NBA Offseason Report Card 2025: Teams That Excelled and Those That Fell Short

Kevin Pelton evaluates the 2025 NBA offseason, grading each team's moves and strategies to improve their rosters for the upcoming season.

NBA Offseason Report Card 2025

With the NBA offseason nearing its conclusion, it's time to assess how each team has fared in their efforts to bolster their rosters for the 2025-26 season. ESPN's Kevin Pelton provides a comprehensive analysis, grading each team based on their free agency moves, trades, and overall strategy.

Atlanta Hawks: A

The Hawks made significant strides by acquiring top free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker and adding Kristaps Porzingis for added size. Their draft-night maneuver to secure a future first-round pick from the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans was a masterstroke, positioning them as a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.

Boston Celtics: C

The Celtics managed their finances well but lost considerable talent, especially in the frontcourt. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to injury, Boston faces a challenging season ahead.

Brooklyn Nets: C-

Despite having ample cap space, the Nets' offseason moves were underwhelming. They did secure a future first-round pick from Denver but failed to make significant improvements to their roster.

Charlotte Hornets: B-

The Hornets bolstered their offense with veterans Spencer Dinwiddie and Collin Sexton, and rookie Kon Knueppel showed promise in the summer league. They should be more competitive in the upcoming season.

Chicago Bulls: C-

The Bulls brought back Tre Jones and added Isaac Okoro, but their lack of major moves leaves them in a similar position to last season.

Cleveland Cavaliers: B

The Cavaliers made low-cost additions like Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr., maintaining their status as Eastern Conference favorites.

Dallas Mavericks: B-

Dallas landed D'Angelo Russell and retained Kyrie Irving, but their frontcourt remains crowded, potentially limiting the impact of rookie Cooper Flagg.

Denver Nuggets: A-

The Nuggets strengthened their roster by acquiring Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas, making them a formidable team in the Western Conference.

Detroit Pistons: C

The Pistons faced setbacks with Malik Beasley's investigation but managed to add Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert, though their second unit may still struggle.

Golden State Warriors: Incomplete

The Warriors' offseason remains uncertain as they await decisions on Jonathan Kuminga and potential additions like Al Horford.

Houston Rockets: A

The Rockets made the biggest splash by acquiring Kevin Durant and adding depth with Fred VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith, positioning themselves as title contenders.

Indiana Pacers: D

The Pacers lost Myles Turner and failed to find a suitable replacement, leaving their frontcourt in a precarious position.

LA Clippers: B+

The Clippers added veterans Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, and Bradley Beal, bolstering their depth and maintaining flexibility for future moves.

Los Angeles Lakers: B

The Lakers focused on building around Luka Doncic, adding young talent like Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton, though their offseason moves may not yield immediate results.

Memphis Grizzlies: B

The Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane for future assets but managed to retain Jaren Jackson Jr. and add depth with Jerome.

Miami Heat: B+

The Heat capitalized on their cap space to add Norman Powell, replacing some of the scoring lost with Jimmy Butler's departure.

Milwaukee Bucks: C+

The Bucks stretched Damian Lillard's contract to sign Myles Turner, but their roster still lacks the depth to contend.

Minnesota Timberwolves: B-

The Timberwolves managed their payroll well but lost Alexander-Walker and may have overpaid for Naz Reid.

New Orleans Pelicans: F

The Pelicans' risky moves, including the draft-night swap with the Hawks, left them with a crowded depth chart and uncertain future.

New York Knicks: B

The Knicks made minor upgrades to their bench but lacked the cap space for significant moves.

Oklahoma City Thunder: B+

The Thunder secured long-term extensions for their core players, ensuring stability for their championship roster.

Orlando Magic: B

The Magic added Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones, improving their backcourt depth and positioning themselves for a playoff push.

Philadelphia 76ers: C

The 76ers had a quiet offseason, relying on internal improvements rather than making significant roster changes.

Phoenix Suns: C+

The Suns moved on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, focusing on a younger roster but likely falling short of playoff contention.

Portland Trail Blazers: C

The Blazers added veteran guards Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard but face a crowded backcourt and unresolved issues with Jerami Grant.

Sacramento Kings: D+

The Kings' offseason moves, including the signing of Dennis Schroder, did little to improve their playoff chances.

San Antonio Spurs: B

The Spurs upgraded their frontcourt with veterans and drafted Dylan Harper, setting the stage for future success.

Toronto Raptors: C-

The Raptors' acquisition of Brandon Ingram was their only notable move, leaving their roster largely unchanged.

Utah Jazz: C

The Jazz moved on from veterans to focus on developing young talent, though their offseason moves were somewhat delayed.

Washington Wizards: B

The Wizards cleared cap space for 2026 and added young talent, positioning themselves for future flexibility.

This comprehensive report card highlights the highs and lows of the 2025 NBA offseason, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

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