NBA Power Rankings After 2026 Draft Results and Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball Trades
The 2026 NBA Draft is in the rearview. Free agency and trade season looms.
And though those things could obviously sway the order, it's never too early to assess the state of the league through our power rankings.
With a hint of offseason forecasting and a lot of reaction to the draft added to our typical criteria (team and individual numbers, recent performance, championship chances and plenty of good, old-fashioned subjectivity), this is how the entire NBA stacks up right now.
30. Sacramento Kings (22-60)
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Previous Rank: 30
Net Rating: -9.7
2026-27 Finals Odds: +100000
The Sacramento Kings did well to come away from the draft with Darius Acuff Jr., a wildly productive freshman guard who instantly makes the team far more exciting in both the short and long term.
But in his first NBA season, he certainly won't be able to pull the Kings out of the doldrums they've worked their way into in recent years.
The next several months should be about trading veterans, piling up assets and starting the semblance of a team that would complement Acuff, not another doomed quest for a play-in spot.
29. Brooklyn Nets (20-62)
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Previous Rank: 29
Net Rating: -10.0
2026-27 Finals Odds: +100000
The Brooklyn Nets drafted Egor Dёmin, Nolan Traoré and Ben Saraf last year, but they (wisely) didn't allow that to influence their decision-making this week.
They figured playmaker Mikel Brown Jr. was the best player available at No. 6, so they added him to the already robust corps of young guards.
At some future point, they may have to choose which one or two of the above make the most sense, but that's certainly not now. They should all get plenty of opportunities to prove themselves on a team that shouldn't fancy itself a title contender (even after this week's win-now move brought them Julius Randle).
28. Milwaukee Bucks (32-50)
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Previous Rank: 28
Net Rating: -6.1
2026-27 Finals Odds: +17500
The Giannis Antetokounmpo deal finally went down, and the Milwaukee Bucks will almost certainly be one of the worst teams in the league because of it.
That's probably fine. Even after the league instituted its new anti-tanking rules, Milwaukee should want to get into next year's lottery and add to Brayden Burries and Nate Ament (who it took Tuesday).
Incoming veterans Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. may have other ideas, but there just isn't enough talent here to seriously threaten for a playoff (or even play-in) spot.
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27. Chicago Bulls (31-51)
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Previous Rank: 27
Net Rating: -5.3
2026-27 Finals Odds: +100000
The Chicago Bulls snuck into a three-team trade that landed them Nicolas Claxton, essentially for free. Then, they were smart to ignore the potential logjam that move might make and took Caleb Wilson with the fourth pick in Tuesday's draft.
Even in a class that includes AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer, Wilson may be the single highest upside swing. He's a spectacular athlete who should be productive as a rim-runner based on that alone.
But if he develops some perimeter skill and maybe even a long jumper, he has face-of-the-franchise-type talent.
Of course, that potential outcome is years down the road. And even with him, Claxton and Matas Buzelis, the Bulls should still be one of the worst teams in the NBA in the short term.
26. New Orleans Pelicans (26-56)
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Previous Rank: 25
Net Rating: -4.4
2026-27 Finals Odds: +50000
The New Orleans Pelicans were among the biggest stories of 2025's draft night, after they traded their own first for that class and an unprotected first for 2026 to get Derik Queen.
The pick that would've been theirs this week was used by the Atlanta Hawks to take Kingston Flemings.
And barring some sort of teardown (which feels like a real possibility), the Pelicans will be left to mostly run it back with a team that just won 26 games.
25. Memphis Grizzlies (25-57)
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Previous Rank: 26
Net Rating: -6.0
2026-27 Finals Odds: +75000
Regardless of what happens with Ja Morant this summer (he should be traded, but his value could also necessitate a buyout), if the Memphis Grizzlies stay healthy, they could absolutely improve upon last season's win total.
Zach Edey was a double-double machine in 2025-26. Cedric Coward already looks like a veteran three-and-D wing. Cam Spencer was quietly one of the steadier playmakers in the league. And Ty Jerome (seventh in the entire league in EPM) was absurdly productive in the 15 games he played.
Now the Grizzlies have added Cameron Boozer, the most productive college player in the nation last season. And his connective skills (like his passing, rebounding and outside shooting) should make everyone better.
That probably doesn't mean Memphis will seriously push for a play-in spot, but it'll be more fun and competitive than the team we're used to.
24. Phoenix Suns (45-37)
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Previous Rank: 22
Net Rating: 1.4
2026-27 Finals Odds: +12500
The Phoenix Suns had to wheel and deal their way into the first round on Tuesday, and they came away with Koa Peat for their troubles.
The best version of Peat comes with strength and an all-around skill set reminiscent of the best version of Justise Winslow, and the Suns may need him to get there pretty quickly.
They were one of the best stories in the league last season, but they won't surprise anyone in 2026-27. And with much of the rest of the West beefing up, a return to the playoffs is far from guaranteed.
23. Utah Jazz (22-60)
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Previous Rank: 23
Net Rating: -8.2
2026-27 Finals Odds: +22500
The Utah Jazz picked up the most enticing guard prospect in this loaded class on Tuesday, when they drafted Darryn Peterson second overall.
Adding his scoring ability to a rotation that already includes Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler (assuming he re-signs) could make Utah a dark-horse playoff contender.
Cracking the top 10 and then surviving the play-in in the West is no small task, though. That'll take better health luck than the Jazz have had in recent years and maybe some better-than-expected development from Bailey, Peterson or Cody Williams.
22. Golden State Warriors (37-45)
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Previous Rank: 20
Net Rating: -0.5
2026-27 Finals Odds: +6500
The Golden State Warriors must feel pretty confident in their ability to make one last run with Stephen Curry (who turns 39 in March), because they went with soon-to-be-24-year-old Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11 on Tuesday.
Lendeborg has the kind of unselfish and well-rounded game that should fit Steve Kerr's system well, but he might also be a bit duplicative with Draymond Green.
And given how far Golden State is from the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, it might've been better off going for an upside swing here.
21. Dallas Mavericks (26-56)
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Previous Rank: 21
Net Rating: -5.2
2026-27 Finals Odds: +10000
The Dallas Mavericks had an interesting first round on Tuesday. At No. 9, with Brayden Burries still available, they opted for the size and defense of Morez Johnson.
And while that was a bit of a head-scratcher for plenty of Mavs fans, passing on Burries may have had something to do with the second player they traded up to get.
At No. 25, Dallas snagged Sergio de Larrea, an international playmaker with great size and hints of Luka Dončić's passing in his game.
Now, of course, we're not forecasting de Larrea to be the next Luka or anything, but if his vision and passing develop to even 65-70 percent of Dončić's, he'll be a great complementary piece to play alongside Cooper Flagg.
20. Portland Trail Blazers (42-40)
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Previous Rank: 19
Net Rating: -0.4
2026-27 Finals Odds: +12500
Making the playoffs in 2026 ensured that the Portland Trail Blazers' first-round pick would be conveyed to the Chicago Bulls, but that's far from a disaster.
Portland's young core got some valuable experience and should be in the mix for a playoff spot once again.
Adding Damian Lillard's shooting to a rotation that already includes Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan should make the offense a lot more dangerous.
19. Washington Wizards (17-65)
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Previous Rank: 24
Net Rating: -11.8
2026-27 Finals Odds: +20000
There is a lot of skepticism over the four-year, $212.9 million contract Trae Young just signed, but he's long been one of the most productive offensive players in the league. He's now backed up by an all-time great defender in Anthony Davis.
And both are in place to shepherd the development of incoming No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa.
Those three have the potential to be one of the best and most interesting trios in the East. And if even one or two of the young guys (like Alex Sarr or Kyshawn George) take a leap next season, Washington could be back in the playoffs.
18. Philadelphia 76ers (45-37)
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Previous Rank: 18
Net Rating: -0.1
2026-27 Finals Odds: +5500
There's an outside chance Joel Embiid and Paul George will be healthy come playoff time, but the wiser approach might be trading both and going all in on the young and improving guard corps.
Of course, the age and injury histories of both would make it hard to get deals done, so the Philadelphia 76ers will likely have to play this season out much like they did the last one.
Only this time, they now have Labaron Philon to add to the excitement Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe generate from the backcourt.
As a trio, this is among the most intriguing guard rotations in the entire league next season.
17. Los Angeles Clippers (42-40)
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Previous Rank: 17
Net Rating: 1.1
2026-27 Finals Odds: +7000
As we continue to wait for any kind of a resolution to the league's Aspiration-related investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, it seems to be business as usual for the organization.
They used their No. 5 pick on Tuesday to add a good-sized guard in Keaton Wagler who can play alongside Darius Garland.
And barring any more future-minded trades like the one that landed them that fifth pick in the first place, a team with Wagler, Garland and Kawhi Leonard will almost certainly be touted as a play-in contender for 2026-27.
16. Toronto Raptors (46-36)
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Previous Rank: 16
Net Rating: 2.9
2026-27 Finals Odds: +10000
The Toronto Raptors were a tougher out than many expected in the first round of the playoffs, already boast plenty of upside in the form of Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles and added the analytics darling of the 2026 draft class on Tuesday.
At No. 19, Toronto snagged 6'9" freshman Allen Graves, who put up 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.8 assists and 1.1 threes in just 22.6 minutes, while shooting 41.3 percent from deep.
He won't be asked to do a ton on a team with Barnes, CMB and Brandon Ingram, but that kind of production suggests he could be a nice connector between them.
15. Orlando Magic (45-37)
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Previous Rank: 15
Net Rating: 0.6
2026-27 Finals Odds: +6000
The Orlando Magic nearly knocked the top-seeded Detroit Pistons out of the playoffs in the first round, but they were one of the biggest disappointments of the 2025-26 campaign prior to that series.
And now, they have to at least ask the question this summer: Do Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner make sense together?
To this point, Wagner has done far more to impact winning, and Banchero would likely command a bigger return in a trade. That makes it seem pretty obvious that he's the one who should be moved, but it's still too early to give up on the upside.
Both forwards have dealt with a lot of injuries over the last couple seasons. The team didn't get a ton of time to see how the duo worked with Desmond Bane. And now they have a new coach to potentially tie everything together a bit better than Jamahl Mosley did.
But if Orlando is hovering around .500 again in February, expect trade rumors to be flying around that market.
14. Atlanta Hawks (46-36)
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Previous Rank: 14
Net Rating: 2.2
2026-27 Finals Odds: +6500
The Atlanta Hawks wound up winning twice as many games (two) as the rest of the NBA (one) against the New York Knicks in the playoffs.
And now they have some prospects on the way to reinforce the already young core.
Kingston Flemings is a potentially dynamic playmaker who'll get to develop under CJ McCollum (at least in 2026-27). And Zuby Ejiofor brings more shot-blocking and passing to the frontcourt.
13. Indiana Pacers (19-63)
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Previous Rank: 13
Net Rating: -7.8
2026-27 Finals Odds: +4500
The Indiana Pacers lost their 50-50 bet when the lottery sent their No. 5 pick to the Los Angeles Clippers (thanks to the Ivica Zubac trade), but they should still be back in the mix for a playoff spot in the East.
In fact, a rookie probably wouldn't have had much impact on that chase anyway.
But if Tyrese Haliburton is relatively healthy, his floor generalship and playmaking will supercharge Pascal Siakam, Zubac, Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard.
12. Houston Rockets (52-30)
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Previous Rank: 11
Net Rating: 5.4
2026-27 Finals Odds: +3500
For the Houston Rockets, the smartest approach to this offseason might be making Kevin Durant available and recommitting to a youth movement.
Without him, the Rockets would certainly be less dangerous in the short term, but more responsibility for young playmakers like Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard could serve them well in the future.
As it stands, Houston figures to be one of the more competitive teams in the West, without necessarily being a real threat to the very top of the West.
11. Los Angeles Lakers (53-29)
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Previous Rank: 10
Net Rating: 1.5
2026-27 Finals Odds: +3000
It remains a mystery whether or not LeBron James will return to the Los Angeles Lakers, but they inked Austin Reaves to a new contract this week.
And that was undoubtedly the bigger priority.
Over the last two seasons, L.A. is a whopping plus-13.5 points per 100 possessions when Reaves and Luka Dončić played without LeBron James.
10. Charlotte Hornets (44-38)
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Previous Rank: 9
Net Rating: 4.9
2026-27 Finals Odds: +8000
The Charlotte Hornets were primed to enter 2026-27 as one of the most exciting young teams in the league. LeMelo Ball and the rest of their starting lineup made them one of the best stories of last season, but they just shipped out their best player in a very future-minded deal.
In the short term, Charlotte could be a little worse without its dynamic point man, but it simply couldn't pass on a 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps and three second-round picks for a pretty significant injury risk.
Plus, Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller are both have the potential to be plus playmakers relative to their positional peers. And incoming rookie Christian Anderson was one of the best point guards in the NCAA last season.
Even if the Hornets aren't quite as explosive as they were in the second half of last season, they should still be in the mix for a playoff spot, and their long-term outlook is likely a little better than it was before the trade.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30)
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Previous Rank: 8
Net Rating: 4.1
2026-27 Finals Odds: +3500
The Cleveland Cavaliers must not have loved what was available when they were on the clock at No. 23 Tuesday, because they traded out of the first round entirely.
Shortly thereafter, rumors about the Boston Celtics' interest in Evan Mobley surfaced.
And while it may be tempting to move the big man for a volume-scoring wing like Jaylen Brown, the Cavs would be wiser to hang onto the player with the most potential on the roster and give things another go with this core.
8. Miami Heat (43-39)
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Previous Rank: 12
Net Rating: 2.1
2026-27 Finals Odds: +3500
It finally happened. Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the Miami Heat (though the trade won't be official till July).
And though there are very real questions about the team's depth (it gave up three rotation players in Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel'el Ware) and a potentially wonky fit between Giannis and Bam Adebayo, there's no question Miami's ceiling is higher.
Those two big men can be the foundation of a dominant defense. And if the Heat can find one or two high-level floor spacers, they could be a dark-horse title contender.
7. Denver Nuggets (54-28)
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Previous Rank: 6
Net Rating: 5.2
2026-27 Finals Odds: +2200
This is going to be a very interesting offseason for the Denver Nuggets, who need to re-sign Peyton Watson (they can't afford any more of a deficit on the athleticism front) and maybe even add backups for each of their best players.
Rumors are already swirling about Jonas Valančiūnas wanting to play overseas, and Jamal Murray looked taxed beyond his capabilities in the postseason.
Of course, getting another point guard and center won't be easy for a team with so much already committed in salary, which is why you can expect to hear loads of trade rumors involving this team over the next couple months.
6. Detroit Pistons (60-22)
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Previous Rank: 7
Net Rating: 8.4
2026-27 Finals Odds: +2200
With an aggressive, draft-night trade that moved them up to the 17th pick, the Detroit Pistons took a shot on Ebuka Okorie. And it's not hard to see why.
The playoffs made it painfully clear that Cade Cunningham needs a little support on the playmaking front, and Okorie has the potential to provide that.
As a freshman, he put up 23.2 points, 3.6 assists and 2.0 threes.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33)
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Previous Rank: 5
Net Rating: 3.1
2026-27 Finals Odds: +3000
We haven't even hit the official free-agency period, but the Minnesota Timberwolves have been awfully busy this offseason.
Days after salary-dumping Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, the Timberwolves took a massive swing on LaMelo Ball.
There are real concerns about the fit between he and Anthony Edwards, the amount of draft capital they gave up (a 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps and three second-round picks) and Ball's injury history, but the upside is high too.
Ball is one of the best playmakers in the league. He was 12th in EPM last season (higher than Edwards). And his offense is absolutely more effective than Randle's.
As it relates to just the 2026-27 season, the moves Minnesota made this week help.
4. Boston Celtics (56-26)
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Previous Rank: 4
Net Rating: 8.3
2026-27 Finals Odds: +650
The Boston Celtics apparently came in second in the Giannis Antetokounmpo chase, and it looks like that won't end the Jaylen Brown rumors.
He wasn't enough of a centerpiece to swing that blockbuster, but Brown could still be flipped for a big man or guard who might fit better alongside Jayson Tatum.
Or, if he ultimately stays put, he and Tatum figure to once again be one of the best duos in the East, and Boston will almost certainly still be a title contender.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18)
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Previous Rank: 3
Net Rating: 11.1
2026-27 Finals Odds: +250
The Oklahoma City Thunder had an interesting draft that included trades and ended with the team landing 7'4" Aday Mara and well-rounded guard Bennett Stirtz.
Both are more experienced than most of the others taken in the first round, which could signal OKC's desire (and need) for meaningful contributors on rookie contracts.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren all maxed out, the rest of the roster has to be filled out on the cheap.
2. San Antonio Spurs (62-20)
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Previous Rank: 2
Net Rating: 8.4
2026-27 Finals Odds: +250
Taking a couple big men in the first round (Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed Jr.) was a bit of a head-scratcher for a team that already has Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, but it didn't really matter what this team did in this draft.
The last several have already put them in one of the most enviable positions we've seen in decades.
Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper are all on their rookie contracts. They're all going to get better over the next 5-10 years. And as early as this coming season, they have a chance to be the best trio in the NBA.
1. New York Knicks (53-29)
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Previous Rank: 1
Net Rating: 6.4
2026-27 Finals Odds: +800
Most New York Knicks fans probably just enjoyed the least stressful NBA Draft of their lives.
With the 2026 title secured and all five starters under contract for 2026-27, the Knicks don't really have to worry about finding a future star from outside the league.
Of course, New York, like other contenders, is about to get mighty expensive. And before the offseason is over, it'll almost certainly have to add a difference-maker on a veteran minimum or some other kind of cap-exception contract.
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