With the 2024-25 NBA season now complete, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been crowned league champions, securing their first NBA title after defeating the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series.

Following their first Finals appearance in over a decade, the Thunder maintain their position atop our Way-Too-Early rankings. However, after an unpredictable postseason, the placements of the other 29 teams have shifted as we look ahead to the summer.

As one exciting NBA season concludes, our analysts offer their insights on potential offseason developments and lay the groundwork for what promises to be another competitive and unpredictable 2025-26 season.

Note: Team rankings reflect the collective assessment of our panel (ESPN analysts Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael C. Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring, Kevin Pelton, and Zach Kram) based on the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA season.

Following an unpredictable postseason, how do the teams stack up in these power rankings as the summer begins?

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder

2024-25 Record: 68-14
Previous Rank: 1 (No Change)
Result: NBA Finals Champions
2025 Draft Picks: No. 15 (via MIA), No. 24 (via LAC), No. 44 (via ATL)

We might need to get used to seeing the Thunder playing into June. Oklahoma City captured the championship with a core of rapidly improving young talent. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just entering his prime at 26. All-NBA caliber Jalen Williams, 24, and probable future All-Star Chet Holmgren, 23, have only just begun to tap into their full potential. All three key players for Oklahoma City are likely to sign significant, long-term contract extensions this summer. The Thunder will also integrate a lottery pick next season in guard Nikola Topic, who effectively redshirted his rookie year while recovering from a knee injury. General Manager Sam Presti must also decide what to do with the two second-round picks the Thunder hold in this draft, part of Oklahoma City`s extensive collection of draft assets in the coming years.

#2 Minnesota Timberwolves

2024-25 Record: 49-33
Previous Rank: 11 (Up)
Result: Eliminated in Western Conference Finals
2025 Draft Picks: No. 17 (via DET), No. 31 (via UTAH)

The Timberwolves appeared to be a strong contender until they encountered the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference finals, losing the series in five games.

With Julius Randle and Naz Reid holding player options for the next season, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker entering free agency this summer, the Wolves face significant roster decisions.

#3 Denver Nuggets

2024-25 Record: 50-32
Previous Rank: 7 (Up)
Result: Eliminated in Second Round
2025 Draft Picks: None

The Nuggets made their most notable changes before the regular season ended by dismissing coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. This shake-up coincided with a run to the second round, where Denver was defeated in seven games by Oklahoma City, hampered by Aaron Gordon`s severe hamstring injury. While the Nuggets may ponder how far they could have gone fully healthy, they also recognize the need to enhance the roster surrounding Nikola Jokic. Following David Adelman`s official appointment as head coach, he emphasized the team`s need for better physical conditioning and a continued focus on defense.

Denver requires increased depth, particularly to improve performance during minutes without Jokic. With Russell Westbrook declining his player option and entering free agency, Denver may need to find another experienced impact player off the bench. Given that only a first-round pick in 2031 or 2032 is available for trade, Michael Porter Jr. likely represents their best trade asset if they pursue a major offseason move.

#4 Cleveland Cavaliers

2024-25 Record: 64-18
Previous Rank: 2 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in Second Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 49 (via MIL), No. 58

Cleveland`s impressive season concluded abruptly at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, who went on to claim the Eastern Conference title after surprising comeback victories against New York and Cleveland.

Part of this early playoff exit was attributed to guard Darius Garland, whose performance dipped in the playoffs, averaging 18 points on 42% shooting (28.6% from 3) compared to his regular-season averages of 20.6 points on 47.2% (40.1% from 3). Garland underwent surgery on his left big toe, which impacted him during the postseason, but the Cavaliers anticipate he will be ready for training camp.

#5 Houston Rockets

2024-25 Record: 52-30
Previous Rank: 4 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in First Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 59 (via OKC)

The Rockets demonstrated they are just a primary offensive creator away from achieving a deeper postseason run. The team had hoped one of their young, talented players would step into this role. Instead, Houston acquired Kevin Durant on the final day of the NBA season, sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and draft picks — including the No. 10 pick in this year`s draft — to the Suns. Durant and coach Ime Udoka previously worked together with the Brooklyn Nets, and the 15-time All-Star brings veteran leadership to a young squad that finished second in the West but lost in the first round to the experienced Warriors.

#6 Indiana Pacers

2024-25 Record: 50-32
Previous Rank: 8 (Up)
Result: Lost in the NBA Finals
2025 Draft Picks: No. 54

The Pacers were one victory shy of pulling off one of the most improbable upsets in NBA Finals history, but the aftermath of Tyrese Haliburton`s Achilles injury casts significant doubt on the future of one of the league`s most exciting teams. Haliburton suffered a non-contact injury in Game 7 of the Finals and did not return, though the full severity of the injury has not yet been disclosed by the team. The Pacers made an unlikely run through the Eastern Conference playoffs, reaching their first Finals in 25 years. Their young core positions them well to compete for years to come, although Haliburton`s availability for the 2025-26 season is likely uncertain.

#7 New York Knicks

2024-25 Record: 51-31
Previous Rank: 5 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in Eastern Conference Finals
2025 Draft Picks: No. 50 (via MEM)

In his statement announcing the firing of coach Tom Thibodeau, Knicks president Leon Rose began by stating, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans.” This phrase, coupled with the decision to remove Thibodeau just three days after New York`s deepest playoff run in 25 years, clearly signals the club`s future expectations, regardless of who takes the coaching reins. The Knicks reached the conference finals with a highly skilled starting five — despite being outscored during the second half of the season and in the playoffs — and a thin bench. Either the starters, the bench, or both groups will require upgrades to contend for a championship next season.

#8 Golden State Warriors

2024-25 Record: 48-34
Previous Rank: 10 (Up)
Result: Eliminated in Second Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 41 (via MIA)

The Warriors head into the offseason wondering how far they could have advanced if Stephen Curry`s hamstring had remained healthy. With this in mind, the Warriors aim to add complementary pieces around Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green. They need more size, additional two-way wings who can shoot, and overall greater depth.

Jonathan Kuminga will be a restricted free agent, and General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has stated the Warriors want Kuminga back. However, Kuminga`s playing time was inconsistent throughout the season, though he performed some of his best basketball in the second-round series against Minnesota, averaging 24.2 points in Games 2 through 5 with Curry sidelined. Coach Steve Kerr has indicated that if Kuminga returns, he will commit to playing him alongside Curry, Butler, and Green early in the season to better evaluate their synergy. The Warriors can match competing offers or potentially arrange a sign-and-trade.

#9 Los Angeles Lakers

2024-25 Record: 50-32
Previous Rank: 6 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in First Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 55

After not utilizing Jaxson Hayes in their series-ending Game 5 loss to Minnesota in the first round, the Lakers` primary offseason objective remains finding a center.

They will have access to the taxpayer`s midlevel exception (approximately $5.6 million) to strengthen the position. Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) are also on expiring contracts, providing L.A. with some salary flexibility for potential trades.

#10 LA Clippers

2024-25 Record: 50-32
Previous Rank: 9 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in First Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 30 (via OKC), No. 51 (via MIN)

The Clippers exceeded expectations last season after Paul George`s departure in free agency, fielding a more balanced and defensively oriented team. James Harden performed at a third-team All-NBA level while Kawhi Leonard was injured. Ivica Zubac developed into a significant presence on both ends of the court, and Norman Powell played like an All-Star in the first half of the season. Harden holds a player option, and if he becomes a free agent, the Clippers are likely to seek his return on a contract that aligns with the remaining two years on Leonard`s deal. The Clippers will explore avenues to enhance their roster and remain competitive, primarily by assessing opportunities in the offseason trade market.

#11 Detroit Pistons

2024-25 Record: 44-38
Previous Rank: 14 (Up)
Result: Eliminated in First Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 37 (via TOR)

The 2024-25 season was a definitive success for the Pistons: they increased their win total by 30 games (from 14 to 44), pushed the Knicks hard in a close first-round playoff series loss, and saw Cade Cunningham earn his first All-NBA selection. The franchise will rely on its young players to continue their development. Cunningham needs to reduce turnovers and improve his scoring efficiency. Jaden Ivey is expected to bounce back from a broken leg, Jalen Duren will aim to enhance his defense, and Ausar Thompson should evolve into a greater offensive threat, similar to his twin brother in Houston.

#12 Boston Celtics

2024-25 Record: 61-21
Previous Rank: 3 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in Second Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 28, No. 32 (via WAS)

In the wake of Jayson Tatum`s Achilles tear, few teams face a more critical offseason than Boston. The current roster places the team $23 million over the second luxury tax apron, making salary shedding through multiple transactions likely. The Celtics must determine their future direction with a roster that won a championship in 2024 but will almost certainly look different next season.

#13 Orlando Magic

2024-25 Record: 41-41
Previous Rank: 15 (Up)
Result: Eliminated in First Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 25 (via DEN), No. 46, No. 57 (via BOS)

The Magic are no longer content with a gradual ascent in the Eastern Conference; they are poised for a significant leap forward. After injuries disrupted their 2024-25 season, limiting Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs to sharing the court for only six games, they traded four unprotected first-round picks, a lightly protected swap, and two role players for Desmond Bane. Bane, a career 41% 3-point shooter, should significantly boost an offense that ranked 30th in both 3-point makes and accuracy in 2024-25, while also sharing playmaking responsibilities with Orlando`s established stars.

#14 Dallas Mavericks

2024-25 Record: 39-43
Previous Rank: 17 (Up)
Result: Eliminated in Play-In Tournament
2025 Draft Picks: No. 1

The Mavericks` long-standing concerns — both on the court and financially — stemming from the Luka Doncic trade were somewhat alleviated by their remarkable lottery fortune, landing Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. Flagg is expected to contribute immediately alongside Anthony Davis and eventually Kyrie Irving, who will miss at least the first part of next season recovering from a torn ACL.

Finding a temporary replacement for Irving who can transition into a key reserve role upon his return will be a priority for Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. Dennis Schroder, Malcolm Brogdon, Tyus Jones, and Chris Paul are potential free-agent options to fill this gap. The Mavericks also hope to finalize a new contract with Irving, who faces a decision regarding his $44 million player option.

#15 Memphis Grizzlies

2024-25 Record: 48-34
Previous Rank: 12 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in First Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 16 (via ORL), No. 48 (via GS), No. 56 (via HOU)

A difficult late-season stretch led to coaching staff changes that altered Memphis` playing style in the postseason. With Tuomas Iisalo`s interim tag now removed, the coach has the full offseason to implement his systems. General Manager Zach Kleiman has expressed confidence in Iisalo moving forward. However, the primary duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. has only won one playoff series together. Memphis recently traded Desmond Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four picks, and a pick swap. It appears more roster adjustments are anticipated as the Grizzlies look to retool.

#16 Milwaukee Bucks

2024-25 Record: 48-34
Previous Rank: 13 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in First Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 47 (via DET)

Giannis Antetokounmpo`s future in Milwaukee could be a major storyline this summer. The Bucks have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season, including a dominant five-game defeat by the Pacers that highlighted the team`s distance from championship contention. This loss, combined with an Achilles injury to Damian Lillard, leaves the Bucks with many questions to address this offseason. They must determine what kind of roster can be built to satisfy Antetokounmpo`s desire to compete for championships in Milwaukee, or if his time with the Bucks might be nearing its end.

#17 San Antonio Spurs

2024-25 Record: 34-48
Previous Rank: 23 (Up)
Result: Missed Postseason
2025 Draft Picks: No. 2, No. 14 (via ATL), No. 38

Gregg Popovich refers to himself as El Jefe (the boss). However, Popovich is no longer the head coach as Mitch Johnson begins his first offseason at the helm. With Victor Wembanyama entering his third season, Stephon Castle coming off being voted Rookie of the Year, and the trade deadline addition of De`Aaron Fox, the Spurs face a pivotal offseason with expectations to reach the postseason in 2025-26 for the first time since 2018-19. Holding the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, the Spurs are expected to add more talent, potentially prospect Dylan Harper, to their already promising young core.

#18 Miami Heat

2024-25 Record: 37-45
Previous Rank: 19 (Up)
Result: Eliminated in First Round
2025 Draft Picks: No. 20 (via GS)

After once again finishing in the play-in tournament — only to be soundly defeated by the Cavaliers in the first round — the Heat have significant work ahead to return to the level of competitiveness the franchise has maintained for the past three decades under Pat Riley`s leadership. However, closing that gap will likely require more than just one offseason, given their current standing.

#19 Atlanta Hawks

2024-25 Record: 40-42
Previous Rank: 18 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in Play-In Tournament
2025 Draft Picks: No. 13 (via SAC), No. 22 (via LAL)

Fresh off a front office restructuring in Atlanta, the team`s leadership faces a major decision regarding four-time All-Star Trae Young, who is eligible for an extension this summer. He is coming off his third consecutive season averaging at least 25 points and 10 assists. However, the hesitation before offering another max contract stems from a simple reality: since the team`s surprising run to the conference finals in 2020, the Hawks — who have been in the play-in tournament four years straight — have not come particularly close to breaking through again, even with Young`s production.

He is not an easy player to build a defense around, and his trade value would likely reflect this, raising the question of whether it`s better to pursue a more flexible deal with him that allows for greater roster balance. Atlanta has a decent foundation in this regard with Dyson Daniels, who led the NBA by a significant margin in steals and deflections last season.

#20 Sacramento Kings

2024-25 Record: 40-42
Previous Rank: 16 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in Play-In Tournament
2025 Draft Picks: No. 42 (via CHI)

The Kings will have more time to reshape their roster this summer after making significant changes by trading De`Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine just before the trade deadline. New GM Scott Perry identified the lack of a true point guard as a “clear need.” How Sacramento will acquire one is less clear. Sacramento sent a lottery pick to Atlanta to complete the Kevin Huerter trade and may not have access to the full non-taxpayer midlevel exception. This will depend on new contracts for reserves Keon Ellis (who would be unrestricted next summer if the Kings exercise his team option), Jake LaRavia, and Trey Lyles.

#21 Philadelphia 76ers

2024-25 Record: 24-58
Previous Rank: 26 (Up)
Result: Missed Postseason
2025 Draft Picks: No. 3, No. 35

Philadelphia experienced fortunate lottery results, securing the No. 3 pick and retaining their top-six protected selection. Consequently, the 76ers` focus will not only be on their high draft pick but also on whether a roster significantly impacted by injuries last season can bounce back. Star Joel Embiid played in only 19 games last season, and the 76ers also saw Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and promising rookie Jared McCain sidelined by season-ending injuries.

#22 Portland Trail Blazers

2024-25 Record: 36-46
Previous Rank: 22 (No Change)
Result: Missed Postseason
2025 Draft Picks: No. 11

Following contract extensions for coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin, the Blazers hope to build on their 23-18 finish in the second half of last season to contend for the playoffs in 2025-26. Portland has developed a competitive core of young talent led by forwards Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. However, maintaining the Blazers` top-three defensive rating from that period might be challenging. Opponents shot just 34% from 3-point range against them in those games, the second-lowest in the league, and this level of shooting luck typically doesn`t persist. For comparison, Denver, Miami, and Washington, which had the lowest opponent 3-point percentages in the second half of 2023-24, none ranked better than 14th in 2024-25.

#23 Chicago Bulls

2024-25 Record: 39-43
Previous Rank: 20 (Down)
Result: Eliminated in Play-In Tournament
2025 Draft Picks: No. 12, No. 45 (via SAC)

The Bulls have finished with the exact same record for two consecutive years and have been eliminated by the Heat in the play-in tournament for three straight seasons. Despite this consistency, significant changes are not expected in Chicago this offseason. The Bulls will look to re-sign Josh Giddey, a restricted free agent, and aim to build upon a strong final two months with their collection of young players surrounding him, including last year`s lottery pick Matas Buzelis and the No. 12 pick in this year`s draft.

#24 Phoenix Suns

2024-25 Record: 36-46
Previous Rank: 21 (Down)
Result: Missed Postseason
2025 Draft Picks: No. 10 (via HOU), No. 29 (via CLE), No. 52 (via DEN)

Phoenix`s extensive coaching search concluded with the hiring of 40-year-old Jordan Ott, a first-time head coach and the team`s fourth in the past four years. Although Ott was credited with significantly contributing to the Cavaliers` excellent 2024-25 season and is considered a promising young coach, he faces the challenge of balancing three ball-dominant guards following the trade of Kevin Durant to Houston in a package centered on Jalen Green, as reported by ESPN`s Shams Charania. Green joins a team already featuring Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, and the previous configuration with Durant, a better off-ball player than Green, already showed integration challenges.

#25 New Orleans Pelicans

2024-25 Record: 21-61
Previous Rank: 27 (Up)
Result: Missed Postseason
2025 Draft Picks: No. 7, No. 23 (via IND)

Joe Dumars stated he has had extensive discussions with Zion Williamson about accountability and the responsibilities that come with being the face of the franchise. Availability is a crucial part of this, as Williamson has played in 70 games only once in his five seasons. The Pelicans possess the draft assets and controllable contracts necessary to execute a significant trade. Will Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones be ready by the start of next season? With Dejounte Murray expected to be sidelined until January, the Pelicans will likely explore options in the draft or free agency to acquire a lead guard and a big man.

#26 Toronto Raptors

2024-25 Record: 30-52
Previous Rank: 24 (Down)
Result: Missed Postseason
2025 Draft Picks: No. 9, No. 39 (via POR)

Over the past 18 months, the Raptors have completely transformed their roster. As OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet have departed to join elite teams in New York, Indiana, and Houston respectively, the question now is whether Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and the rest of the current Raptors roster can restore the franchise to prominence in the East. Or if Masai Ujiri and his front office will attempt another major move this summer.

#27 Brooklyn Nets

2024-25 Record: 26-56
Previous Rank: 25 (Down)
Result: Missed Postseason
2025 Draft Picks: No. 8, No. 19 (via MIL), No. 26 (via NYK), No. 27 (via HOU), No. 36

The Nets might consider trading Cameron Johnson, a versatile two-way forward who would fit well with most contenders, in exchange for additional draft capital in the current or future drafts.

Another player they must make a decision on is 23-year-old restricted free agent Cam Thomas, who averaged 24 points last season as one of the league`s most effortless scorers but is still working to develop his playmaking and defensive abilities.

Brooklyn would ideally like to be involved in any potential discussions involving Giannis Antetokounmpo should he become available. However, with indications suggesting he is staying put, the Nets` assets may also remain untouched for the time being.

#28 Charlotte Hornets

2024-25 Record: 19-63
Previous Rank: 28 (No Change)
Result: Missed Postseason
2025 Draft Picks: No. 4, No. 33, No. 34 (via NO)

As uncomfortable as it might be, the question needs to be addressed: does the franchise still clearly view 23-year-old LaMelo Ball as a foundational piece? This past season was the third consecutive one in which he failed to appear in at least 50 games. He also recorded career lows in field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and effective field goal rate. Coach Charles Lee would certainly prefer to see his core players on the court together more often, as he only had his projected starting five of Ball, Josh Green, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams available for six games last season.

#29 Utah Jazz

2024-25 Record: 17-65
Previous Rank: 30 (Up)
Result: Missed Postseason
2025 Draft Picks: No. 5, No. 21 (MIN), No. 43 (via DAL), No. 53 (via LAC)

New president of basketball operations Austin Ainge was firm that the Jazz, who secured the No. 5 pick after having the league`s worst record last season, would not tank by manipulating minutes or using creative injury reporting. This does not necessarily mean that winning will be Utah`s top priority next season.

The Jazz entertained offers for Lauri Markkanen before signing the former All-Star forward to a five-year, $238 million extension last summer. With Utah in the early stages of a rebuild, could the 28-year-old be available for the right price in the trade market? The Jazz are expected to continue exploring trade possibilities for veterans Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins.

#30 Washington Wizards

2024-25 Record: 18-64
Previous Rank: 29 (Down)
Result: Missed Postseason
2025 Draft Picks: No. 6, No. 18 (via MEM), No. 40 (via PHX)

Watching the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals provides the Wizards with a clear blueprint for what a long and thorough rebuild can achieve. However, an 18-win season, resulting in the second-worst record last year, did not yield a top-three pick but rather the No. 6 selection.

General Manager Will Dawkins, who began his career in OKC, notes that the organization has foundational pieces in young players such as Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George. They also hold the sixth and 18th picks in the first round. Depending on their strategy, the Wizards have veteran players like Jordan Poole, Khris Middleton, and Marcus Smart who could potentially be traded. However, Washington might also choose to keep some experienced players to mentor the young talent and help the team be slightly more competitive, which could ease the challenge of what might be another difficult season.

The Wizards have recorded 67 and 64 losses over the past two seasons.