The 2024-25 NBA season has formally come to an in depth because the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder is topped the brand new champions of the league and declare their first NBA title after defeating the Indiana Pacers in an thrilling seven-game sequence.
After making their first Finals look in over 10 years, the Thunder retain the highest spot in our Approach-Too-Early rankings. However after an unpredictable postseason, the place did all 30 groups find yourself as we head into the summer season?
As we shut the door on one other thrilling NBA season, our writers mirror on all 30 groups, what to anticipate this offseason, and put down the groundwork for what ought to be one other aggressive, unpredictable 2025-26 season
Notice: Group rankings are based mostly on the place members of our panel (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael C. Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring, Kevin Pelton and Zach Kram ) assume groups belong after the 2024-25 NBA season.
Bounce to a staff:
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
1. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
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2024-25 report: 68-14
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Earlier rank: 1
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Consequence: NBA Finals champions
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2025 draft picks: No. 15 (through MIA), No. 24 (through LAC), No. 44 (through ATL)
We’d have to get used to watching the Thunder play in June. Oklahoma Metropolis received the championship with a core that consists of ascending expertise. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is simply coming into his prime at 26. All-NBA sidekick Jalen Williams, 24, and certain future All-Star Chet Holmgren, 23, are nonetheless scratching the floor of their potential. All three of Oklahoma Metropolis’s foundational items will probably signal profitable, long-term contract extensions this summer season. The Thunder will add a lottery decide to the combo subsequent season in guard Nikola Matter, who had a redshirt rookie season whereas recovering from a knee harm. GM Sam Presti has to determine what to do with the 2 second-round picks the Thunder have on this draft, a part of Oklahoma Metropolis’s deep trove of draft belongings within the coming years. — Tim MacMahon
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
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2024-25 report: 49-33
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Earlier rank: 11
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Consequence: Eradicated in Western Convention finals
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2025 draft picks: No. 17 (through DET), No. 31 (through UTAH)
The Wolves seemed like a contender till they bumped into the buzzsaw that’s the Thunder within the convention finals, shedding in 5 video games.
As a result of Julius Randle and Naz Reid each have participant choices for subsequent season, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a free agent this summer season, the Wolves have some main roster choices to make. — Dave McMenamin
3. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets made their largest modifications earlier than the tip of the common season after they fired coach Michael Malone and common supervisor Calvin Sales space. That sparked a run to the second spherical the place Denver misplaced in seven video games to Oklahoma Metropolis after Aaron Gordon was severely restricted by a hamstring harm. Although the Nuggets would possibly marvel how far they may have gone had they been wholesome, in addition they want to enhance the roster round Nikola Jokic. After David Adelman was formally named head coach, he mentioned the Nuggets wanted to get in higher form and to proceed to give attention to protection.
Denver wants extra depth, particularly to assist win the non-Jokic minutes. And with Russell Westbrook declining his participant possibility and coming into free company, Denver may need to search out one other veteran sparkplug off the bench. With solely a first-round decide in 2031 or 2032 out there to commerce, Michael Porter Jr. might be their finest commerce possibility in the event that they resolve to make a splash within the offseason. — Ohm Youngmisuk
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
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2024-25 report: 64-18
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Earlier rank: 2
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Consequence: Eradicated in second spherical
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2025 draft picks: No. 49 (through MIL), No. 58
Cleveland’s magical season got here to an abrupt halt by the hands of the Indiana Pacers, who went on to win the Japanese Convention crown after stunning the basketball world with miracle comebacks in opposition to New York and Oklahoma Metropolis.
A part of that early exit needed to do with guard Darius Garland, who averaged 18 factors on 42% capturing (28.6% from 3) within the playoffs after averaging 20.6 factors on 47.2% (40.1% from 3) through the common season. Garland underwent surgical procedure on his left large toe, which restricted him within the postseason, however the Cavs say he’s anticipated to be prepared for coaching camp. — McMenamin
5. Houston Rockets
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2024-25 report: 52-30
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Earlier rank: 4
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Consequence: Eradicated in first spherical
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2025 draft picks: No. 10 (through PHX), No. 59 (through OKC)
The Rockets confirmed they’re simply an offensive engine away from making a deeper run within the postseason. The membership had hoped one in every of its younger, gifted gamers would step into that position. As an alternative, they added Kevin Durant on the final day of the NBA season, sending Jalen Inexperienced, Dillon Brooks and draft picks — together with the No. 10 on this week’s draft — again to the Suns. Durant and coach Ime Udoka labored collectively whereas with the Brooklyn Nets, and the 15-time All-Star provides a veteran chief to a younger staff that completed No. 2 within the West however fell within the first spherical to the seasoned Warriors. — Michael C. Wright
6. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have been one win away from one of the crucial unlikely upsets in NBA Finals historical past, however the aftermath of Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles harm places a serious query mark on one of many league’s most fun groups. Haliburton went to the ground on a non-contact harm in Recreation 7 of the Finals and didn’t return, although the staff has but to disclose the severity of the harm. The Pacers made an inconceivable run by means of the Japanese Convention playoffs en path to their first Finals look in 25 years, and have a younger core that may make them as well-positioned as anybody to compete for years to return, although Haliburton’s ’25-26 season is sort of actually in jeopardy. — Jamal Collier
7. New York Knicks
In his assertion asserting the firing of coach Tom Thibodeau, Knicks president Leon Rose wrote within the opening sentence, “Our group is singularly targeted on successful a championship for our followers.” That line, and the transfer to oust Thibodeau three days after New York’s deepest playoff run in 25 years, informed you every thing that you must know in regards to the membership’s expectations going ahead, no matter who it hires to take the teaching job. The Knicks reached the convention finals with a extremely gifted beginning 5 — albeit one which was outscored through the second half of the season and within the playoffs — and a skinny bench. One group or the opposite, if not each, will want an improve to win all of it subsequent season. — Chris Herring
8. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors go into the offseason questioning how far they may have gone had Stephen Curry’s hamstring remained wholesome. With that in thoughts, the Warriors need to add round Curry, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Inexperienced. They want extra dimension, extra two-way wings who can shoot and extra depth.
Jonathan Kuminga will likely be a restricted free agent and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. mentioned the Warriors need Kuminga again. However Kuminga’s taking part in time was inconsistent all season, although he performed a few of his finest basketball within the second-round sequence in opposition to Minnesota — he averaged 24.2 factors in Video games 2 by means of 5 with Curry out. Coach Steve Kerr has mentioned that if Kuminga returns, he’ll decide to taking part in him with Curry, Butler and Inexperienced to see if it might work higher early within the season. The Warriors can match affords or probably work out a sign-and-trade. — Youngmisuk
9. Los Angeles Lakers
After not taking part in Jaxson Hayes of their series-ending Recreation 5 loss to Minnesota within the first spherical, the offseason precedence for L.A. stays discovering a middle.
They’re going to have the taxpayer’s midlevel exception out there (roughly $5.6 million) to fortify the place. Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) are all on expiring contracts, as effectively, giving L.A. some wage to work with within the commerce market. — McMenamin
10. LA Clippers
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2024-25 report: 50-32
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Earlier rank: 9
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Consequence: Eradicated in first spherical
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2025 draft picks: No. 30 (through OKC), No. 51 (through MIN)
The Clippers exceeded expectations final season after letting Paul George stroll in free company and had a extra balanced and higher defense-minded staff. James Harden produced at a third-team All-NBA stage whereas Kawhi Leonard was out. Ivica Zubac emerged as a drive inside at each ends and Norman Powell performed like an All-Star within the first half of the season. Harden has a participant possibility, and if he turns into a free agent, the Clippers most likely will look to carry again the purpose guard with a deal aligned with the 2 years left on Leonard’s deal. The Clippers will search for methods to enhance and stay aggressive and can do this by seeing what transpires within the commerce market this offseason. — Youngmisuk
11. Detroit Pistons
The 2024-25 season was an unreserved success for the Pistons: They elevated their win whole by 30 (from 14 to 44), gave the Knicks all they may deal with in an in depth first-round playoff loss and noticed Cade Cunningham make the All-NBA staff for the primary time in his profession. The franchise will depend on its younger gamers to maintain taking steps ahead. Cunningham might want to cut back his turnovers and enhance his scoring effectivity. Jaden Ivey ought to bounce again from a damaged leg, Jalen Duren will enhance his protection and Ausar Thompson ought to turn into extra of an offensive drive, like his twin brother in Houston.— Zach Kram
12. Boston Celtics
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2024-25 report: 61-21
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Earlier rank: 3
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Consequence: Eradicated in second spherical
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2025 draft picks: No. 28, No. 32 (through WAS)
Within the wake of Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear, there are few groups with a extra consequential offseason in entrance of them than Boston. The present roster places the staff $23 million over the second apron, and shedding wage may occur in a number of strikes. The Celtics need to resolve which route they need to go together with a roster that received a championship in 2024 and can almost definitely look totally different subsequent season. — Tim Bontemps
13. Orlando Magic
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2024-25 report: 41-41
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Earlier rank: 15
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Consequence: Eradicated in play-in match
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2025 draft picks: No. 25 (through DEN), No. 46, No. 57 (through BOS)
The Magic are accomplished ready patiently for a gradual climb up the Japanese Convention hierarchy; they’re prepared for an enormous leap up the standings. After accidents ruined their 2024-25 season, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs sharing the courtroom for less than six video games, they traded 4 unprotected first-round picks, a evenly protected swap and two position gamers for Desmond Bane. A profession 41% 3-point shooter, Bane ought to enhance an offense that ranked thirtieth in 3-point makes and accuracy in 2024-25, whereas splitting playmaking duties with Orlando’s incumbent stars. — Kram
14. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs’ long-term issues — on the courtroom and financially — within the wake of the Luka Doncic deal have been mitigated by their wonderful lottery luck to land Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 decide. He’ll arrive within the NBA with an opportunity to win instantly alongside Anthony Davis and finally Kyrie Irving, who will sit out at the least the 2025 a part of subsequent season whereas recovering from a torn ACL.
Discovering a substitute for Irving who can transition right into a key reserve position upon his return will likely be one precedence for Mavs GM Nico Harrison. Dennis Schroder, Malcolm Brogdon, Tyus Jones and Chris Paul are among the many prospects if Dallas fills that void through free company. The Mavs additionally hope to work out a brand new deal for Irving, who has a choice to make about his $44 million participant possibility. — Tim MacMahon
15. Memphis Grizzlies
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2024-25 report: 48-34
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Earlier rank: 12
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Consequence: Eradicated in first spherical
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2025 draft picks: No. 16 (through ORL), No. 48 (through GS), No. 56 (through HOU)
A tricky stretch late led to upheaval on the teaching employees that modified Memphis’ fashion of play within the postseason. Now that the membership has taken the interim tag off Tuomas Iisalo’s title, the coach has an opportunity to spend all the offseason implementing his programs. Normal supervisor Zach Kleiman has expressed confidence in Iisalo transferring ahead. However the core duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. has received just one playoff sequence. Memphis not too long ago traded Desmond Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, 4 picks, and a decide swap. It seems extra strikes are on the way in which because the Grizzlies want to retool. — Wright
16. Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee could possibly be one of many largest subplots within the league this summer season. The Bucks misplaced within the first spherical of the playoffs for the third consecutive season, a five-game dismantling by the Pacers that highlighted how far the staff sits from championship rivalry. Mix that loss with an Achilles harm to Damian Lillard and the Bucks have rather a lot to determine this offseason, together with what sort of staff they will construct to satisfy Antetokounmpo’s need to compete for championships in Milwaukee or whether or not his time with the Bucks is coming to an finish. — Collier
17. San Antonio Spurs
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2024-25 report: 34-48
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Earlier rank: 23
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Consequence: Missed postseason
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2025 draft picks: No. 2, No. 14 (through ATL), No. 38
Gregg Popovich calls himself “El Jefe” (the boss). However Popovich is not the coach as Mitch Johnson heads into his first offseason on the helm. With Victor Wembanyama coming into his third season, Stephon Fort coming off being voted Rookie of the Yr and the commerce deadline addition of De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs enter a pivotal offseason with expectations in 2025-26 to advance to the postseason for the primary time since 2018-19. Sitting with the No. 2 decide within the upcoming draft, the Spurs are anticipated so as to add expertise, equivalent to prospect Dylan Harper, to an already gifted younger group. — Wright
18. Miami Warmth
After once more touchdown within the play-in match — solely to be routed by the Cavaliers within the first spherical — the Warmth have loads of work to do to return to the extent of competitiveness the franchise has been accustomed to over the previous 30 years below Pat Riley’s management. However, it is most likely going to take much more than one offseason for Miami to shut that hole, given how far-off they appear. — Bontemps
19. Atlanta Hawks
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2024-25 report: 40-42
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Earlier rank: 18
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Consequence: Eradicated in play-in match
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2025 draft picks: No. 13 (through SAC), No. 22 (through LAL)
Recent off Atlanta’s entrance workplace shakeup, the staff’s brass has a large resolution on its plate relating to four-time All-Star Trae Younger, who’s eligible for an extension this summer season. He is coming off a 3rd consecutive season by which he averaged 25 factors and 10 assists or higher. However the cause there needs to be at the least some hesitation earlier than providing one other max deal is easy: For the reason that staff’s 2020 shock run to the convention finals, the Hawks — who’ve been within the play-in match 4 seasons in a row — have not been significantly near breaking by means of once more, even with Younger’s efforts.
He is not the best participant to construct round on protection, and his commerce worth most likely would mirror that actuality, which raises the query of whether or not it is price putting a extra nuanced take care of him that permits extra flexibility to search out that roster stability. Atlanta has a good begin in that regard with Dyson Daniels, who led the NBA in steals and deflections by far final season. — Herring
20. Sacramento Kings
The Kings can have extra time to rebalance this summer season after remaking their roster by swapping De’Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine simply earlier than the commerce deadline. New GM Scott Perry known as the dearth of a real level guard an “apparent want.” How Sacramento will get one is much less apparent. Sacramento despatched a lottery decide to Atlanta to finish the Kevin Huerter commerce and may not have entry to all the non-taxpayer midlevel exception. It will depend upon new contracts for reserves Keon Ellis (who could be unrestricted subsequent summer season if the Kings train his staff possibility), Jake LaRavia and Trey Lyles. — Kevin Pelton
21. Philadelphia 76ers
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2024-25 report: 24-58
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Earlier rank: 26
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Consequence: Missed postseason
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2025 draft picks: No. 3, No. 35
Philadelphia bought fortunate within the lottery, touchdown the No. 3 decide and holding its top-six protected choice. Now, consequently, the main focus for the 76ers won’t solely be on who they choose with that decide, however whether or not a roster devastated by harm final season can bounce again. Star Joel Embiid performed in solely 19 video games final season, and the 76ers additionally performed with out Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and rising rookie Jared McCain due to season-ending accidents. — Bontemps
22. Portland Path Blazers
After extending the contracts of coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin, the Blazers are hoping to parlay their 23-18 second half into playoff rivalry in 2025-26. Portland has developed a aggressive core of younger expertise led by forwards Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. Nonetheless, the Blazers’ top-three defensive score in that span may be robust to take care of. Opponents shot simply 34% on 3s in these video games, second lowest within the league, and that sometimes does not carry over. Denver, Miami and Washington gave up the bottom 3-point percentages within the 2023-24 second half. None ranked higher than 14th in 2024-25. — Pelton
23. Chicago Bulls
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2024-25 report: 39-43
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Earlier rank: 20
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Consequence: Eradicated in play-in match
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2025 draft picks: No. 12, No. 45 (through SAC)
The Bulls have completed with the identical report in consecutive years and have misplaced within the play-in match to the Warmth in three straight years. However do not anticipate large modifications in Chicago this offseason. The Bulls will look to re-sign Josh Giddey, who will likely be a restricted free agent, and hope to construct off a powerful remaining two months with their assortment of younger gamers round him, together with final yr’s lottery decide, Matas Buzelis and the No. 12 decide on this yr’s draft. — Collier
24. Phoenix Suns
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2024-25 report: 36-46
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Earlier rank: 21
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Consequence: Missed postseason
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2025 draft picks: No. 29 (through CLE), No. 52 (through DEN)
Phoenix’s thorough teaching search concluded with the hiring of 40-year-old Jordan Ott, a first-time head coach — and the staff’s fourth up to now 4 years. Although Ott was important to the Cavaliers’ stellar 2024-25 season and is taken into account a vivid younger thoughts within the sport, he must determine stability three ball-dominant guards after Kevin Durant was traded to Houston in a bundle centered on Jalen Inexperienced, in accordance with ESPN’s Shams Charania. Inexperienced will likely be becoming a member of a staff with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal already on the roster — and we already noticed how that trio labored with Durant, a greater off-ball participant than Inexperienced is. — McMenamin
25. New Orleans Pelicans
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2024-25 report: 21-61
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Earlier rank: 27
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Consequence: Missed postseason
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2025 draft picks: No. 7, No. 23 (through IND)
Joe Dumars mentioned he has spoken extensively to Zion Williamson about accountability and the accountability that comes with being the face of the franchise. Availability is part of that, too, as Williamson has performed in 70 video games solely as soon as in his 5 seasons. The Pels have the draft belongings and controllable contracts to swing a major commerce. Will Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones return by the beginning of subsequent season? With Dejounte Murray anticipated to be out till January, the Pels most likely will likely be trying within the draft or free company so as to add a lead guard and a giant man. — Wright
26. Toronto Raptors
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2024-25 report: 30-52
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Earlier rank: 24
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Consequence: Missed postseason
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2025 draft picks: No. 9, No. 39 (through POR)
Over the previous 18 months, the Raptors have fully reshaped their roster. However as OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have left to turn into a part of elite groups in New York, Indiana and Houston, respectively, the query is whether or not Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and the remainder of the Raptors on the roster can return the franchise to the highest of the East. Or if Masai Ujiri and his entrance workplace will attempt to make one other splash this summer season. — Bontemps
27. Brooklyn Nets
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2024-25 report: 26-56
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Earlier rank: 25
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Consequence: Missed postseason
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2025 draft picks: No. 8, No. 19 (through MIL), No. 26 (through NYK), No. 27 (through HOU), No. 36
The Nets may transfer Cameron Johnson, a talented two-way ahead who’d seemingly match with any contender, for extra draft capital on this cycle or a future one.
The opposite participant they will have to resolve on is 23-year-old restricted free agent Cam Thomas, who averaged 24 factors this previous season as one of many league’s most easy scorers, however remains to be working to construct out his playmaking and defensive abilities.
Brooklyn wish to be concerned in any future conversations involving Giannis Antetokounmpo ought to he turn into out there. However with the chatter suggesting that he is staying put, so, too, would possibly the Nets’ belongings — for now. — Herring
28. Charlotte Hornets
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2024-25 report: 19-63
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Earlier rank: 28
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Consequence: Missed postseason
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2025 draft picks: No. 4, No. 33, No. 34 (through NO)
As uncomfortable as it’s, the dialog needs to be had: Is the franchise nonetheless clearly viewing 23-year-old LaMelo Ball as a cornerstone? This previous season was the third straight by which he failed to seem in at the least 50 video games. He additionally logged profession worsts in field-goal share, 3-point share and efficient subject purpose charge. Coach Charles Lee would definitely like to see his core collectively extra usually, as he bought solely six video games together with his beginning 5 of Ball, Josh Inexperienced, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams this previous season. — Herring
29. Utah Jazz
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2024-25 report: 17-65
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Earlier rank: 30
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Consequence: Missed postseason
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2025 draft picks: No. 5, No. 21 (MIN), No. 43 (through DAL), No. 53 (through LAC)
New president of basketball operations Austin Ainge was adamant that the Jazz, who landed the No. 5 decide after having the league’s worst report final season, wouldn’t tank by manipulating minutes or utilizing inventive license with the harm report. That doesn’t essentially imply that successful will likely be Utah’s precedence subsequent season.
The Jazz listened to affords for Lauri Markkanen earlier than signing the one-time All-Star ahead to a five-year, $238 million extension final summer season. With Utah early in a rebuild, may the 28-year-old be had for the proper priced deal within the commerce market? The Jazz are anticipated to proceed speaking commerce prospects for veterans Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and John Collins. — MacMahon
30. Washington Wizards
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2024-25 report: 18-64
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Earlier rank: 29
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Consequence: Missed postseason
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2025 draft picks: No. 6, No. 18 (through MEM), No. 40 (through PHX)
Watching Oklahoma Metropolis within the NBA Finals offers the Wizards the blueprint for what a protracted and full rebuild can appear like. However an 18-win season with the second-worst report within the league final season did not yield a top-three decide however fairly the No. 6 decide.
GM Will Dawkins, who started his profession in OKC, says the group has constructing blocks in younger gamers equivalent to Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George. They usually have the sixth and 18th picks within the first spherical. Relying on what the Wizards need to do, they’ve some veteran gamers to presumably commerce in Jordan Poole, Khris Middleton and Marcus Good. However Washington additionally may choose to maintain some skilled gamers to assist mentor their younger expertise, and likewise assist them be somewhat extra aggressive to assist abdomen what could possibly be one other lengthy season.
The Wizards have misplaced 67 and 64 video games the previous two seasons. — Youngmisuk
