ESPN updates the offseason power rankings for all 30 teams: Thunder lead, Knicks third, Lakers ninth, Rockets tenth

On June 14, Beijing time, the 2025-26 NBA season ended as the Knicks beat the Spurs 4-1 in the Finals to win the title. ESPN immediately published its offseason power rankings for the 30 teams (before the draft and trades). In this early list, the championship-winning Knicks were third, with the Thunder first and the Spurs second. The Lakers took ninth place, and the Rockets were tenth. Below are the full rankings for all 30 teams and analysis of the top 10.

Positions 1-10:1. Thunder, 2. Spurs, 3. Knicks, 4. Celtics, 5. Pistons, 6. Nuggets, 7. Cavaliers, 8. Timberwolves, 9. Lakers, 10. Rockets

Positions 11-20:11. Pacers, 12. 76ers, 13. Hawks, 14. Raptors, 15. Magic, 16. Warriors, 17. Hornets, 18. Clippers, 19. Trail Blazers, 20. Heat

Positions 21-30:21. Suns, 22. Jazz, 23. Mavericks, 24. Pelicans, 25. Bulls, 26. Grizzlies, 27. Bucks, 28. Wizards, 29. Nets, 30. Kings

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

2025-26 season record: 64-18

Season outcome: Eliminated in Western Conference Finals

Next season, the team's salary cap pressure will rise further.

The Thunder's current total salary stands at $186.7 million, just below the luxury tax line. Once the extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren take effect, the payroll will approach $250 million, fully entering the second apron range.

The team can trim costs through minor moves, but General Manager Sam Presti has already mapped out a plan to navigate the high luxury tax phase for this perennial contender.

The Thunder posted 64 wins this season despite losing their second-leading scorer Jalen Williams to injury for most of the regular season and the entire Western Conference Finals, pushing the Spurs to the brink. The team is expected to retain its core lineup and continue chasing the title.

2. San Antonio Spurs

2025-26 season record: 62-20

Season outcome: Lost in NBA Finals

Before this season began, analysts predicted the Spurs would only compete for a play-in spot, but the team surged to become a title contender. After gaining valuable Finals experience, the Spurs will only be stronger next season.

The young core—Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Harper, along with veterans De'Aaron Fox, Julian Champagnie, and Devin Vassell—will continue to develop. Wembanyama is eligible for a five-year, $251 million rookie max extension, which would set a new franchise record.

The Spurs also plan to bolster frontcourt depth through the draft and free agency. Rookie Carter Bryant impressed this season and will take on a bigger role next year.

3. New York Knicks

2025-26 season record: 53-29

Season outcome: Won NBA Championship

The team already carries a high payroll, and salary costs will rise further next season, while the Knicks must make decisions on several backup free agents.

Mitchell Robinson played 60 games this season, showing steady improvement in availability, which will attract interest from many teams. His asking price this summer will likely exceed his current $12 million annual salary. Miles McBride's extension value is harder to gauge; he played only 41 games after core surgery but posted a career-high three-point percentage.

The Knicks were just $200,000 below the strict luxury tax threshold this season, leaving them with little flexibility; they only added Jose Alvarado at the trade deadline. Two major questions loom: Will they re-sign OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns? And how can they operate with such limited cap space?

4. Boston Celtics

2025-26 season record: 56-26

Season outcome: Eliminated in first round of playoffs

Last season, the Celtics shed their luxury tax burden through a series of complex salary maneuvers. This summer, their goal is clear: continue upgrading the roster.

Team President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens stated at the season wrap-up that the team's record against top-tier opponents was poor, meaning the Celtics must further strengthen.

The first priority is determining the fate of starting center Keita. The team holds a team option for next season. This big man made significant strides and is now a key contributor.

5. Detroit Pistons

2025-26 season record: 60-22

Season outcome: Eliminated in second round of playoffs

If the Pistons don't make major moves in the trade market this summer, it will be tough for them to replicate a 60-win campaign next season.

The Eastern Conference has grown stronger overall, making it harder to coast past weaker rivals. The team's top priority now is finding a shot-creating partner for Cade Cunningham.

Both playoff series went to seven games, exposing several issues. The Pistons are expected to focus on sharpening their postseason competitiveness next season.

This summer, the team's main tasks are signing restricted free agent center Jalen Duren and extending Defensive Player of the Year candidate Ausar Thompson. Reports also indicate the Pistons are targeting experienced veterans to help them reach the next level.

6. Denver Nuggets

2025-26 season record: 54-28

Season outcome: Eliminated in first round of playoffs

After the first-round exit, the only player guaranteed to remain with the Nuggets is three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Denver faces a dilemma: upgrading the roster is essential to contend with the Spurs and Thunder, but the team has already traded away multiple future first-round picks (two of which are owed to the Thunder), severely limiting its avenues for improvement.

If the Nuggets choose to re-sign restricted free agent Peyton Watson, they will likely trade Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun to alleviate luxury tax pressure.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers

2025-26 season record: 52-30

Season outcome: Eliminated in Eastern Conference Finals

On one hand, the Cavaliers deserve credit for their season. Despite major roster changes at the trade deadline, they reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018.

On the other hand, they were swept by the Knicks in the ECF in lopsided fashion, raising doubts about how far this group is from true contention.

Cavaliers President Koby Altman stated at the season wrap-up that no major overhaul is needed. Still, Cleveland is worth watching this offseason as they search for a player—or even another All-Star—who can push them over the top.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves

2025-26 season record: 49-33

Season outcome: Eliminated in second round of playoffs

After the second-round exit, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly made it clear the team must improve. "We have to face reality—there are far more positives than problems, but we know we're not good enough to win it all yet."

Looking across the league, the Thunder and Spurs are formidable foes, making it a steep climb. Connelly is expected to be active this summer, aggressively seeking roster upgrades.

9. Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 season record: 53-29

Season outcome: Eliminated in second round of playoffs

Luka Doncic missed the entire playoffs this season due to a hamstring injury. As long as he stays healthy and maintains his conditioning, he will return for key games next season. Doncic's healthy return alone gives the Lakers hope for further progress.

However, the team's future remains uncertain: LeBron James and Austin Reaves have contract situations to resolve, and the Lakers need to build a complete roster that complements Doncic's exceptional individual talent.

10. Houston Rockets

2025-26 season record: 52-30

Season outcome: Eliminated in first round of playoffs

Young guards Amen and Sheppard were given significant responsibilities this season, gaining extensive game experience. Veteran point guard Fred VanVleet, who suffered a torn ACL, will return next season to orchestrate the offense. The Rockets often faltered in clutch moments this year, and VanVleet's return should help address that issue.

Center Steven Adams will also return healthy, strengthening rebounding and, more importantly, improving second-chance scoring. With that, the Rockets' championship window remains open.

Adding to that, future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant has fully integrated into the team's system, making the Rockets' title prospects even brighter.