastern Conference hierarchy; they are poised for a significant leap in the standings. 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. Bane, a career 41% 3-point shooter, should significantly boost an offense that ranked 30th in 3-point makes and accuracy in 2024-25, while sharing playmaking responsibilities with Orlando`s existing stars.

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14. Dallas Mavericks

• Season Record (2024-25): 39-43
• Previous rank: 17
• Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
• 2025 draft picks: No. 1

The Mavericks` long-term concerns, both on the court and financially following the Luka Doncic deal, were lessened by their incredible lottery fortune, which landed them Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. He will enter the NBA with an immediate opportunity to succeed alongside Anthony Davis and eventually Kyrie Irving, who is expected to miss at least the first half of next season recovering from a torn ACL.

Finding a player to fill in for Irving who can then transition into a key reserve role upon his return will be a priority for Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. Dennis Schroder, Malcolm Brogdon, Tyus Jones, and Chris Paul are among potential free-agency options to address this need. The Mavericks also hope to finalize a new contract with Irving, who faces a decision regarding his $44 million player option.

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15. Memphis Grizzlies

• Season Record (2024-25): 48-34
• Previous rank: 12
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 16 (via ORL), No. 48 (via GS), No. 56 (via HOU)

A difficult late-season period led to coaching staff changes that impacted Memphis` playing style in the postseason. Now that Tuomas Iisalo has been officially named head coach, he has the entire offseason to fully implement his systems. General manager Zach Kleiman has expressed confidence in Iisalo moving forward. However, the primary duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. has won only one playoff series together. Memphis recently traded Desmond Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four draft picks, and a pick swap. It appears more moves are likely as the Grizzlies look to retool their roster.

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16. Milwaukee Bucks

• Season Record (2024-25): 48-34
• Previous rank: 13
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 47 (via DET)

Giannis Antetokounmpo`s future in Milwaukee could be a major storyline this summer. The Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season, suffering a five-game defeat by the Pacers that highlighted how far the team is from championship contention. This loss, combined with Damian Lillard`s Achilles injury, leaves the Bucks with significant questions to address this offseason, including what kind of team they can build to satisfy Antetokounmpo`s goal of competing for championships in Milwaukee, or whether his time with the team might be ending.

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17. San Antonio Spurs

• Season Record (2024-25): 34-48
• Previous rank: 23
• 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 coach, as Mitch Johnson begins his first offseason at the helm. With Victor Wembanyama entering his third season, Stephon Castle having been named Rookie of the Year, and the trade deadline addition of De`Aaron Fox, the Spurs face a crucial offseason with the goal 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 talent, such as prospect Dylan Harper, to their already promising young group.

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18. Miami Heat

• Season Record (2024-25): 37-45
• Previous rank: 19
• Result: Eliminated in first round
• 2025 draft picks: No. 20 (via GS)

After once again finishing in the play-in tournament, only to be decisively beaten by the Cavaliers in the first round, the Heat have considerable work ahead to regain the competitive standard the franchise has maintained under Pat Riley`s leadership for the past three decades. However, bridging that gap will likely require more than just one offseason, given their current position.

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19. Atlanta Hawks

• Season Record (2024-25): 40-42
• Previous rank: 18
• Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
• 2025 draft picks: No. 13 (via SAC), No. 22 (via LAL)

Following Atlanta`s recent front office changes, the team`s leadership faces a major decision regarding four-time All-Star Trae Young, who is eligible for an extension this summer. He is coming off his third straight season averaging at least 25 points and 10 assists. However, there must be some hesitation before offering another max deal because, since the team`s unexpected run to the conference finals in 2020, the Hawks, who have been in the play-in tournament four consecutive seasons, have not come close to replicating that success, despite Young`s performance.

He is not the easiest player to build a defense around, and his trade value would likely reflect this, raising the question of whether it`s better to negotiate a more flexible deal with him to allow for better roster balancing. Atlanta has a promising start in this regard with Dyson Daniels, who led the NBA in steals and deflections by a wide margin last season.

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20. Sacramento Kings

• Season Record (2024-25): 40-42
• Previous rank: 16
• Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
• 2025 draft picks: No. 42 (via CHI)

The Kings will have more time this summer to adjust after reshaping their roster by trading De`Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine just before the trade deadline. New GM Scott Perry identified the lack 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 complete the Kevin Huerter trade and might not have access to the full non-taxpayer midlevel exception. This will depend on new contracts for reserves Keon Ellis (who would be unrestricted next summer if the Kings exercise his team option), Jake LaRavia, and Trey Lyles.

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21. Philadelphia 76ers

• Season Record (2024-25): 24-58
• Previous rank: 26
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 3, No. 35

Philadelphia received a stroke of luck in the lottery, securing the No. 3 pick and retaining its top-six protected selection. Consequently, the 76ers` focus will be on both their draft pick and whether a roster severely impacted by injuries last season can bounce back. Star Joel Embiid appeared in only 19 games last season, and the 76ers also played without Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and promising rookie Jared McCain due to season-ending injuries.

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22. Portland Trail Blazers

• Season Record (2024-25): 36-46
• Previous rank: 22
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 11

After extending the contracts of coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin, the Blazers are hopeful their 23-18 finish in the second half can lead to playoff contention in 2025-26. Portland has developed a competitive core of young talent led by forwards Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. However, maintaining the Blazers` top-three defensive rating over that span might be challenging. Opponents shot just 34% on 3-pointers in those games, the second lowest in the league, and this statistic typically doesn`t consistently carry over. Denver, Miami, and Washington had the lowest opponent 3-point percentages in the second half of 2023-24, but none ranked better than 14th in 2024-25.

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23. Chicago Bulls

• Season Record (2024-25): 39-43
• Previous rank: 20
• Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
• 2025 draft picks: No. 12, No. 45 (via SAC)

The Bulls have ended consecutive seasons with the same record and have lost to the Heat in the play-in tournament for three straight years. However, major changes are not expected in Chicago this offseason. The Bulls will aim to re-sign Josh Giddey, who will be a restricted free agent, and hope to build on a strong final two months with their group of young players surrounding him, including last year`s lottery pick Matas Buzelis and the No. 12 pick in this year`s draft.

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24. Phoenix Suns

• Season Record (2024-25): 36-46
• Previous rank: 21
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 10 (via HOU), No. 29 (via CLE), No. 52 (via DEN)

Phoenix`s extensive coaching search concluded with the hiring of 40-year-old Jordan Ott, a first-time head coach and the team`s fourth in as many years. While Ott was crucial to the Cavaliers` excellent 2024-25 season and is considered a bright young mind in basketball, he will face the challenge of balancing three ball-dominant guards after Kevin Durant was traded to Houston in a package centered on Jalen Green, according to reports. Green joins a team that already includes Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, and the effectiveness of a trio with Green is uncertain, especially compared to how that group performed with Durant, a superior off-ball player.

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25. New Orleans Pelicans

• Season Record (2024-25): 21-61
• Previous rank: 27
• 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 responsibilities that come with being the team`s centerpiece. Availability is a key part of this, as Williamson has played 70 games in a season only once in his five-year career. The Pelicans possess the draft assets and controllable contracts to execute a significant trade. Will Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones be ready by the start of next season? With Dejounte Murray expected to be sidelined until January, the Pelicans will likely look to the draft or free agency to add a lead guard and a big man.

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26. Toronto Raptors

• Season Record (2024-25): 30-52
• Previous rank: 24
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 9, No. 39 (via POR)

Over the past 18 months, the Raptors have completely revamped their roster. However, as key players like OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet have moved to become integral parts of strong 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 lead the franchise back to prominence in the East. Or will Masai Ujiri and his front office attempt another impactful move this summer?

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27. Brooklyn Nets

• Season Record (2024-25): 26-56
• Previous rank: 25
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 8, No. 19 (via MIL), No. 26 (via NYK), No. 27 (via HOU), No. 36

The Nets could potentially trade Cameron Johnson, a talented two-way forward who would seemingly fit well with any contender, for additional draft capital either this year or in 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 as one of the league`s most natural scorers but is still developing his playmaking and defensive abilities.

Brooklyn would ideally like to be involved in any future discussions concerning Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available. However, with indications suggesting he will remain with his current team, the Nets` assets may also stay put for the time being.

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28. Charlotte Hornets

• Season Record (2024-25): 19-63
• Previous rank: 28
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 4, No. 33, No. 34 (via NO)

As uncomfortable as it may be, the discussion must be had: Does the franchise still clearly see 23-year-old LaMelo Ball as a foundational piece? This past season marked the third consecutive year in which he failed to appear in at least 50 games. He also recorded career lows in field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and effective field goal rate. Coach Charles Lee would certainly prefer to see his core players on the court together more often, as he only had his starting five of Ball, Josh Green, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams healthy for six games last season.

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29. Utah Jazz

• Season Record (2024-25): 17-65
• Previous rank: 30
• 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 engage in tanking by manipulating minutes or creatively using injury reports. 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 available for the right trade package? The Jazz are expected to continue exploring trade possibilities for veterans Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins.

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30. Washington Wizards

• Season Record (2024-25): 18-64
• Previous rank: 29
• Result: Missed postseason
• 2025 draft picks: No. 6, No. 18 (via MEM), No. 40 (via PHX)

Witnessing Oklahoma City compete in the NBA Finals provides the Wizards with a model for what a thorough and long-term rebuild can achieve. However, an 18-win season and the league`s second-worst record last year resulted in the No. 6 pick rather than a top-three selection.

General Manager Will Dawkins, who started his career in OKC, believes the organization has foundational pieces in young players such as Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George. They also hold the sixth and 18th picks in the first round. Depending on their strategic direction, the Wizards have veteran players like Jordan Poole, Khris Middleton, and Marcus Smart who could potentially be traded. Alternatively, Washington might choose to retain some experienced players to help mentor its young talent and potentially make the team slightly more competitive, which could help navigate another potentially difficult season.

The Wizards have lost 67 and 64 games respectively over the past two seasons.