Wildcard TV

We still have a long way to go until the start of the 2026-2027 NBA Season. With the moves made so far this is my power rankings thus far.

1. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are my biggest winners of the offseason.

Adding Tobias Harris was a smart move. He brings veteran leadership, playoff experience, and a reliable frontcourt presence that can take pressure off Victor Wembanyama. Wemby received his five-year, $252 million extension, while Julian Champagnie earned a well-deserved three-year, $45 million deal.

San Antonio also got bigger by taking a chance on Jayden Quaintance and selecting Tarris Reed Jr. late in the first round. This roster is deep, balanced, and built to compete now.

Grade: A+

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City managed its books well by staying under the second apron while key contracts began kicking in. Their draft added even more upside, selecting Mara out of Michigan and Stirz from Iowa to an already loaded young core.

The Thunder remain the team everyone in the West is chasing.

Grade: A

3. Denver Nuggets

Denver didn’t make many splashy moves, but sometimes continuity wins.

Keeping Peyton Watson is still the most important factor of the offseason, while the biggest additions could simply be healthier seasons from Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. Christian Braun’s new contract kicks in, and Denver also signed EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year Diallo to strengthen its perimeter defense after last season’s playoff struggles.

If healthy, Denver remains a championship contender.

Grade: B

4. Houston Rockets

The Rockets quietly had another excellent offseason.

Fred VanVleet returns to stabilize the offense, while Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović dramatically improve the guard rotation. Reed Sheppard should continue developing, but Houston’s ceiling still depends on Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün taking another leap as Kevin Durant gets older.

This team is built to win now while still developing young talent.

Grade: A-

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota completely reshaped its roster.

Moving on from Julius Randle and Naz Reid opened the door for one of the biggest moves of the summer: acquiring LaMelo Ball. Pairing Ball with Anthony Edwards creates one of the NBA’s most entertaining backcourts, and extending Ayo Dosunmu adds valuable depth.

The biggest question remains the frontcourt, where Minnesota still needs another big alongside Rudy Gobert.

Grade: B

6. Portland Trail Blazers

Don’t sleep on Portland.

If this team can improve its outside shooting, there’s no reason it can’t make serious noise. Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday, and Damian Lillard give Portland one of the deepest backcourts in basketball, while Deni Avdija continues to develop into one of the league’s most versatile wings.

The talent is there. Now it’s about putting it together.

Grade: B+

7. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers had a solid but somewhat underwhelming offseason.

The front office appears committed to recreating the roster formula Luka Dončić had during Dallas’ Finals run. Austin Reaves earned a massive extension, while Los Angeles paid a hefty price to acquire Walker Kessler to strengthen the frontcourt.

Colin Sexton and Quentin Grimes provide athleticism and scoring, while rookie Cameron Carr could become one of the steals of the draft.

The moves make sense, but none truly elevate the Lakers into the West’s elite.

Grade: C+

8. Phoenix Suns

Phoenix continues surrounding Devin Booker with talent.

Adding Miles Bridges provides another scoring option alongside Dillon Brooks, while a healthy Jalen Green raises the team’s ceiling. Re-signing key contributors and bringing in elite shooter Luke Kennard gives Phoenix even more offensive firepower.

Defense will determine how far this team can go.

Grade: B-

9. Utah Jazz

It’s officially put-up-or-shut-up time in Utah.

With new lottery rules and no control of their 2027 first-round pick, the Jazz need to start winning. Drafting Darryn Peterson gives them a potential franchise guard, while a core of Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Keyonte George has real upside.

One underrated decision was resisting the urge to overpay Walker Kessler.

Grade: A-

10. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors appear to be waiting.

Whether it’s hoping for LeBron James or another major move, Golden State hasn’t significantly improved. Re-signing Kristaps Porziņģis and drafting Yaxel Lendeborg were solid moves, but neither dramatically changes the team’s outlook.

They’re experienced—but they’re also getting older.

Grade: C+

11. Dallas Mavericks

Everything revolves around Cooper Flagg.

His development is the franchise’s future. Kyrie Irving returns from his ACL injury, while Dallas added more frontcourt size by trading for Santi Aldama and drafting Morez Johnson.

If Dereck Lively II stays healthy, Dallas could surprise people.

Grade: B-

12. Memphis Grizzlies

A new era has officially begun.

Moving on from Ja Morant brought back veteran Jerami Grant, while Boozer—my favorite prospect in the draft—helps replace Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis continues drafting exceptionally well, and young players like Wells and Coward should continue developing.

Isaiah Stewart and D’Angelo Russell are underrated additions that could prove valuable.

Grade: B+

13. Los Angeles Clippers

At least the Clippers finally picked a direction.

If or when the Kawhi Leonard trade eventually happens, the foundation is already forming. Brandon Ingram gives them another elite scorer alongside Darius Garland, while Grady Duck provides reliable shooting. Rui Hachimura adds more scoring from the forward position, and first-round pick Wagler brings additional upside.

There’s still uncertainty, but there’s finally a plan.

Grade: C+

14. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans spent another offseason surrounded by rumors.

Despite constant speculation, Trey Murphy and Zion Williamson remain on the roster. The franchise didn’t make many meaningful moves, and while they technically didn’t have a first-round selection (owed to Atlanta)!Derrick Queen & Jeremiah Fears showed promise as young players, they’ll hope develops into a cornerstone.

For now, this roster feels stuck.

Grade: C-

15. Sacramento Kings

Sacramento finally appears ready to embrace youth.

Drafting Acuff was their best move of the offseason, and leaning into a rebuild feels like the correct decision.

The biggest questions remain unanswered:

• Do they trade Zach LaVine?
• Do they move Domantas Sabonis?

Until those decisions are made, it’s difficult to see Sacramento climbing the Western Conference standings.

Grade: C