There’s variety in the middle.
You can be a team finally starting a long-overdue rebuild, such as the Chicago Bulls. You can be a team on the verge of intergalactic dominance, such as the San Antonio Spurs. You can be all of the teams in Texas, as the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks — along with the Spurs — also populate this year’s middle 10 teams in my annual 30-1 ranking of each NBA team’s offseason.
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The teams in the middle 10 have been active since their seasons ended, aggressively looking to address shortcomings. That goes a long way with me, even if I don’t agree with every transaction. It’s better than standing pat. In the NBA, unless you’re in the midst of a Golden State Warriors-like dynasty, the status quo almost always means you’re falling behind. Every team, even a defending champion, needs new blood every season, or to at least challenge its old ways. To be sure, you can do too much of it and lose a hard-won identity. But innovation and change are part of the annual challenge of getting to the top or remaining there.
So, to reiterate from our first piece in the series: This is a ranking of every team’s offseason. It is not a power rankings list, as you have come to know that term. Power rankings place every team in order, based on how they’re playing in a given week of the season. This isn’t that. These rankings ask, and try to answer, one question: Is the team better now than it was at the end of its season? If you want to read more about the philosophy and thought process behind what’s below, you can go here.
So, three sets of rankings: from 30 to 21, 20 to 11 and 10 to 1. Here we go.
Salary numbers, with a couple of exceptions, come from Spotrac, which stays on top of this stuff as well as anyone. The website rookiescale.com produced an exhaustive list of 2026 two-way and Exhibit 10 post-draft signings this year, from which I have borrowed copiously. Future draft-pick details are from both Spotrac and RealGM. Transactions through Aug. 4.
20. Phoenix Suns
2025-26 record: 45-37; lost in Western Conference first round to Oklahoma City, 4-0
Added: F Miles Bridges (acquired from Charlotte); G Luke Kennard (two years, $12.4M); F Koa Peat (draft rights acquired from Dallas); G Pat Spencer (two-way); 2027 second-round pick (acquired from Charlotte); 2029 first-round pick (acquired from Charlotte)
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Lost: G Grayson Allen (traded to Charlotte); F Royce O’Neale (traded to Charlotte); G Tyler Nickel (draft rights traded to New York); 2033 first-round pick (traded to Charlotte); 2029, 2033 second-round picks (traded to New York)
Retained: C Mark Williams (three years, $38M); G Collin Gillespie (four years, $48M); G Jordan Goodwin (three years, $19M); G Jamaree Bouyea (team picked up 2026-27 option); G Koby Brea (two-way)
Extended: None
Returning from injury: None
The skinny: Getting Bridges from Charlotte makes sense. He’s physical and can score, though he’s never been much of a 3-point threat when playing big minutes. He’ll take some pressure off both Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks for different reasons, and the Suns did well to keep Gillespie from reaching the market. Phoenix should have enough depth and continuity from last year’s surprising team to remain playoff competitive in the West. Giving up that unprotected 2033 first-rounder as part of the Bridges trade, given how much future draft capital Phoenix has already sent out, gives me some pause, though.
19. Minnesota Timberwolves
2025-26 record: 49-33; lost Western Conference semifinals to San Antonio, 4-2
Added: G LaMelo Ball (acquired from Charlotte); G Josh Green (acquired from Charlotte); F Trey Kaufman-Renn (second round, 59th pick); G Isaiah Evans (draft rights acquired from Brooklyn); F Trey Lyles (one year, $3.88M); F Enrique Freeman (two-way)
Lost: F Julius Randle (traded to Brooklyn); F Naz Reid (traded to Charlotte); G Mike Conley Jr. (signed with Boston); G Matteo Spagnolo (NBA rights traded to Charlotte); F Joshua Jefferson (draft rights traded to Brooklyn); F Julian Phillips (team declined 2026-27 option); 2033 first-round pick (traded to Charlotte); 2028, 2029, 2030 first-round pick swaps (traded to Charlotte); 2029, 2032, 2033 second-round picks (traded to Charlotte)
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Retained: G Ayo Dosunmu (five years, $112M); G Jaylen Clark (three years, $10M); G Bones Hyland (one year, $2.85M)
Extended: None
Returning from injury: G Anthony Edwards (hyperextended left knee)
The skinny: Philadelphia gave up a lot less to get Jaylen Brown, a recent NBA Finals MVP who significantly impacted winning on a large scale in Boston for a decade, than Minnesota gave up for Ball. On top of that, the Wolves had to detach from Reid, whose status in Minneapolis passed iconic long ago and was barreling toward Mjölnir, as part of the deal. I get adding another scorer and shot creator, each of which Ball can do at an elite level, to help Edwards. The price point was just way too high for me. After this trade, Minnesota still isn’t level with San Antonio or OKC in the West, and now has almost nothing left in its asset coffers to further improve the roster.
18. Detroit Pistons
2025-26 record: 60-22; lost Eastern Conference semifinals to Cleveland, 4-3
Added: F John Collins (three years, $51M; acquired from Clippers via sign-and-trade); F Taurean Prince (acquired from Milwaukee); G Gary Harris (acquired from Milwaukee); G Isaiah Joe (acquired from Oklahoma City); G Elijah Harkless (two-way); G Ebuka Okorie (draft rights acquired from Memphis); C Ugonna Onyenso (draft rights acquired from New York); 2029, 2031, 2032 second-round picks (acquired from Memphis)
Lost: F Tobias Harris (signed with San Antonio); F/C Isaiah Stewart (traded to Memphis); G Caris LeVert (traded to Milwaukee); G Marcus Sasser (traded to Dallas); F Karim López (draft rights traded to Memphis); two 2027 second-round picks (traded to Milwaukee); 2028 second-round pick (traded to Clippers); 2030, 2031 second-round picks (traded to Oklahoma City)
Retained: G Kevin Huerter (three years, $27M); G Javonte Green (one year, $3.94M); G Daniss Jenkins (team picked up 2026-27 option); F Tolu Smith III (team picked up 2026-27 option)
Extended: None
Returning from injury: None
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The skinny: For a team coming off a 60-win regular season and its first playoff series win in 18 years, this has been one contentious offseason. The two players most associated with the Pistons’ transformation into Eastern Conference bullies, center Jalen Duren and Stewart, have either had hardball contract negotiations (Duren) or now work elsewhere (Stewart). The Pistons also had to assure Duncan Robinson they weren’t going to waive him. But assuming Duren ultimately is retained and there are no hard feelings going forward, Collins can do much of what Harris brought to the table. Okorie has real scoring talent, and Joe is a proven shooter.
17. Sacramento Kings
2025-26 record: 22-60; did not make playoffs
Added: G Darius Acuff Jr. (first round, seventh pick); G Emanuel Sharp (second round, 45th pick); F Alex Karaban (draft rights acquired from Cleveland); F Alpha Kaba (acquired from Atlanta); G Adam Flagler (two-way); C Jonathan Mogbo (two-way); 2033 second-round pick (acquired from Atlanta)
Lost: G DeMar DeRozan (waived); G Devin Carter (traded to Atlanta); G Killian Hayes (team declined 2026-27 option); G Isaiah Stevens (waived); F Meleek Thomas (draft rights traded to Cleveland); 2032 second-round pick (traded to Cleveland); 2033 second-round pick (traded to Atlanta)
Retained: G Zach LaVine (exercised 2026-27 player option); F Precious Achiuwa (two years, $11.2M); F/G Daeqwon Plowden (two years, $5.1M)
Extended: None
Returning from injury: C Domantas Sabonis (left knee meniscus surgery); LaVine (right pinkie tendon surgery)
The skinny: Sacramento was desperate for a new lead guard, and it was no secret general manager Scott Perry coveted Acuff, the potent freshman from Arkansas that lit up the SEC (23.5 points per game, 44 percent on 3s). That the Kings didn’t have to use resources to move up from seventh and still get their man spoke to good pre-draft intel work. Sacramento’s a long way from being a factor again in the West, and the Kings will likely have to move on from Sabonis soon. But they’ve checked off one big box by getting Acuff.
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16. Houston Rockets
2025-26 record: 52-30; lost in Western Conference first round to Lakers, 4-1
Added: G Marcus Smart (two years, $12.4M); G Bogdan Bogdanović (one year, $3.5M); G Bruce Thornton (draft rights acquired from Knicks); F Quadir Copeland (two-way); F Julian Phillips (Exhibit 10); F Oscar Tshiebwe (Exhibit 10)
Lost: G Jack Kayil (draft rights traded to Knicks); C Ugonna Onyenso (draft rights traded to Knicks); G Mojave King (NBA rights traded to Knicks); 2029 second-round pick (traded to Knicks); F Nick Martinelli (draft rights traded to Clippers)
Retained: F Tari Eason (five years, $81.4M); G Isaiah Crawford (four years, $11.27M); F Jae’Sean Tate (one year, $3.07M); G Fred VanVleet (player picked up 2026-27 option); G JD Davison (team picked up 2026-27 option)
Extended: None
Returning from injury: VanVleet (torn right ACL, meniscus); C Steven Adams (left ankle surgery)
The skinny: With their past Boston ties, Smart certainly is a natural fit with head coach Ime Udoka. The Rockets could definitely use a bounce-back season from Adams, who played just 32 games last season after suffering a Grade 3 ankle sprain. But the biggest add by far will be VanVleet’s return after missing all of last season. The General’s presence in getting everything and everyone organized, as well as his willingness to take big shots and defend, will help everyone. But in particular, VanVleet’s return should give Kevin Durant a little more breathing room at the elbows.
15. Dallas Mavericks
2025-26 record: 26-56; did not make playoffs
Added: F/C Santi Aldama (acquired from Memphis); F Zaccharie Risacher (acquired from Atlanta); G Marcus Sasser (acquired from Detroit); F Tarik Biberovic (draft rights acquired from Memphis); F/C Morez Johnson Jr. (first round, ninth pick); G Sergio de Larrea (draft rights acquired from Los Angeles Lakers); G Vsevolod Ishchenko (draft rights acquired from Los Angeles Lakers); F Tobi Lawal (second round, 48th pick); G Jett Howard (two-way); 2027 second-round pick (acquired from Atlanta); hired president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri; hired general manager Mike Schmitz; hired head coach Dusty May
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Lost: G AJ Johnson (traded to Memphis); F Khris Middleton (traded to Washington); G Ryan Nembhard (traded to Atlanta); F Koa Peat (draft rights traded to Phoenix); G Melvin Ajinca (NBA rights traded to New York); F Tyler Smith (waived); 2030 first-round pick (traded to Memphis); 2027 second-round pick (traded to Oklahoma City); 2029 second-round pick (traded to Memphis); 2030, 2032 second-round picks (traded to New York); 2033 second-round pick (traded to Washington); fired head coach Jason Kidd
Retained: C Moussa Cisse (two years, $4.76M)
Extended: F Naji Marshall (three years, $52.2M)
Returning from injury: G Kyrie Irving (torn left ACL); C Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery)
The skinny: Dallas went Global Thermonuclear in revamping its off-court operation, taking massive swings on Ujiri, Schmitz and May. May has legit coaching/player management chops, much like Brad Stevens had when he went to the Celtics from Butler. But this is a huge leap. If the thought is May, fresh off a natty with Michigan, will have a better rapport long-term with Cooper Flagg, May’s lack of NBA experience may not be as noteworthy. On the floor, though, the Mavs still are too heavy at forward, with Aldama, Risacher and Johnson adding to the mouths that need to be fed, and they’re light in the backcourt, too dependent for now on Irving having a seamless return.
14. San Antonio Spurs
2025-26 record: 62-20; lost in NBA Finals to New York, 4-1
Added: F Tobias Harris (two years, $30.84M); C Jayden Quaintance (first round, 20th pick); C Tarris Reed Jr. (draft rights acquired from Denver); F Trevon Brazile (second round, 35th pick); Ja’Kobi Gillespie (second round, 42nd pick, on two-way contract); G Maliq Brown (second round, 44th pick);
Lost: Emmanuel Miller (waived)
Retained: F Harrison Barnes (one year, $8M); G Jordan McLaughlin (one year, $2.4M); F/G David Jones Garcia (two-way)
Extended: C Victor Wembanyama (five years, $252.3M); F Julian Champagnie (three years, $45M)
Returning from injury: Quaintance (right knee surgery); G De’Aaron Fox (right ankle sprain)
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The skinny: Harris was a solid add at that number — a vet with tons of playoff experience, coming off a strong postseason with Detroit. And he’s a grown man who should help the Spurs deal better with postseason physicality. The young bigs should help keep Wembanyama’s minutes down during the regular season and give Mitch Johnson different postseason options. The Spurs have a couple more years to max out their current contender window with Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle both still on rookie deals, but keeping the core intact is about to get crazy expensive. Wemby taking less than the absolute max will help.
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13. Chicago Bulls
2025-26 record: 31-51; did not make playoffs
Added: G/F Norman Powell (two years, $44.1 M); C Nic Claxton (acquired from Brooklyn); F Caleb Wilson (first round, fourth pick); F Dailyn Swain (first round, 15th pick); F Jaylin Sellers (two-way); F Tobe Awaka (two-way); hired executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham; hired coach Tiago Splitter
Lost: F Mouhamadou Gueye (traded to Charlotte); G Kam Jones (waived after acquisition from Indiana); G Braden Smith (draft rights traded to Indiana); fired executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas; fired general manager Marc Eversley; reached agreement with coach Billy Donovan that he would not return
Retained: F Leonard Miller (team picked up 2026-27 option)
Extended: F/C Zach Collins (two years, $17M)
Returning from injury: G Rob Dillingham (right wrist surgery)
The skinny: Michael Reinsdorf finally cleared the Play-In cache that had been his franchise’s ceiling for much of his time as the day-to-day head honcho. It came a few years later than ideal, but it’s a start. Graham, a sharp talent evaluator, was gifted a top-four pick off the rip, and the Bulls have good reason to believe that the relentless Wilson could ultimately become as productive in the NBA as any of the three guys that went ahead of him. At least Bulls fans will have some fun nights this season watching Wilson go vertical and can dream of a Wilson-Matas Buzelis forward tandem meshing quickly.
12. Boston Celtics
2025-26 record: 56-26; lost in first round to Philadelphia, 4-3
Added: F Paul George (acquired from Philadelphia); C Mitchell Robinson (three years, $47.4M); G Mike Conley (one year, $3.88M); F/C Chris Cenac Jr. (first round, 27th pick); F Dillon Mitchell (second round, 40th pick); G Milos Uzan (Exhibit 10); G Tucker DeVries (Exhibit 10); 2028 and 2031 first-round picks (acquired from Philadelphia); 2028 and 2030 second-round picks (acquired from Philadelphia)
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Lost: F Jaylen Brown (traded to Philadelphia); G Dalano Banton (waived); G Max Shulga (team declined 2026-27 option)
Retained: C Amari Williams (two-way)
Extended: C Neemias Queta (four years, $56M); G Ron Harper Jr. (four years, $13.7M); F Jordan Walsh (three years, $15M)
Returning from injury: F Jayson Tatum (left knee stiffness)
The skinny: The Brown debate will go on for years — a reckoning on who we’re supposed to believe about the relative worth of a great player. George’s skill set feels like an easier mesh with Tatum than it was with Brown, who, rightly, felt unappreciated after leading the supposedly gap-year Celtics to the No. 2 seed last season. But George is 36, often-injured and puts far less pressure on the rim now than in his heyday. In the meantime, Joe Mazzulla got one of his favorites around the league in Robinson, the offensive-rebounding/rim-protecting machine who’ll team nicely with Queta in the middle, and Cenac has potential. The C’s will be different next year. Will they remain formidable? We’ll see.
11. Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 record: 53-29; lost in Western Conference semifinals to Oklahoma City, 4-0
Added: C Walker Kessler (acquired via sign-and-trade from Utah; four years, $130M); F Sandro Mamukelashvili (four years, $52M); G/F Quentin Grimes (four years, $60M); G Collin Sexton (two years, $19.2 M); F Matisse Thybulle (one year, $3.3M); C Kevon Looney (one year, $3.88M); F Ziaire Williams (one year, $2.85M); G Cameron Carr (draft rights acquired from Knicks); F Jaden Hardy (acquired from Washington); F AK Okereke (two-way); F Arthur Kaluma (two-way); F Robbie Avila (Exhibit 10); 2031 and 2032 second-round picks (acquired from Washington)
Lost: F LeBron James (signed with Philadelphia); G Marcus Smart (signed with Houston); G Luke Kennard (signed with Phoenix); C Jaxson Hayes (signed with Utah); C Deandre Ayton (traded to Washington); G Sergio de Larrea (draft rights traded to Dallas); F Louis Labeyrie (NBA rights traded to Knicks); F Chinemelu Elonu (NBA rights traded to Knicks); G Nick Smith (team declined 2026-27 team option); G Peter Suder (waived); 2031 and 2033 first-round picks (traded to Utah); 2028 and 2030 first-round swaps (traded to Utah)
Retained: G Bronny James (team picked up 2026-27 team option)
Extended: G Austin Reaves (four years, $184.8M)
Returning from injury: G Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain); F Adou Thiero (right knee sprain)
The skinny: Los Angeles moving so much draft inventory for Kessler is a big, big swing. I’m not sure he’ll ever consistently score enough to justify the deal. But he’s really good protecting the rim and screening, and Luka Dončić will find him for lobs. And while Kessler’s salary is a bit overcooked, it’s not ridiculous, and Los Angeles desperately needed to add someone who can actually guard opposing players. Similarly, Thybulle’s calling card remains his perimeter D. Mamu can shoot. Carr could be sneaky good. The Lakers are still not real threats to OKC or the Spurs, but the franchise’s long-term strategy is coherent now: every acquisition must serve Bryan Mills’ Dončić’s unique set of skills.