Post-Draft, Post-Free Agency NBA Power Rankings: Offseason Moves Reshape Title Race…read more…

Post-Draft, Post-Free Agency NBA Power Rankings: Offseason Moves Reshape Title Race…read more…

 

The NBA offseason has delivered once again. With the 2025 NBA Draft complete and the biggest free agency dominoes fallen, the league landscape has shifted dramatically. Young talent has entered the league, stars have changed teams, and contenders have reloaded for another title run. Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to take stock of where each team stands heading into the 2025–26 NBA season.

 

Here are the post-draft, post-free agency NBA power rankings:

 

 

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1. Boston Celtics

 

The reigning champions return nearly their entire core, and they’ve added solid bench depth in free agency. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are in their primes, Kristaps Porziņģis is healthy, and Derrick White is emerging as one of the best two-way guards in the league. This team has no glaring weaknesses.

 

 

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2. Denver Nuggets

 

Denver may have lost a bit of depth, but with Nikola Jokić still playing MVP-caliber basketball and Jamal Murray locked in for the long haul, the Nuggets remain a top-tier team. The development of Christian Braun and Peyton Watson could be key to sustaining their title window.

 

 

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3. Milwaukee Bucks

 

Despite aging legs, the Bucks still boast one of the league’s most dangerous duos in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Their defense suffered last year, but offseason adjustments and a new-look rotation under coach Doc Rivers may restore balance.

 

 

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4. Oklahoma City Thunder

 

The Thunder are ascending fast. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing at an MVP level, the addition of a physically matured Chet Holmgren and the drafting of another two-way wing in the lottery makes this young team even more dangerous.

 

 

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5. Minnesota Timberwolves

 

Anthony Edwards is blossoming into a superstar, and the Wolves’ defense—anchored by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels—remains elite. The big question is whether Karl-Anthony Towns can stay consistent and healthy.

 

 

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6. New York Knicks

 

Adding Mikal Bridges to a core already including Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and Josh Hart gives the Knicks arguably the best perimeter defense in the East. If Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby stay healthy, this team could reach the Finals.

 

 

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7. Dallas Mavericks

 

The Luka Dončić–Kyrie Irving tandem is as dangerous offensively as any backcourt in the league. Their free agency signings, including improved interior defense and wing shooting, have addressed last season’s gaps.

 

 

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8. Phoenix Suns

 

It’s now or never. With Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal all healthy (for now), the Suns have firepower. But their playoff success hinges on defense, coaching, and staying out of the trainer’s room.

 

 

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9. Philadelphia 76ers

 

Tyrese Maxey has become a star, and Joel Embiid remains a top-5 talent when healthy. Adding a 3-and-D forward like Caleb Martin and bolstering the bench helps, but Philly’s title hopes depend on Embiid’s knees.

 

 

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10. Los Angeles Lakers

 

LeBron James isn’t slowing down, and Anthony Davis had one of his best defensive seasons ever. But questions remain about consistency, age, and the supporting cast. The Lakers added shooting and depth—but is it enough in a loaded West?

 

 

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11. Golden State Warriors

 

Stephen Curry still commands respect, but this may be the beginning of the end. Klay Thompson’s departure signals a changing of the guard. The Chris Paul experiment didn’t pan out, but youth like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga offers hope.

 

 

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12. Indiana Pacers

 

Indiana’s playoff success showed they’re a legit threat. Tyrese Haliburton is an elite playmaker, and the Pascal Siakam trade gave them the size and scoring they needed. With a few defensive additions, the Pacers are poised to leap forward.

 

 

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13. Cleveland Cavaliers

 

With Donovan Mitchell re-signing, Cleveland keeps its star power. But Darius Garland’s fit remains questionable, and frontcourt spacing is still an issue. Hiring Kenny Atkinson could unlock more versatile lineups.

 

 

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14. Miami Heat

 

Jimmy Butler is aging, and their playoff run last year masked a middling regular season. They struck out in free agency but retained key pieces like Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith. Miami’s culture keeps them competitive, but the title window may be closing.

 

 

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15. Sacramento Kings

 

The Kings stayed quiet, choosing to build on continuity. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis form a potent one-two punch, but Sacramento needs another defensive-minded forward to rise in the West.

 

 

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Biggest Risers

 

San Antonio Spurs – The addition of Chris Paul to mentor Victor Wembanyama and the drafting of a dynamic guard boosted expectations. They may not be playoff-ready, but progress is coming fast.

 

Houston Rockets – Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and a promising young core make the Rockets one of the most improved teams post-free agency.

 

 

 

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Biggest Fallers

 

Chicago Bulls – With little movement and an aging core, the Bulls look stuck in mediocrity. They missed out on a full rebuild or meaningful free agent addition.

 

Toronto Raptors – The Raptors appear to be entering a long-term rebuild. Losing veteran leadership and leaning heavily on youth will mean growing pains.

 

 

 

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Final Thoughts

 

The NBA’s parity is at an all-time high. A strong draft class and bold free agency moves have changed the balance of power across both conferences. While the Celtics and Nuggets remain the teams to beat, surging squads like the Thunder, Pacers, and Knicks are closing the gap. As always, health and chemistry will play pivotal roles in the season ahead, but one thing is clear—this will be one of the most competitive and unpredictable NBA seasons in years.

 

 

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Stay tuned for our preseason rankings update in September, once training camps begin and rotations are clearer.