Anshari Taslim
The typical July release of NBA offseason grades, following the initial free agency frenzy and core roster constructions, was significantly delayed this year, primarily by the decision of LeBron James, the league’s most prominent free agent. James’ protracted free agency reportedly impacted at least five actively pursuing teams and indirectly influenced several others due to speculation surrounding potential teammates. With James’ decision now finalized on July 27, this updated assessment provides a comprehensive overview of how teams navigated a summer marked by significant player movement and strategic shifts. This report offers thorough evaluations of the five teams that vied for James, followed by streamlined analyses of the remaining 25 franchises.
The Five Teams Pursuing LeBron James
Philadelphia 76ers: A+
The Philadelphia 76ers executed what is widely considered an exceptional offseason, despite inherent risks. While the team faces potential challenges related to James’ age (39), Joel Embiid’s documented injury history, questions regarding defensive consistency, and the stylistic integration of multiple high-usage stars, the acquisition represents a significant leap. The 76ers transformed assets including Paul George, two future first-round picks, the mid-level exception, and two deep bench players (Dalen Terry and Johni Broome) into LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This resource allocation is an extraordinary feat, particularly for new lead executive Mike Gansey. The move provides championship upside in a league increasingly dominated by young, asset-rich contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. Philadelphia, which finished the previous season with a 47-35 record and exited the playoffs in the second round, has positioned itself from a "no realistic chance" to a "somewhat realistic chance" at an NBA title, achieving this without sacrificing any existing young core talent. This marks a substantial upgrade for a franchise seeking to capitalize on Embiid’s MVP-caliber prime.
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Minnesota Timberwolves: B
The Minnesota Timberwolves presented arguably the most natural fit for James, given their roster composition and their relatively less urgent need for an immediate championship window. Having traded power forwards Naz Reid and Julius Randle, James would have seamlessly filled a positional void while enhancing the team’s shot-creation capabilities alongside emerging superstar Anthony Edwards. With James, Minnesota, a 56-26 team that reached the Western Conference Finals last season, could have mirrored the 76ers’ ascension to genuine contender status. However, with Edwards entering his age-25 season and most of the core (excluding Rudy Gobert) in a similar age bracket, the Timberwolves can be judged on a longer time horizon. Their acquisition of LaMelo Ball for Randle, Reid, and a first-round pick, while carrying health, defensive, and maturity risks, represents a crucial talent swing necessary to compete with the Spurs and Thunder. Ball’s playmaking and pull-up three-point shooting, combined with Edwards’, offer a potent offensive strategy to stretch opposing defenses. The Timberwolves have solidified a core for several years, raising their long-term ceiling significantly, even if finding a dedicated power forward takes another season.
Miami Heat: B-
The Miami Heat’s offseason was defined by the dual challenge of needing a high-level shot-creator and the significant cost of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, even without securing James. The Heat invested almost all their non-Bam Adebayo assets for Antetokounmpo, a move that, while bringing in an MVP candidate, did not immediately assure them of championship contention. Miami’s genuine need for James’ shot-creation was highlighted by the current roster’s lack of it outside of Antetokounmpo. The team’s approach, characterized by front-loading Andrew Wiggins’ contract for future flexibility and signing Tim Hardaway Jr. to a short, team-friendly deal, suggests a long-term building process rather than an all-out championship pursuit. This philosophy, while potentially preserving future options, raises questions given Antetokounmpo’s age (31) and calf injury concerns. Despite the organizational improvement from having no All-NBA players to an MVP candidate, the Heat, who finished 46-36 and were eliminated in the first round last season, are currently not considered strong enough to win a revamped Eastern Conference. Their significant investment in Antetokounmpo demands contention, placing the onus on the Pat Riley-Erik Spoelstra infrastructure to develop the team over time.
Golden State Warriors: C-
The Golden State Warriors faced a challenging offseason, and their failure to secure James did little to alter a seemingly closed championship window for the Stephen Curry era. Even with James, or a hypothetical pairing of James and Anthony Davis, the aging, injury-prone core and thin roster likely would not have propelled Golden State into genuine 2027 title contention. The Warriors’ decision not to trade future draft picks, therefore, appears prudent, avoiding mortgaging their future for marginal short-term gains. Their selection of Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11, who was named Summer League MVP, addresses a scarce position and offers immediate impact potential. The reasonable contracts given to their own free agents further reflect a sensible approach given their circumstances. However, the organization, which finished 46-36 and missed the playoffs last season, did little to reverse its declining fortunes. With Stephen Curry’s untradeable status and Draymond Green’s pending re-signing, the Warriors’ "keep almost everyone" strategy, while executed reasonably well, lacked the creativity needed for a significant course correction.
Cleveland Cavaliers: D
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ offseason has been marked by a significant downturn in their prospects, largely influenced by their unsuccessful pursuit of James and subsequent roster decisions. Motivated partly by a desire to duck the second apron, the Cavaliers lost Dean Wade and Keon Ellis, depleting their on-ball defense. Potential replacements like Jonathan Kuminga and Mario Hezonja present fit or reliability issues, placing substantial reliance on the growth of promising rookie Jaylon Tyson. The Cavaliers, who finished 48-34 and were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, appear to be a worse team than the one that faced the New York Knicks. A clear strategic vision for the franchise is lacking; they did not pursue a present-focused move like trading Evan Mobley for Giannis Antetokounmpo, nor a future-oriented one like trading Donovan Mitchell for draft capital. Mitchell’s extension, described as potentially a "bad contract," further complicates their financial outlook. With James Harden a year older and the Eastern Conference significantly improved, Cleveland’s path to contention is unclear, and they currently project as a play-in team.
The 25 Non-LeBron Teams
Charlotte Hornets: A
The Charlotte Hornets executed a bold and strategic offseason, trading LaMelo Ball to Minnesota. Ball, who struggled with injuries and inconsistent play during his tenure in Charlotte, is perceived to be better suited as a secondary creator. The Hornets’ move has resulted in a clean cap sheet, a young, flexible, and talented core, and one of the NBA’s most impressive collections of future draft capital. This positions the franchise favorably for a long-term rebuild.
Los Angeles Clippers: A-
Contingent on the Kawhi Leonard trade’s finalization, the Clippers appear to have successfully initiated a rebuild. They are poised to acquire two valuable picks and a potentially meaningful swap for an injury-prone, 35-year-old star, avoiding a risky contract extension. Securing a second-year team option on Rui Hachimura and a cost-effective four-year deal for Kobe Sanders further adds to their future flexibility. The team is also expected to retain Bennedict Mathurin on a favorable deal, given the limited cap space remaining in the market.
Utah Jazz: B+
The Utah Jazz demonstrated strong asset management, acquiring more draft capital for Walker Kessler than the Clippers received for Kawhi Leonard or the Boston Celtics for Jaylen Brown, all without taking back additional salary. While a long-term center solution will be needed, Jaxson Hayes serves as a reasonable short-term stopgap alongside Jusuf Nurkić. The addition of Josh Okogie’s defense addresses a team need, and with promising prospect Darryn Peterson on the horizon, the Jazz’s future looks bright, though real contention remains a year or two away.
San Antonio Spurs: B
The San Antonio Spurs continued their methodical build around Victor Wembanyama. The selection of Jayden Quaintance as a high-risk, high-reward pick could yield significant defensive talent alongside Wembanyama if he stays healthy. Tobias Harris provides an upgrade at power forward on a reasonable contract, as does Julian Champagnie’s extension. Wembanyama’s decision to eschew Rose Rule max contract escalators will provide substantial financial flexibility in the long term. The Spurs’ strategic, incremental moves have been well-executed.
Toronto Raptors: B-
The Toronto Raptors’ acquisition of Kawhi Leonard presents a high-stakes proposition. If Leonard remains healthy, the Raptors, a 41-41 team last season, possess a legitimate chance to compete in the Eastern Conference. The roster’s youth, ability to score in transition, and strong defensive personnel are well-suited to minimize Leonard’s regular-season workload. The success of this move hinges entirely on Leonard’s ability to remain durable and perform at an elite level through four playoff rounds.
Atlanta Hawks: B-
The Atlanta Hawks meaningfully improved their wing rotation by adding Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins without expending a first-round pick. While giving up former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher stings, it represents a move to gain value for a player who might have languished on the bench. Re-signing CJ McCollum and Jock Landale to tradable one-year deals and taking a flyer on Devin Carter reflect a solid, sensible offseason of roster management.
Memphis Grizzlies: B-
The Memphis Grizzlies navigated a complex situation by moving Ja Morant without sacrificing additional draft picks, a notable win for the franchise. The additions of front-court depth in Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post address needs given Zach Edey’s durability concerns and a coaching preference for short-burst rotations. With a few extra second-round picks acquired and lottery pick Cam Boozer adding future talent, the Grizzlies have assembled a team of capable NBA players while maintaining cap flexibility, positioning them well for the future despite finishing 27-55 last season.
New York Knicks: C+
Despite winning the championship last season, the New York Knicks enter the new season a diminished team following the loss of Mitchell Robinson, a key defensive anchor. However, the team successfully retained other core players on value deals, many with non-guaranteed money, and managed to stay below the second apron, preserving in-season trade flexibility for a backup center. While a higher grade might have been achieved by entering the second apron, the Knicks made the most of their self-imposed financial restrictions. Future extensions for Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns will be crucial.
Houston Rockets: C+
The Houston Rockets made several judicious financial and roster moves. Acquiring Marcus Smart for the taxpayer mid-level exception and Tari Eason for what is essentially a full mid-level contract represent good value. Ducking the luxury tax by trading Dorian Finney-Smith was likely a necessity given future financial commitments. The team is heavily relying on the healthy returns of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. While concerns exist regarding Reed Sheppard’s minutes with an abundance of guards, the individual transactions were sound for a team that finished 41-41 last season.
Oklahoma City Thunder: C+
The Oklahoma City Thunder, known for their asset accumulation, successfully ducked the second apron, shedding non-essential depth while gaining several second-round picks. This move potentially elevates Cason Wallace to a starting role in place of Lu Dort. Notably, the Thunder subtly disrupted conference rivals, extending an offer sheet to Spencer Jones that pushed the Denver Nuggets into the second apron, and facilitating the Dort/Wiggins trade to Atlanta, whose first-round pick is controlled by the Spurs. General Manager Sam Presti adeptly leveraged his team’s financial position to create strategic advantages.
Detroit Pistons: C+
The Detroit Pistons’ offseason largely involved shuffling role players, with John Collins and Isaiah Joe arriving as Isaiah Stewart, Tobias Harris, and Caris LeVert departed. The incoming players are generally seen as upgrades, with Joe’s shooting and Collins’ potential as a small-ball center providing useful fits alongside Ausar Thompson. The Pistons are also effectively negotiating with Jalen Duren in restricted free agency, demonstrating leverage in the apron era. However, with their offseason incomplete pending Duren’s resolution and a critical need for a secondary creator alongside Cade Cunningham, the team, which finished 19-63 last season, still has significant work to do.
Chicago Bulls: C
The Chicago Bulls’ offseason was highlighted by the emergence of Caleb Wilson at Summer League, though this was a lottery-driven acquisition. Their use of cap space to acquire Nic Claxton and Norman Powell provides needed shooting and a center to stabilize the roster. While the team might have benefited from higher-upside swings on younger talent, the strategy to build a competitive roster around Wilson is clear. No. 15 pick Dailyn Swain had a challenging Summer League, but it is too early to draw definitive conclusions. The Bulls finished 39-43 last season.
Dallas Mavericks: C
The Dallas Mavericks’ strategy of stocking up on versatile forwards, including Risacher, Santi Aldama, and Morez Johnson, is generally sound for an asset-starved team, even if it creates a slight positional redundancy for Cooper Flagg. However, the Mavericks may have missed a significant opportunity by not trading Kyrie Irving, especially if the Cavaliers were willing to offer substantial assets to lure LeBron James. Given Luka Dončić’s age (25) and the potential to replace Irving with a similar, older guard like James Harden, passing on such leverage for a 34-year-old Irving could be considered a strategic misstep for a team that finished 50-32 and reached the Western Conference Finals last season.
Indiana Pacers: C
The Indiana Pacers’ notable offseason move was the addition of Kelly Oubre Jr., who provides a veteran presence and a logical replacement for Mathurin. The decision to waive Micah Potter for the older, less durable Larry Nance Jr. was somewhat puzzling, though Nance’s reputation as a positive locker room figure aligns with the team’s culture. While the loss of the No. 5 pick was a previous deadline trade, the Pacers, who finished 47-35 last season, had a relatively quiet offseason in terms of major roster overhauls.
Boston Celtics: C-
The Jaylen Brown trade, while initially controversial, is now viewed with less alarm, granting the Boston Celtics increased flexibility. However, the team still needs to address critical championship concerns regarding tough shot-making, rim pressure, and on-ball defense. The additions of Paul George, who aligns with Joe Mazzulla’s preferred offensive style, and Mitchell Robinson, a significant boost to their already strong rebounding, indicate a doubling down on their core philosophy. Yet, the true success of this offseason hinges on their ability to leverage the picks acquired for Brown to address their playoff weaknesses. The Celtics were 64-18 and NBA Champions last season.
Washington Wizards: C-
The Washington Wizards’ offseason, beyond the lottery-gifted selection of AJ Dybantsa, was highlighted by a controversial four-year max contract for Trae Young. This decision stands in stark contrast to the Atlanta Hawks’ choice to cap dump Young, raising questions about the Wizards’ investment strategy. Similar to Dallas with Irving, Washington potentially erred by not leveraging LeBron James’ interest to trade Anthony Davis for value, particularly given Davis’ existing problematic contract and the prospect of a further extension. The Wizards finished 19-63 last season.
Orlando Magic: C-
Aside from a sentimental Nikola Vučević reunion, the Orlando Magic achieved little to address their core issues. While they ducked the second apron by waiving Jonathan Isaac, they failed to meaningfully improve their offensive struggles or mitigate the impending apron-crunch from Anthony Black’s rookie extension or restricted free agency. The team, which finished 47-35 last season, is betting heavily on Sean Sweeney being a significantly better offensive coach than Jamahl Mosley, a gamble that may not suffice in a deep Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks: C-
The Milwaukee Bucks’ trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, while yielding numerous future picks and role players, leaves the team without a clear centerpiece and a bleak outlook for the coming years. The contract given to Gary Trent Jr. is under investigation for cap circumvention, indicating problematic management. Despite a window to trade veterans like Tyler Herro and Myles Turner for value and the absence of first-round pick control (meaning relegation isn’t a concern), the Bucks, who finished 49-33 last season, have not capitalized on opportunities to accelerate their rebuild.
Denver Nuggets: C-
The Denver Nuggets’ offseason hinges entirely on the resolution of Peyton Watson’s restricted free agency. A successful retention would make this an acceptable offseason; a sign-and-trade for minimal value or the dumping of another core player to manage the tax bill would represent a failure. The Nuggets, who finished 57-25 last season, have already lost key depth, notably Tim Hardaway Jr.’s shooting. They have not replaced their existing need for ball-handling. While Marvin Bagley was a nice minimum signing and retaining Spencer Jones was significant, their ability to compete with the Spurs or Thunder relies heavily on Watson’s situation.
Los Angeles Lakers: C-
The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason saw them overpay for Walker Kessler, a move that severely limits their ability to add championship-caliber wings, with only a 2032 swap as tradable first-round capital. Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams were decent minimum signings but are not reliable starters or high-standard wing players. Kevon Looney is not considered an adequate backup center for a contender, and Kessler’s health is a concern. The Lakers, who finished 47-35 last season, over-indexed on ball-handling, resulting in a defense that lacks sufficient versatility and an overall ceiling that remains too low despite the presence of an MVP candidate, an All-Star caliber scorer, and a rim-protector.
Phoenix Suns: C-
The Phoenix Suns made a shrewd move by signing Collin Gillespie to a four-year, $48 million contract, a deal considered one of the best value signings of the offseason, alongside Jordan Goodwin. However, the trade for Miles Bridges, costing a future pick seven years out, is widely viewed as an irresponsible move. Bridges, a power forward who has shown inconsistency in shooting and defense, is also transitioning from a strong offensive system to a potentially weaker one. For a team that finished 49-33 last season and is perceived as a play-in team without championship equity, this trade signals a concerning lack of foresight.
Sacramento Kings: D+
The Sacramento Kings’ primary veteran move this offseason was ducking the luxury tax by waiving DeMar DeRozan. Beyond this, they failed to move the substantial contracts of Zach LaVine or Domantas Sabonis. This creates a peculiar situation where the Kings, after a slow start last season (45-37), appear to have accepted a rebuilding fate but have done almost nothing to actively kickstart that process. This inaction suggests another challenging year for the franchise, potentially placing them in the relegation zone given the limited veteran presence.
Brooklyn Nets: D
The Brooklyn Nets’ acquisition of Julius Randle raises significant strategic questions, particularly as they do not control their own first-round pick, negating the need for a floor-raising veteran who is nearing 32. The unresolved situation with Michael Porter Jr. at power forward, who has neither been traded nor extended, adds to the confusion. Mutual options given to Keon Ellis and Mo Wagner are unnecessarily burdensome. Despite entering the offseason with maximum cap space, the Nets, who finished 32-50 last season, failed to meaningfully improve their long-term prospects.
New Orleans Pelicans: D
The New Orleans Pelicans’ decision to essentially run back a 26-win team without adding a single player on a standard contract is illogical. Relying on coach Jamahl Mosley to solve the complex problems of overlapping offensive skill sets and limited spacing, especially given his recent track record in Orlando, is a bizarre choice. The Pelicans’ offseason lacks a clear plan or direction regarding team building, effectively constituting a wasted summer for a franchise in dire need of improvement.
Portland Trail Blazers: D
The Portland Trail Blazers’ acquisition of Ja Morant is fraught with risk and questionable fit. Morant’s presence complicates Deni Avdija’s role due to his poor shooting, and a backcourt of Morant and Damian Lillard projects as one of the NBA’s worst defensively. Adding Morant’s significant salary further hinders future cap space for extensions. Promising young guards Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe are now relegated to bench roles, diminishing their development as potential long-term centerpieces. The trade, made in hopes Morant can return to his previous form despite a less than 50% chance, does not immediately elevate Portland to championship contention even if successful, given the inherent fit issues for a team that finished 21-61 last season.
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