Will the Lakers and Warriors be among the contenders in the 2025-26 season?<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0Download the NBA App<\/a> Here are the five words that every NBA team, player and fan looks forward to hearing every summer: Training camp starts this month.<\/p>\n Finally, the time is near.<\/p>\n It was either a long offseason or a short one, depending on how a specific team finished a year ago or handled its business in the NBA Draft<\/a> and free agency<\/a>. A measured amount of optimism follows all 30 teams, yet soon enough, reality will settle in as the regular season strips away layers to reveal the truth about each team.<\/p>\n There\u2019s much to anticipate in 2025-26: The emergence of new stars, the ability of the old guard to squeeze yet another season of brilliance, and a chance for Oklahoma City to repeat<\/a> in a league that placed roadblocks on past champs with those ambitions.<\/p>\n And as always, expect a surprise or three from players and teams that\u2019ll defy all conventional wisdom and projections and do better than expected. Like: How many crystal ballers around this time last year saw the Indiana Pacers not only reaching the 2025 NBA Finals, but forcing a seventh game?<\/p>\n Let\u2019s assess each team coming off summer and heading into camp:<\/p>\n Atlanta Hawks<\/p>\n There\u2019s reason for optimism for the first time since the club reached the conference finals in 2021. The pieces are in place for a playoff appearance at the very least. Trae Young, the league\u2019s most accomplished passer of the last few years, has weapons: Jalen Johnson returns from injury, plus Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is<\/a> on the screen and roll, and Zaccharie Risacher, who rapidly improved to finish off his rookie season. Atlanta\u2019s fate will ultimately be decided by defense, and there\u2019s much to like with reigning steals leader Dyson Daniels<\/a> joined by Nickeil Alexander-Walker.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n NBA TV takes a closer look Atlanta’s active offseason and where it could land in the fluid Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n Boston Celtics<\/p>\n This has \u201cbridge year\u201d scribbled all over the roster and the immediate future outlook, as the Celtics, champs in 2024, wait patiently for Jayson Tatum to recover<\/a> from Achilles surgery, which could shelve him until next fall. They prepared for such by shedding salary in an effort to reset for 2026-27, shipping Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is and Jrue Holiday<\/a>, and should have flexibility next summer when Boston will surely reload. That\u2019s not to suggest the Celtics will free-fall this season with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. This will be a crucial year to see how newcomer Anfernee Simons fits, now and also beyond, when Boston is ready to contend again.<\/p>\n Brooklyn Nets<\/p>\n Where Brooklyn at? Well, pretty much where it was last season: searching for an identity and a way to emerge as a team with a solid future. This transition is proving tricky, as the rebuilding Nets are still devoid of a potential All-Star unless Michael Porter Jr. blossoms now that he\u2019s away from Denver<\/a>. The Nets are still debating whether Cam Thomas fits; he\u2019ll be on the roster for this season at least. Otherwise, the Nets will throw their five No. 1 picks<\/a> \u2014 Danny Wolf, Drake Powell, Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf and Egor D\u0451min \u2014 against the wall and see who sticks.<\/p>\n Charlotte Hornets<\/p>\n The Hornets are ready to play (mind the pun here) ball again, with LaMelo Ball refreshed and ready to rebound from an injury-ravaged 2024-25. Aside from whether he can stay healthy, which has been problematic lately, the Hornets are missing the talent level required to make playoff noise. Perhaps that\u2019s a bit ambitious, but they can at least tease for the future. We\u2019ll see how Ball meshes with Collin Sexton and Tre Mann and whether Kon Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick<\/a>, will swish consistently when left open and served up by Ball. Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller should continue producing, but Ball (and his durability) will set the tone.<\/p>\n Chicago Bulls<\/p>\n Is this team still spinning its wheels? It appears so, unless a handful of youngsters suddenly go next level<\/a>. Coby White did just that last season and dropped signs that a future All-Star appearance wouldn\u2019t be out of the question. Actually, if Matas Buzelis surges in his sophomore season, that will be the surest sign that Chicago has at least another rising young talent on the roster. Tre Jones should help and maybe Isaac Okoro will, too. Josh Giddey returns, which helps, but this team seems another year away from being \u2026 another year away.<\/p>\n Cleveland Cavaliers<\/p>\n This is the first time in the post-LeBron James era that the Cavaliers are strong favorites in the East. Not only did they finish with the best record last season, return a rotation that\u2019s virtually intact<\/a>, and don\u2019t have any impact player 30 or older, but the competition is weakened with the Celtics and Pacers dealing with potential season-long injuries to their stars. The Cavs need to hold it down while Darius Garland and Max Strus deal with foot injuries to start the season, but otherwise, all is good with Donovan Mitchell and company.<\/p>\n Dallas Mavericks<\/p>\n It\u2019s far too premature to shout \u201cLuka Who?\u201d Yes, the scab from the controversial trade<\/a> is still fleshy, sore and, in the minds of some fans, permanent. In a best-case scenario regarding this team\u2019s biggest question marks \u2014 Kyrie Irving\u2019s healthy return<\/a> and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg<\/a>\u2019s ability to impact right away \u2014 Dallas will be a factor in the West. Oh, one more concern: Anthony Davis and his chances of enjoying a limp-free season. That\u2019s a lot of shrugs regarding the Mavericks here in their first full season without Don\u010di\u0107. Maybe one too many?<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Seth Davis, Brendan Haywood and Damon Stoudamire discuss Copper Flagg’s versatility and team-first approach.<\/p>\n Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n This team came a win away<\/a> from eliminating the eventual champion Thunder and perhaps improved in the offseason. That\u2019s one way to assess the Nuggets as they try to salvage whatever Kia MVP-quality seasons are left in Nikola Joki\u0107 and grab another championship while they can. Applaud them for making such an attempt by subtracting Michael Porter Jr and adding Cam Johnson<\/a>, who\u2019s just as good offensively and better defensively. The Nuggets hope Tim Hardaway Jr. can compensate for the loss of Porter\u2019s deep shooting, that Bruce Brown can return to the solid player he was during their championship run. Adding Jonas Valan\u010di\u016bnas keeps Denver from floundering whenever Joki\u0107 takes a breather.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n NBA TV analyzes Denver’s roster after it picked up Jonas Valan\u010di\u016bnas in a trade with Sacramento.<\/p>\n Detroit Pistons<\/p>\n Last season\u2019s success<\/a> will surely plateau this time if only because massive back-to-back leaps are mathematically improbable. Cade Cunningham will keep the Pistons in the hunt for a top-six finish and automatic playoff spot. The core of the unit returns, or at least until Detroit decides what, if anything, to do with Malik Beasley. Just in case, Duncan Robinson was added<\/a> for 3-point insurance and Caris LeVert will help off the bench.<\/p>\n Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n There\u2019s anticipation for the first full season with Jimmy Butler III and Stephen Curry, and the organization agrees that this is the final push in Curry\u2019s prime. Whether that results in a realistic title run (or a playoff cameo) rests with plenty of factors, among them what will be the final verdict on Jonathan Kuminga\u2019s future. Otherwise, the margin for error here is slim, and if anything sinister happens to the health of Curry, Butler or Draymond Green, all deep into their careers, it\u2019s over.<\/p>\n Houston Rockets<\/p>\n After a solid offseason, perhaps the best in the league, the Rockets are ready to rattle the West. Kevin Durant gives them<\/a> consistent scoring and, even better, a certified No. 1 option<\/a> when the game gets tight. Dorian Finney-Smith should be more consistent than Dillon Brooks, which means defense shouldn\u2019t be an issue for Houston. Durant\u2019s history suggests his addition will be problem-free and a comfy fit with Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun. A top-three finish in the West is doable.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Kevin Durant’s trade to the Rockets seems like the cleanest of fits, setting up Houston to build on a strong 2024-25 campaign.<\/p>\n Indiana Pacers<\/p>\n Much like the Celtics, the Pacers are mainly trying to keep everything together until their star, in this case Tyrese Haliburton, returns from a one-year injury furlough<\/a>. Even more, without Myles Turner<\/a>, the Pacers seemingly aren\u2019t prepared to defend their conference title. Therefore, a respectable season would be to make the playoffs and see growth from their young core; Jay Huff, who\u2019ll replace Turner\u2019s skill set, is included in that group.<\/p>\n LA Clippers<\/p>\n Gotta hand it to GM Lawrence Frank, who constantly finds ways to retool this team and keep hope alive here in what\u2019s left of the Kawhi Leonard era. The latest is taking a swing and bringing in Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez and Chris Paul<\/a>. The result is a very veteran group, which raises concern about stamina and health. Should this team make the playoffs, all that experience will be a big plus.<\/p>\n Los Angeles Lakers<\/p>\n The transition from LeBron James to Don\u010di\u0107 is ongoing (if not complete) as the Lakers attempt to rebuild around Don\u010di\u0107 rather than a 40-year-old. They added Marcus Smart<\/a> for defense and sass, Jake LaRavia for a youthful injection<\/a>, and Deandre Ayton for help in the paint<\/a>. If James holds up once again, the Lakers should make it interesting at the very least come springtime.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Marcus Smart is one of several new faces to join the Lakers this offseason.<\/p>\n Memphis Grizzlies<\/p>\n Did they peak a few seasons ago, before Ja Morant had his troubles? Perhaps, and it\u2019s hard to imagine the Grizzlies getting better in the very competitive West without Desmond Bane<\/a>, now in Orlando. They\u2019re anxious to see what Ty Jerome can do with a larger role than he had in Cleveland. And yes, of course, Morant needs to stay healthy and recapture the magic of the past if this team has postseason plans.<\/p>\n Miami Heat<\/p>\n The first order of business here in the post-Jimmy Butler era is to jump-start Bam Adebayo, who regressed last season, and put him back on an All-Star pace. Everything else is secondary for a team with postseason ambitions. Tyler Herro can\u2019t do it alone. The addition of Norman Powell<\/a> (21.8 points per game with the Clippers last season) will help with the scoring chores. Miami is also hoping to see improvement by center Kel\u2019el Ware and whether swingman Davion Mitchell can handle increased minutes at the point.<\/p>\n Milwaukee Bucks<\/p>\n They\u2019re either getting creative or reckless in their attempt to salvage the MVP-quality stretch of Giannis Antetokounmpo\u2019s career, depending on your view. The strategy of stretching Damian Lillard\u2019s salary<\/a> to sign Myles Turner<\/a> gives Antetokounmpo some assurance, given that Lillard wasn\u2019t playing this season anyway. Still, this team\u2019s most persistent issue \u2014 the lack of a potential young star \u2014 is problematic now and in the near future. However, with the Pacers and Celtics dealing with injuries, the Bucks should be a top-four team.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Myles Turner sought to ‘remain competitive’ by heading to Milwaukee for the upcoming season alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.<\/p>\n Minnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n The core of a team that reached the West finals returns, which is mainly good but also questionable. Meaning, the Wolves didn\u2019t improve enough to frighten Oklahoma City, and perhaps not even Denver. Anthony Edwards is starry enough to keep them as a contender, though, especially if he takes a Kia MVP turn<\/a>. Otherwise, much depends on who\u2019s the point guard by season\u2019s end \u2014 an aging Mike Conley, or raw Rob Dillingham?<\/p>\n New Orleans Pelicans<\/p>\n The skies seem gloomy for the Pelicans, who gambled heavily on Draft night and sent a valuable future first-rounder to Atlanta to get Derik Queen<\/a>. That\u2019s an interesting strategy for a team that qualifies as rebuilding in the very deep and rich West, even if Zion Williamson can manage a full season. They\u2019re also banking on Jordan Poole<\/a> to be consistent offensively and reliable defensively. Trey Murphy III seems ready to take the next step, though.<\/p>\n New York Knicks<\/p>\n Will a coaching change make a difference? The switch to Mike Brown<\/a> needs to pay off quickly, or else. That\u2019s because the Knicks are virtually unchanged otherwise, besides Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele coming off the bench. The Knicks are hoping for better results from Mikal Bridges if only to justify the cost of getting him before last season. All told, the Knicks seem qualified to make a legit run for the conference title, especially with the Celtics and Pacers dealing with injuries.<\/p>\n Oklahoma City Thunder<\/p>\n There weren\u2019t many defending champions of the last decade who were prohibitive favorites to repeat, and OKC is now in that very select group. Not only did OKC flex its way through last season with a young group, but this summer the Thunder delivered long-term extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a>, Chet Holmgren<\/a> and Jalen Williams<\/a>. OKC is at least two seasons away from worrying about cap issues and it might add at least one more title by then.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n After winning their 1st NBA title of the OKC era, the Thunder have plenty of reasons to believe they can keep this going.<\/p>\n Orlando Magic<\/p>\n This could be the season Orlando stamps itself as having arrived. All signals suggest the rebuilding era is over and it is time to enjoy the fruits. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are solid foundational pieces and Jalen Suggs returns from missing 47 games with injury. And like most rising teams, the Magic found a missing piece in Bane<\/a>, who can supply badly-needed outside shooting. In the wide-open East, Orlando could grab a top-four seed.<\/p>\n Philadelphia 76ers<\/p>\n Is this team ready to implode or improve? The truth is somewhere regarding the Sixers and a roster makeup that can go north or south, mainly depending on the nightly availability of Joel Embiid<\/a>. Too many things went wrong last season: Embiid\u2019s health, Paul George\u2019s midlife slump, the loss of rookie Jared McCain<\/a> after a strong start, and little cohesion. The Sixers will run it back \u2014 not that they had much choice \u2014 and hope Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey can succeed together.<\/p>\n Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n The Suns finally caved to reality and pushed the reset button on their failed three-star experiment. Better late than never, at least. With Beal and Durant gone (and expectations walking out the door with them), the Suns can make peace and move forward, with incoming young talent, including center Mark Williams<\/a>, pointing to a better future. It assumes that Devin Booker, even with his new, rich extension<\/a>, will stick around to be a part of it.<\/p>\n Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n New ownership, new vision; maybe it was a coincidence, but the Blazers have \u201cnew\u201d life after a robust summer on and off the court. Lillard is back<\/a>, at least in spirit this season, and he\u2019ll wait patiently while a young nucleus looks to take a next step in development. Yet, there\u2019s still work to be done. Portland may reroute Holiday and Jerami Grant, if not by the trade deadline, then next summer.<\/p>\n Sacramento Kings<\/p>\n After a few years basking in the beam, the Kings appear ready for a reset already. Perhaps this was inevitable after trading De\u2019Aaron Fox<\/a> last season. Still, Sacramento must figure out how to surround Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan with the right mix, aside from newcomer Dennis Schr\u00f6der, and make a playoff run. That\u2019s a tough task in the unforgiving West.<\/p>\n San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n The surge of the Spurs could arrive sooner than expected, now that San Antonio has a full season with Fox and, just as well, Victor Wembanyama<\/a>. It\u2019s a bonus that the Spurs lucked into the No. 2 pick and came away with Dylan Harper<\/a>, but given a loaded backcourt, his minutes and production probably won\u2019t make a huge difference right away. Instead, the Spurs hope for reasonable growth among their young core and help from additions Kelly Olynyk and Luke Kornet. If that happens, the playoffs will beckon.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Can the Spurs make it 3 consecutive Kia NBA Rookie of the Year winners? Dylan Harper has the DNA and the upside to make that happen.<\/p>\n Toronto Raptors<\/p>\n There\u2019s a small chance the Raptors could qualify as a surprise team, given the weakened state of the East and a roster with obvious talent. Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl and Immanuel Quickley comprise a decent core. But how will those pieces mesh, and will this team play good enough defense to make noise about reaching the playoffs? Otherwise, Toronto will put more distance between the present and the 2019 championship team.<\/p>\n Utah Jazz<\/p>\n Another long season lies ahead for the Jazz, who at least acknowledged their fate and got started on the rebuild this summer, shipping out Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and John Collins. It\u2019s all about the youngsters and their growth \u2026 as well as what the 2026 NBA Draft, which projects as rich, will bring. Utah should, and probably will, make a long-term commitment to center Walker Kessler, who escaped the summer red-tag sale and appears to be a keeper.<\/p>\n Washington Wizards<\/p>\n The Wizards suspect they\u2019re on pace in this rebuild, turning the team over to young players and keeping the salary cap flexible enough to make a move or two next summer that could transform the franchise. The goal is for Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and others to be more consistent by the second half of the season and give Washington a better idea of what they can offer long-term. It\u2019s all about being patient, setting the table for the future \u2026 and taking the lumps, for now.<\/p>\n * * *<\/p>\n Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him\u00a0here<\/a>, find\u00a0his archive here<\/a>\u00a0and follow him on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a02025 Free Agent Tracker<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Every reported deal for all 30 teams<\/a><\/p>\n