By Kevin Pelton | ESPN, 2025-07-28 20:00:00
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
随着NBA休赛期的主要运作告一段落，是时候评估各队的表现了。
正如ESPN记者 蒂姆·邦滕普斯 (Tim Bontemps) 和 鲍比·马克斯 (Bobby Marks) 上周所阐述的，今夏余下的时间仍有几大看点，包括与现有球队陷入僵局的受限制自由球员，以及潜在的续约合同。此外，我们也可能看到令人意外的交易发生。
除非发生上述情况，否则影响2025-26赛季的大部分运作都已经完成，几乎所有顶级的非受限制自由球员都已签约，而重磅交易则让 休斯顿火箭 (Houston Rockets) 和 奥兰多魔术 (Orlando Magic) 蜕变为各自赛区的有力竞争者。
我的评分不仅仅基于球队的提升或下滑幅度，更侧重于他们如何充分利用现有资源，重点关注自由球员市场和交易运作，因为选秀结果更难以预测。尽管大多数球队的评分都集中在“B”区间，但我确实给出了两个“A”——以及一个“F”，后者涉及今夏最不平衡交易的双方。
球队按字母顺序排列。
跳转至球队：
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
亚特兰大老鹰
评级： A
老鹰 (Atlanta Hawks) 通过签下顶级自由球员（前 明尼苏达森林狼 (Minnesota Timberwolves) 后卫 尼基尔·亚历山大-沃克 (Nickeil Alexander-Walker) ）并将 克里斯塔普斯·波尔津吉斯 (Kristaps Porzingis) 招致麾下以增加前场尺寸，一跃成为东部真正的威胁。然而，真正的妙笔在于选秀夜得到了 密尔沃基雄鹿 (Milwaukee Bucks) 和 新奥尔良鹈鹕 (New Orleans Pelicans) 在2026年首轮签中更好的那个，同时将选秀顺位从第13位后撤到第23位。
即便 亚特兰大老鹰 (Atlanta Hawks) 仍深陷附加赛区，但有望为核心阵容（包括2024年状元 扎卡里·里萨谢 (Zaccharie Risacher) ）再添一位乐透秀，这对于一支在 德章泰·穆雷 (Dejounte Murray) 交易中将自己的选秀权送给 圣安东尼奥马刺 (San Antonio Spurs) 的老鹰队来说，是改变球队命运的良机。
波士顿凯尔特人
评级： C
好的一面是， 凯尔特人 (Boston Celtics) 在 杰森·塔图姆 (Jayson Tatum) 跟腱断裂后的过渡期，成功平衡了账目，没有送出任何未来的首轮签，并在可能完全避税的情况下，将薪资降到了第二土豪线以下。不利的一面是，波士顿流失了大量人才，包括在2025年季后赛中上场至少13分钟的所有身高超过2米03的球员。凯尔特人将面临挑战，需要补充前场深度，更重要的是，要弥补因 阿尔·霍福德 (Al Horford) 和 克里斯塔普斯·波尔津吉斯 (Kristaps Porzingis) 离开而失去的多功能性。
布鲁克林篮网
评级： C-
鉴于 篮网 (Brooklyn Nets) 作为今夏唯一一支拥有超过3000万美元薪金空间的球队所处的有利地位，他们的回报令人失望。布鲁克林确实从丹佛得到了一个2032年的无保护首轮签，并有望让 小迈克尔·波特 (Michael Porter Jr.) 的价值得到提升。篮网还在选秀前用 特伦斯·曼恩 (Terance Mann) 换来了22号签，但保留所有五个首轮签，并将它们主要用于那些看起来球风不互补的球员，这令人困惑。布鲁克林仍然可以创造出2000多万美元的薪金空间，我们拭目以待训练营前是否会有更多交易发生。
夏洛特黄蜂
评级： B-
黄蜂 (Charlotte Hornets) 在为 拉梅洛·鲍尔 (LaMelo Ball) 找到补充控球手后，2025-26赛季应该会更具竞争力。上赛季没有鲍尔，夏洛特的进攻体系崩溃，但随着老将 斯潘塞·丁威迪 (Spencer Dinwiddie) 和 科林·塞克斯顿 (Collin Sexton) 的加入以及 特雷·曼恩 (Tre Mann) 的回归，这种情况预计不会持续。而状元秀 康·克努佩尔 (Kon Knueppel) ，作为夏季联赛冠军赛的MVP，应该能立即提升黄蜂的投射能力。
芝加哥公牛
评级： C-
我喜欢 公牛 (Chicago Bulls) 以一份三年2400万美元（带第三年球队选项）的合同签回 特雷·琼斯 (Tre Jones) 。芝加哥在用鲍尔从克利夫兰换来侧翼 艾萨克·奥科罗 (Isaac Okoro) 后，也能从他身上挖掘出更多潜力。然而，在连续三次附加赛失利后，公牛不应满足于基本维持现状。尽管我非常看好12号秀 诺亚·埃森格 (Noa Essengue) ，但芝加哥若能像 亚特兰大老鹰 (Atlanta Hawks) 那样与新奥尔良达成选秀夜交易，本可以做得更好。
克利夫兰骑士
评级： B
我们拭目以待 骑士 (Cleveland Cavaliers) 能从 朗佐·鲍尔 (Lonzo Ball) 身上得到多少贡献，他上赛季因手腕伤病仅出战35场比赛，此前也因左膝问题缺席了两年半。鲍尔对克利夫兰来说是一笔低成本引援，旨在帮助替代为了管理骑士庞大奢侈税账单而失去的 泰·杰罗姆 (Ty Jerome) 。签回 小拉里·南斯 (Larry Nance Jr.) 作为第三中锋也是如此。尽管失去了杰罗姆，克利夫兰看起来仍是东部冠军的热门。
达拉斯独行侠
评级： B-
独行侠 (Dallas Mavericks) 选中 库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg) 并不值得特别称赞，这是任何赢得乐透抽签的球队都会做的选择。独行侠在自由球员市场仅凭纳税人中产特例就成功签下 丹吉洛·拉塞尔 (D’Angelo Russell) ，此前他们还与受伤的控球后卫 凯里·欧文 (Kyrie Irving) 达成了一份起薪更低的新合同，这方面做得很好。但达拉斯的前场阵容仍然过剩，迄今为止他们选择不进行任何涉及老将球员的交易。这可能会让弗拉格和 P.J. 华盛顿 (P.J. Washington) 更多地担任外线角色。
丹佛掘金
评级： A-
尘埃落定后，丹佛的休赛期运作使得 掘金 (Denver Nuggets) 在纸面上成为了自2023年夺冠以来最强的球队，其亮点在于用 小迈克尔·波特 (Michael Porter Jr.) 换来了 卡梅伦·约翰逊 (Cameron Johnson) ，代价是宝贵的2032年无保护首轮签。这笔交易带来的薪资灵活性帮助掘金从国王队手中“打劫”了 约纳斯·瓦兰丘纳斯 (Jonas Valanciunas) ，并送走了几乎不用的 达里奥·萨里奇 (Dario Saric) 。丹佛还通过签下 布鲁斯·布朗 (Bruce Brown) 和 小蒂姆·哈达威 (Tim Hardaway Jr.) 的底薪合同，增强了外线深度。
底特律活塞
评级： C
活塞 (Detroit Pistons) 的休赛期因ESPN的 查拉尼亚 (Shams Charania) 报道后卫 马利克·比斯利 (Malik Beasley) 卷入联邦政府的赌博调查而发生巨变。上赛季，在全明星 凯德·坎宁安 (Cade Cunningham) 之后，比斯利可能是底特律的第二号球员，而赛季末期的突变限制了活塞在自由球员市场上寻找替代者的选择。他们签下了 邓肯·罗宾逊 (Duncan Robinson) 来提供比斯利所具备的投射能力，并引入 卡里斯·勒韦尔特 (Caris LeVert) 来增加替补席的进攻创造力，但结果很可能是底特律的第二阵容实力减弱。
金州勇士
评级： 待定
在仅仅增添了两枚50多顺位的选秀权（ 威尔·理查德 (Will Richard) 和 亚历克斯·图希 (Alex Toohey) ）后， 勇士 (Golden State Warriors) 在弄清受限制自由球员 乔纳森·库明加 (Jonathan Kuminga) 的状况之前，是无法评估其表现的。如果正如ESPN记者 安东尼·斯莱特 (Anthony Slater) 报道的那样，金州勇士确实签下了老将中锋 阿尔·霍福德 (Al Horford) 并带回了后卫 德安东尼·梅尔顿 (De’Anthony Melton) ，那么这将是一个扎实的夏天，能在此前 吉米·巴特勒 (Jimmy Butler) 交易后上赛季的强势收官基础上再进一步。目前，所有这些都仍处于待定状态。
休斯顿火箭
评级： A
没有哪支球队比 火箭 (Houston Rockets) 为提升其2026年总冠军机会做得更多，他们引入了两届总决赛MVP 凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant) ，同时没有牺牲阵容深度。休斯顿在杜兰特交易中果断出击，以合理代价成功，随后利用对球队友好的 弗雷德·范弗利特 (Fred VanVleet) 合同（两年5000万美元）获得了非纳税人中产特例。这使得火箭能够补充经验丰富的3D侧翼 多里安·芬尼-史密斯 (Dorian Finney-Smith) ，帮助替代离队的 狄龙·布鲁克斯 (Dillon Brooks) 。
印第安纳步行者
评级： D
我们回过头看时，可能会觉得 步行者 (Indiana Pacers) 不给 迈尔斯·特纳 (Myles Turner) 支付到他三十多岁中期的大合同是更好的选择，但财政责任并不能带来总冠军旗帜，印第安纳失去了一支更依赖阵容契合而非纯粹天赋的首发五人组的关键一员。步行者没有明确的特纳替代者。尽管我喜欢冒险签下拥有相似技能包的 杰伊·赫夫 (Jay Huff) ，但指望他在从孟菲斯季后赛轮换中掉队后就能首发是不现实的。印第安纳的其他传统中锋—— 托尼·布拉德利 (Tony Bradley) 、 以赛亚·杰克逊 (Isaiah Jackson) 和 詹姆斯·怀斯曼 (James Wiseman) ——也都是职业替补。
洛杉矶快船
评级： B+
在引入老将 克里斯·保罗 (Chris Paul) （40岁）、 布鲁克·洛佩兹 (Brook Lopez) （37岁）和 布拉德利·比尔 (Bradley Beal) （32岁）之后，人们对 快船 (LA Clippers) 的年龄结构有所担忧。然而，快船仅凭非纳税人中产特例就成功签下这三人，这无疑是一次胜利。快船短期内增强了阵容深度，并通过交易得到 约翰·科林斯 (John Collins) 增加了内线尺寸，同时也在关注最快明年夏天的薪金空间可能性，而2027年更有可能是他们利用年轻人才重建阵容的目标。
洛杉矶湖人
评级： B
湖人 (Los Angeles Lakers) 的休赛期与他们的同城对手形成了有趣的对比。围绕26岁的 卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic) 构建阵容，湖人队引进了23岁的 杰克·拉拉维亚 (Jake LaRavia) ，他是今夏转会且薪水高于底薪的最年轻非受限制自由球员，此外还有最近刚满27岁的 德安德烈·艾顿 (Deandre Ayton) 。31岁的 马库斯·斯马特 (Marcus Smart) 是湖人最年长的新援。湖人队的新援上赛季表现不如快船队，但新的湖人队更有可能成为长期的贡献者。
关于湖人队休赛期最大的疑问是，这种策略对40岁的超级巨星 勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James) 意味着什么。然而，詹姆斯在执行了他的球员选项后，几乎没有谈判筹码。对湖人来说，更重要的是说服东契奇在本周末符合续约条件时签下续约合同。
孟菲斯灰熊
评级： B
灰熊 (Memphis Grizzlies) 在交易走首发后卫 德斯蒙德·贝恩 (Desmond Bane) 后，可能在人才济济的西部有所退步，但从长远来看，孟菲斯明智地换回了四个首轮签，其中包括一个很可能来自 菲尼克斯太阳 (Phoenix Suns) 的备受青睐的2026年选秀权。以一份有价值的合同签下杰罗姆有助于弥补贝恩的投射和进攻创造力，而且灰熊成功与 小贾伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.) 签下续约合同，这份合同的薪资低于他明年夏天作为非受限制自由球员可能获得的金额。
迈阿密热火
评级： B+
这对 热火 (Miami Heat) 来说是一个机会主义的休赛期，他们利用将 邓肯·罗宾逊 (Duncan Robinson) 交易给 西蒙尼·丰泰基奥 (Simone Fontecchio) 所节省的资金，将轮换阵容边缘的球员转换成了 诺曼·鲍威尔 (Norman Powell) ，后者上赛季为快船队场均贡献21.8分。鲍威尔有助于弥补 吉米·巴特勒 (Jimmy Butler) 二月份离队所失去的一些得分能力，并让迈阿密的账目保持清白——至少目前如此——因为球队正着眼于2027年的薪金空间。
密尔沃基雄鹿
评级： C+
不， 雄鹿 (Milwaukee Bucks) 将 达米安·利拉德 (Damian Lillard) 的薪资分摊到未来五年以创造薪金空间，并从步行者队手中签下自由球员市场上的顶级转会球员 迈尔斯·特纳 (Myles Turner) ，这不太可能让密尔沃基成为总冠军竞争者。但这至少给了雄鹿本赛季一个机会，因为东部因伤病出现权力真空，而且 扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 仍然保持着前五的水平。密尔沃基在带回上赛季其余核心阵容方面做了创造性的工作，尽管代价是像派对礼物一样分发了球员选项。多达五名雄鹿球员获得了2026-27赛季的选项，这可能会使明年夏天的阵容建设复杂化。
明尼苏达森林狼
评级： B-
在交易走 卡尔-安东尼·唐斯 (Karl-Anthony Towns) 后， 森林狼 (Minnesota Timberwolves) 成功管理了薪资，带回了过去两个赛季打进分区决赛的大部分核心阵容。 朱利叶斯·兰德尔 (Julius Randle) 的新合同意味着他和 唐特·迪温琴佐 (Donte DiVincenzo) 将合计获得4300万美元，远低于唐斯将赚取的5300万美元。明尼苏达不得不通过先签后换让 亚历山大-沃克 (Alexander-Walker) 离开，转而优先续约2023-24赛季最佳第六人 纳兹·里德 (Naz Reid) 。里德的五年1.25亿美元合同如果他无法超越替补角色，可能是一份溢价合同。
新奥尔良鹈鹕
评级： F
老鹰 (Atlanta Hawks) 与 鹈鹕 (New Orleans Pelicans) 在选秀夜的互换交易，似乎是今夏最不平衡的运作。这笔交易可能最终会给新奥尔良带来回报，但鉴于鹈鹕队的其他操作，它过于冒险，显得不合时宜。新奥尔良正赌注于 乔丹·普尔 (Jordan Poole) 成为季后赛级别的首发控卫，并通过选秀 德里克·奎因 (Derik Queen) 和签下老将 凯文·鲁尼 (Kevon Looney) ，导致其中锋位置的人员储备过剩。目前在ESPN BET上，只有三支西部球队赢得西部冠军的赔率比他们更高，而且鹈鹕队在不再掌控其2026年首轮选秀权后，也交易掉了他们的安全网。
纽约尼克斯
评级： B
在去年休赛期引入 米卡尔·布里奇斯 (Mikal Bridges) 和 卡尔-安东尼·唐斯 (Karl-Anthony Towns) 之后， 尼克斯 (New York Knicks) 今夏的运作空间有限。让 格尔雄·亚布塞莱 (Guerschon Yabusele) 接受略低于纳税人中产特例全额的合同，使得纽约能够升级其第二阵容的前场，并且仍然能够用老将底薪合同填补替补席。其中一位老将，在与 犹他爵士 (Utah Jazz) 达成买断协议后签下的 乔丹·克拉克森 (Jordan Clarkson) ，为尼克斯的替补席带来了比尚未签约的替补后卫 卡梅伦·佩恩 (Cameron Payne) 和 兰德里·沙梅特 (Landry Shamet) 更多的运动能力。
俄克拉荷马城雷霆
评级： B+
卫冕冠军 雷霆 (Oklahoma City Thunder) 保留了所有在2025年季后赛中上场至少50分钟的球员，因此雷霆管理层真正的任务是确保为球星 沙伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) 、 切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren) 和 杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams) 签下长期续约合同。吉尔杰斯-亚历山大的超级顶薪合同以及霍姆格伦和威廉姆斯的顶薪合同将迫使俄克拉荷马城做出艰难的选择，但雷霆队成功地与霍姆格伦签下了一份锁定了2026-27赛季工资帽25%的合同，并避免在威廉姆斯的续约合同中加入球员选项，这方面做得很好。
奥兰多魔术
评级： B
在东部格局打开的情况下，交易得到贝恩对 魔术 (Orlando Magic) 来说显得更有利。魔术队有机会自2011年以来首次在首轮季后赛中获得主场优势。奥兰多以一年700万美元的合同签下替补控球后卫 泰厄斯·琼斯 (Tyus Jones) 也是一个不错的补充。魔术队在主力 杰伦·萨格斯 (Jalen Suggs) 上赛季缺席的47场比赛中，魔术队战绩为21胜26负，现在他们的后场将拥有更充足的替补。
费城76人
评级： C
在去年夏天以签下九届全明星 保罗·乔治 (Paul George) 为亮点——但这笔引援最终不尽如人意——或许一个安静的休赛期是最好的选择。尽管如此，费城仍然保留了上赛季阵容中的10名球员，受限制自由球员 昆汀·格莱姆斯 (Quentin Grimes) 有望使这一数字达到11人，这令人感到惊讶。 76人 (Philadelphia 76ers) 寄希望于更好的健康状况和改善的前场深度，而不是对阵容进行重大调整。
菲尼克斯太阳
评级： C+
与密尔沃基一样， 太阳 (Phoenix Suns) 通过买断 布拉德利·比尔 (Bradley Beal) 合同的最后两年，在账面上背负了巨额的死薪。在交易走 凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant) 后，太阳队已无法现实地争夺总冠军。即便打进季后赛，在西部也将是勉力为之。但他们通过三枚2025年选秀权（今夏开始时他们一枚也没有）和通过交易得到的23岁中锋 马克·威廉姆斯 (Mark Williams) ，将阵容转向了年轻化。
波特兰开拓者
评级： C
对于 开拓者 (Portland Trail Blazers) 来说，这是一个充满事件的夏天，他们交易得到了 朱·霍勒迪 (Jrue Holiday) ，在选秀中做出了最有趣的决定——选中了中国中锋 杨瀚森 (Yang Hansen) ，并与队史传奇 达米安·利拉德 (Damian Lillard) 重聚。增加两名经验丰富的全明星后卫可能会让波特兰的后场在利拉德跟腱断裂回归（很可能在2026-27赛季）后显得过于拥挤。而且开拓者仍未找到前锋 杰拉米·格兰特 (Jerami Grant) 的新下家，他上赛季在轮换阵容中的位置被更年轻的 德尼·阿夫迪亚 (Deni Avdija) 和 图马尼·卡马拉 (Toumani Camara) 超越。
萨克拉门托国王
评级： D+
一个令人费解的休赛期似乎并没有让 国王 (Sacramento Kings) 更接近重返季后赛。在二月份交易走 达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox) 后优先考虑控球后卫是合理的，但萨克拉门托给了 丹尼斯·施罗德 (Dennis Schroder) 一份三年4500万美元的合同，考虑到施罗德对速度的依赖，这份合同可能不会很好地“保值”。这笔交易迫使国王队用 约纳斯·瓦兰丘纳斯 (Jonas Valanciunas) 交换了上赛季几乎没有上场的 达里奥·萨里奇 (Dario Saric) ，以避免缴纳奢侈税。萨克拉门托本可以更好地选择一份更便宜的控球后卫合同，比如 特雷·琼斯 (Tre Jones) ，或者让瓦兰丘纳斯接受希腊豪门奥林匹亚科斯的报价离开，从而完全摆脱他的合同。
圣安东尼奥马刺
评级： B
马刺 (San Antonio Spurs) 在乐透抽签中跃升至第二顺位并选中罗格斯大学后卫 迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper) 并不额外加分。然而，圣安东尼奥通过老将 卢克·科内特 (Luke Kornet) 和 凯利·奥利尼克 (Kelly Olynyk) 升级了前场，做得很好。随着训练营中 达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox) 的融入以及 维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 的快速成长，马刺队本赛季应该会有所进步，并且仍然拥有选秀权来再次大刀阔斧地构建他们的核心阵容。
多伦多猛龙
评级： C-
一笔关于 布兰登·英格拉姆 (Brandon Ingram) 的截止日交易成为了 猛龙 (Toronto Raptors) 休赛期的重大运作。考虑到薪金空间所剩无几，英格拉姆在交易后锁定一份三年1.2亿美元的合同是明智的。猛龙队薪资已经超过了奢侈税线，他们仅仅是用未签约的 克里斯·布歇 (Chris Boucher) 交换了 桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利 (Sandro Mamukelashvili) ，并在第9顺位选中了 科林·穆雷-博伊尔斯 (Collin Murray-Boyles) 。结果是，这支球队的阵容看起来仍然不像东部前六的球队，而且财务灵活性有限，尤其是在给中锋 雅各布·珀尔特尔 (Jakob Poeltl) 开出了一份丰厚续约合同之后。
犹他爵士
评级： C
在聘请 奥斯汀·安吉 (Austin Ainge) 担任篮球运营总裁后， 爵士 (Utah Jazz) 坚定地选择了一个方向。犹他送走了老将克拉克森、科林斯和塞克斯顿，这意味着他们将不再出现在长串的伤病报告上，从而为犹他州的年轻天才创造出场时间。爵士队可能等待太久才交易走克拉克森和塞克斯顿，导致犹他在此过程中不得不放弃一个次轮签。未来仍有一个关键决定：关于中锋 沃克·凯斯勒 (Walker Kessler) 的新秀合同续约，他将在10月前获得续约资格。
华盛顿奇才
评级： B
一系列交易清除了 奇才 (Washington Wizards) 的账面，为2026年夏天创造了巨大的薪金空间，同时他们也对近期首轮秀进行了低成本的“赌博式”投资。包括今年的选秀权 特雷·约翰逊 (Tre Johnson) 和 威尔·莱利 (Will Riley) 在内，奇才队现在拥有自2023年以来选中的令人难以置信的10名首轮秀球员。 科里·基斯珀特 (Corey Kispert) 是华盛顿唯一一份签到2026-27赛季的老将合同，这意味着奇才队在用 乔丹·普尔 (Jordan Poole) 交换 CJ·麦科勒姆 (CJ McCollum) 的到期合同后，可能拥有8000万美元的薪金空间。
点击查看原文：NBA offseason grades: How every team fared before 2025-26 season
NBA offseason grades: How every team fared before 2025-26 season
With the bulk of the NBA’s offseason moves complete, it’s time to evaluate how teams did.
As ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks laid out last week, there are a handful of storylines to watch the rest of the summer, including the restricted free agents locked in apparent standoffs with their current teams and potential extensions. It’s also possible we could get a surprise trade.
Barring that, most of the moves that will affect the 2025-26 season have already been made, with virtually all the top unrestricted free agents having already signed contracts, and blockbuster deals have turned the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic into contenders in their respective conferences.
My grades aren’t just about how much teams improved or declined, but more on how well they used the tools at their disposal, with a focus on free agency and trades because the outcome of the draft is more difficult to predict. Although most teams end up in the fat part of the curve centered on the “B” range, I did award two A’s – and one F, involving teams on opposite sides of the summer’s most lopsided trade.
Teams are listed in alphabetical order.
Jump 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
Atlanta Hawks
Grade: A
The Hawks vaulted themselves into the ranks of legit East threats by nabbing one of the top free agents to change teams (former Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker) and adding Kristaps Porzingis to give them more size up front. Yet, the real coup was adding the better of 2026 first-round picks from the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans on draft night to move down 10 spots from No. 13 to No. 23.
Even if Atlanta remains stuck in the play-in, potentially adding another lottery pick to a core that includes 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher is a franchise-changing opportunity for a Hawks team that swapped its own pick to the San Antonio Spurs in the Dejounte Murray trade.
Boston Celtics
Grade: C
The upside is the Celtics managed to balance their books without giving up any future first-round picks, getting under the second apron with a plausible path to avoiding the tax altogether in a gap year following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles rupture. The downside is Boston shed a massive amount of talent, including everyone taller than 6-foot-8 who played at least 13 minutes in the 2025 playoffs. The Celtics will be challenged to replenish their frontcourt depth and, crucially, the versatility lost with Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
Brooklyn Nets
Grade: C-
Given the Nets’ commanding position as the only team with more than $30 million in cap space this summer, their return has been underwhelming. Brooklyn did net a 2032 unprotected first-rounder from Denver and can hope to rehabilitate Michael Porter Jr.'s value. The Nets also landed the No. 22 pick with Terance Mann prior to the draft, but keeping all five first-round picks and using them largely on players whose games don’t seem complementary was confusing. Brooklyn still can create $20-plus million in cap space, and we’ll see whether additional deals materialize before training camp.
Charlotte Hornets
Grade: B-
The Hornets should be more competitive in 2025-26 after finding playmakers to supplement LaMelo Ball. Charlotte’s offense collapsed without Ball last season, which doesn’t figure to continue with the additions of veterans Spencer Dinwiddie and Collin Sexton and the return of Tre Mann. And No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel, MVP of the summer league championship game, should help the Hornets’ shooting immediately.
Chicago Bulls
Grade: C-
I liked the Bulls bringing back Tre Jones on a three-year, $24 million contract with a team option on the final season. Chicago could also get more out of wing Isaac Okoro after getting him from Cleveland for Ball. Still, the Bulls shouldn’t be content with largely staying the course after three consecutive play-in losses. And although I’m high on No. 12 pick Noa Essengue, Chicago would have been better off making the same draft-night deal Atlanta did with New Orleans.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Grade: B
We’ll see how much the Cavaliers get from Lonzo Ball, limited to 35 games last season by wrist injuries after 2½ years off the court due to his left knee. Ball was a low-cost pickup for Cleveland to help replace Ty Jerome, lost to help manage the Cavaliers’ sizeable tax bill. So too was bringing back Larry Nance Jr. as a third center. Despite the loss of Jerome, Cleveland looks like the favorite to win the East.
Dallas Mavericks
Grade: B-
Dallas doesn’t get credit for picking Cooper Flagg, a move any team would have made after winning the lottery. The Mavericks did well in landing D’Angelo Russell, armed only with their taxpayer midlevel in free agency after agreeing to a new contract with a smaller starting salary for injured point guard Kyrie Irving. But Dallas still has a surplus in its frontcourt, having opted not to make any trades involving veteran players thus far. That likely pushes Flagg and P.J. Washington to perimeter roles.
Denver Nuggets
Grade: A-
After the dust cleared, Denver’s offseason resulted in the strongest Nuggets team on paper since they won the 2023 title, highlighted by swapping Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson at the cost of a valuable 2032 unprotected first-rounder. The payroll flexibility the deal created helped the Nuggets heist Jonas Valanciunas from the Kings, shedding little-used Dario Saric. And Denver beefed up its perimeter depth by signing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to minimum contracts.
Detroit Pistons
Grade: C
The Pistons’ offseason changed dramatically when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that guard Malik Beasley was under investigation by federal authorities in connection with a gambling probe. After All-Star Cade Cunningham, Beasley might have been Detroit’s second-best player last season, and the late pivot limited the Pistons’ options to replace him in free agency. They landed Duncan Robinson to supply the shooting Beasley provided and Caris LeVert for shot creation off the bench, but the result is likely a weaker Detroit second unit.
Golden State Warriors
Grade: Incomplete
Having merely added a pair of picks in the 50s (Will Richard and Alex Toohey), the Warriors are impossible to evaluate until they figure out the status of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. If Golden State indeed signs veteran center Al Horford and brings back guard De’Anthony Melton, as ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported is possible, that would be a solid summer to build on last season’s strong finish after the Jimmy Butler trade. For now, all of that remains on hold.
Houston Rockets
Grade: A
No team did more to improve its chances at the 2026 title than the Rockets, who added two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant without sacrificing depth in the process. Give Houston credit for pouncing at a reasonable trade for Durant, then using a team-friendly contract for Fred VanVleet (two years, $50 million) to access the non-taxpayer midlevel exception. That allowed the Rockets to add proven 3-and-D wing Dorian Finney-Smith to help replace departed Dillon Brooks.
Indiana Pacers
Grade: D
It’s possible we’ll look back and think the Pacers were better off not paying Myles Turner through his mid-30s, but there are no banners for fiscal responsibility and Indiana lost a key piece to a starting five that relied more on fit than sheer talent. The Pacers have no clear replacement for Turner. Although I liked taking a flier on Jay Huff, who has a similar skill set, expecting him to start 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+
There are concerns about the Clippers’ age after adding veterans Chris Paul (40), Brook Lopez (37) and Bradley Beal (32). For the Clippers to land all three armed only with the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, however, is a win. The Clippers bolstered their depth in the short term and added size with a trade for John Collins while keeping an eye on cap space possibilities as soon as next summer, with 2027 a more likely target to retool the roster with younger talent.
Los Angeles Lakers
Grade: B
The Lakers are an interesting contrast to their crosstown rivals’ offseason. Building around 26-year-old Luka Doncic, the Lakers added Jake LaRavia, 23, the youngest unrestricted free agent to change teams for more than the minimum, plus Deandre Ayton, who recently turned 27. Marcus Smart, 31, is the Lakers’ oldest newcomer. The Lakers’ additions weren’t as effective last season as the Clippers’, but the new Lakers stand a better chance of being long-term contributors.
The biggest question about the Lakers’ offseason is what that approach means for 40-year-old superstar LeBron James. However, James has little leverage after exercising his player option. It’s more important for the Lakers to persuade Doncic to sign an extension when he becomes eligible this weekend.
Memphis Grizzlies
Grade: B
The Grizzlies might take a step back in a loaded West after trading starting guard Desmond Bane, but long term, Memphis was wise to get four first-round picks in return, including a coveted 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 were able to sign Jaren Jackson Jr. to an extension that pays him less than he could have made next summer as an unrestricted free agent.
Miami Heat
Grade: B+
It was an opportunistic offseason for the Heat, who took advantage of the money saved by swapping Duncan Robinson for Simone Fontecchio to convert players on the fringes of their rotation into Norman Powell, who scored 21.8 points per game for the Clippers last season. Powell helps replace some of the scoring lost with Jimmy Butler’s February departure and keeps Miami’s books clear – for now – as the team eyes 2027 cap space.
Milwaukee Bucks
Grade: C+
No, the Bucks stretching Damian Lillard’s salary over the next five years to create cap room and sign Myles Turner away from the Pacers – the top player to change teams in free agency – isn’t likely to result in Milwaukee contending. But it at least gives the Bucks a chance this season, with a power vacuum in the East due to injuries and Giannis Antetokounmpo still playing at a top-five level. Milwaukee did creative work to bring back the rest of last season’s core, albeit at the cost of handing out player options like party favors. A whopping five Bucks got 2026-27 options, which could complicate next summer’s roster building.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Grade: B-
After trading Towns, the Timberwolves were able to manage their payroll to bring back the bulk of the team that has reached the past two conference finals. A new contract for Julius Randle means he and Donte DiVincenzo get a combined $43 million, far less than the $53 million Towns will make. Minnesota did have to let Alexander-Walker leave 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 grow beyond a bench role.
New Orleans Pelicans
Grade: F
The Hawks-Pelicans draft-night swap was seemingly the most lopsided transaction of the summer. It could pay off for New Orleans, but it was far too risky to be sensible – particularly in the context of the Pelicans’ other moves. New Orleans is betting on Jordan Poole being a playoff-caliber starting point guard and has overloaded its depth chart at center by drafting Derik Queen and signing veteran Kevon Looney. Just three West teams have longer odds of winning the conference at ESPN BET, and the Pelicans traded away their safety net now that they no longer control their 2026 first-round pick.
New York Knicks
Grade: B
After adding Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns last offseason, the Knicks had limited room to maneuver this summer. Getting Guerschon Yabusele to take ever so slightly less than the entirety of their taxpayer midlevel exception allowed New York to upgrade its second-unit frontcourt and still fill out its bench with veterans minimum contracts. One of those veterans, Jordan Clarkson – signed after reaching a buyout with the Utah Jazz – gives the Knicks more athleticism off the bench than unsigned backup guards Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Grade: B+
The defending champs return every player who saw at least 50 minutes of action during the 2025 playoffs, so the real work 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 deals for Holmgren and Williams will force tough choices for Oklahoma City, but the Thunder did well to sign Holmgren to a deal locked in at 25% of the 2026-27 cap and avoid giving Williams a player option on his extension.
Orlando Magic
Grade: B
Dealing for Bane looks better for Orlando in the wake of the East opening up. The Magic have a realistic chance to claim home-court advantage in the first round for the first time since 2011. Orlando getting backup point guard Tyus Jones on a one-year, $7 million deal was also a nice add. The Magic will have far more backcourt cover after going 21-26 in the 47 games starter Jalen Suggs missed last season.
Philadelphia 76ers
Grade: C
After last summer was highlighted by signing nine-time All-Star Paul George – an addition that went south – perhaps a quiet offseason is for the best. Still, it’s surprising Philadelphia is bringing back 10 players from last season’s roster, with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes likely to bring that total to 11. The 76ers are counting on better health and improved frontcourt depth rather than making significant changes to the roster.
Phoenix Suns
Grade: C+
Like Milwaukee, Phoenix put a massive amount of dead salary on its books with a buyout for the final two years of Bradley Beal’s contract. After dealing Kevin Durant, the Suns can’t realistically contend. Even making the playoffs will be a stretch in the West. But they have flipped their roster in a younger direction with three 2025 draft picks – having started the summer with none – and 23-year-old center Mark Williams, acquired via trade.
Portland Trail Blazers
Grade: C
It was an eventful summer for the Blazers, who dealt for Jrue Holiday, made the draft’s most interesting pick in Chinese center Yang Hansen and reunited with franchise icon Damian Lillard. Adding two veteran All-Star guards could crowd Portland’s backcourt when Lillard returns from an Achilles rupture, likely in 2026-27. And the Blazers still haven’t found a new home for forward Jerami Grant, who was surpassed in the rotation last season by younger Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara.
Sacramento Kings
Grade: D+
A curious offseason didn’t seem to move the Kings closer to a playoff return. Prioritizing point guard after trading De’Aaron Fox in February was reasonable, but Sacramento gave Dennis Schroder a three-year, $45 million deal that might not age well given Schroder’s reliance on quickness. That deal forced the Kings to swap Jonas Valanciunas for Dario Saric, who barely played last season, to stay out of the luxury tax. Sacramento might have been better off targeting a point guard on a cheaper deal, such as Tre Jones, or letting Valanciunas leave for a reported offer from Greek power Olympiacos and getting out of his deal altogether.
San Antonio Spurs
Grade: B
The Spurs don’t get bonus points for jumping up to No. 2 in the lottery and drafting Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. However, San Antonio did well upgrading its frontcourt with veterans Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk. With a training camp to integrate De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama’s rapid growth, the Spurs should improve this season and still have the draft picks to make another big swing to build out their core.
Toronto Raptors
Grade: C-
A deadline deal for Brandon Ingram turned out to be Toronto’s big offseason move. Given how little cap space was available, Ingram was wise to lock in a three-year, $120 million deal after the trade. Over the tax line, the Raptors merely swapped out unsigned Chris Boucher for Sandro Mamukelashvili and drafted Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9. The result is a roster that still doesn’t look like a top-six team in the East with limited financial flexibility, particularly after a rich extension for center Jakob Poeltl.
Utah Jazz
Grade: C
After hiring Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations, the Jazz firmly picked a direction. Utah sent out veterans Clarkson, Collins and Sexton, meaning they’ll no longer appear on lengthy injury reports to create playing time for Utah’s young talent. The Jazz likely waited too long to move on from Clarkson and Sexton, forcing Utah to give up a second-round pick in the process. Still ahead: a key decision on center Walker Kessler, who’s eligible for a rookie extension through October.
Washington Wizards
Grade: B
A series of trades cleaned up Washington’s books for massive cap space in summer 2026 while also taking low-cost fliers on recent first-round picks. Including this year’s picks Tre Johnson and Will Riley, the Wizards now have an incredible 10 players drafted in the first round since 2023. Corey Kispert is the only veteran Washington has under contract for 2026-27, meaning the Wizards could have $80 million in cap space after trading Jordan Poole for CJ McCollum’s expiring contract.
By Kevin Pelton | ESPN, via ESPN