Oklahoma City Thunder

2024-25 record: 68-14 Previous rank: 1 Result: NBA Finals champions

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a phenomenal 2024-25 season, finishing with the best regular season record at 68-14 and claiming their first NBA title. With a core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder are poised to remain a dominant force in the league. GM Sam Presti has a deep trove of draft assets to further bolster the team.

Minnesota Timberwolves

2024-25 record: 49-33 Previous rank: 11 Result: Eliminated in Western Conference finals

The Timberwolves had a strong season, reaching the Western Conference finals before falling to the Thunder. With key players like Julius Randle and Naz Reid facing contract decisions, the Wolves have crucial roster decisions to make this offseason.

Denver Nuggets

2024-25 record: 50-32 Previous rank: 7 Result: Eliminated in second round

The Nuggets made significant changes mid-season, firing coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. Despite a strong run to the second round, Denver needs to improve its roster around Nikola Jokic to make a deeper playoff push.

Cleveland Cavaliers

2024-25 record: 64-18 Previous rank: 2 Result: Eliminated in second round

The Cavaliers had a magical season but were halted by the Indiana Pacers in the second round. Darius Garland's playoff struggles due to injury were a significant factor, but the team remains optimistic about his recovery and future contributions.

Houston Rockets

2024-25 record: 52-30 Previous rank: 4 Result: Eliminated in first round

The Rockets showed promise last season, finishing second in the West. The addition of Kevin Durant adds a veteran presence to a young, talented team. Houston is just an offensive engine away from making a deeper postseason run.

Indiana Pacers

2024-25 record: 50-32 Previous rank: 8 Result: Lost in the NBA Finals

The Pacers made an improbable run to the NBA Finals but fell short against the Thunder. Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury casts a shadow over their upcoming season, but the young core remains a strong contender.

New York Knicks

2024-25 record: 51-31 Previous rank: 5 Result: Eliminated in Eastern Conference finals

The Knicks reached the conference finals for the first time in 25 years but were outscored in the second half of the season and playoffs. With a talented starting five and a thin bench, the Knicks need upgrades to compete for a championship.

Golden State Warriors

2024-25 record: 48-34 Previous rank: 10 Result: Eliminated in second round

The Warriors' playoff run was hampered by Stephen Curry's hamstring injury. With Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green, the Warriors aim to add more size, shooting, and depth to their roster.

Los Angeles Lakers

2024-25 record: 50-32 Previous rank: 6 Result: Eliminated in first round

The Lakers' offseason priority is finding a center after not playing Jaxson Hayes in their series-ending loss. With expiring contracts and the taxpayer's midlevel exception, L.A. has some flexibility to make moves.

LA Clippers

2024-25 record: 50-32 Previous rank: 9 Result: Eliminated in first round

The Clippers exceeded expectations last season with a balanced, defense-minded team. James Harden's future with the team is uncertain, but the Clippers will look to remain competitive through the trade market.

Detroit Pistons

2024-25 record: 44-38 Previous rank: 14 Result: Eliminated in first round

The Pistons had a successful season, increasing their win total by 30 and seeing Cade Cunningham make the All-NBA team. The young core will need to continue improving to take the next step.

Boston Celtics

2024-25 record: 61-21 Previous rank: 3 Result: Eliminated in second round

The Celtics face a consequential offseason after Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear. With the roster over the second apron, Boston will need to make strategic moves to remain competitive.

Orlando Magic

2024-25 record: 41-41 Previous rank: 15 Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament

The Magic are ready to make a leap up the standings after trading for Desmond Bane. With a core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, Orlando aims to improve its offense and compete in the East.

Dallas Mavericks

2024-25 record: 39-43 Previous rank: 17 Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament

The Mavs landed Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick, providing a boost to their long-term prospects. Finding a replacement for Kyrie Irving, who is recovering from a torn ACL, will be a priority.

Memphis Grizzlies

2024-25 record: 48-34 Previous rank: 12 Result: Eliminated in first round

The Grizzlies are looking to retool after trading Desmond Bane to Orlando. With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis aims to implement new systems and make a deeper playoff run.

Milwaukee Bucks

2024-25 record: 48-34 Previous rank: 13 Result: Eliminated in first round

The Bucks face uncertainty with Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee. After three consecutive first-round exits, the team needs to figure out how to build a championship contender.

San Antonio Spurs

2024-25 record: 34-48 Previous rank: 23 Result: Missed postseason

The Spurs enter a pivotal offseason with Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle leading the young core. With the No. 2 pick, San Antonio aims to add talent and return to the postseason.

Miami Heat

2024-25 record: 37-45 Previous rank: 19 Result: Eliminated in first round

The Heat have work to do to return to competitiveness after a disappointing season. With Pat Riley's leadership, Miami will look to close the gap in the East.

Atlanta Hawks

2024-25 record: 40-42 Previous rank: 18 Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament

The Hawks face a decision on Trae Young's extension. With Dyson Daniels leading the defense, Atlanta aims to find the right roster balance to compete.

Sacramento Kings

2024-25 record: 40-42 Previous rank: 16 Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament

The Kings need to address the lack of a true point guard after trading De'Aaron Fox. With a remade roster, Sacramento aims to rebalance and compete in the West.

Philadelphia 76ers

2024-25 record: 24-58 Previous rank: 26 Result: Missed postseason

The 76ers landed the No. 3 pick in the lottery, providing hope for a bounce-back season. With Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey returning from injuries, Philadelphia aims to return to contention.

Portland Trail Blazers

2024-25 record: 36-46 Previous rank: 22 Result: Missed postseason

The Blazers extended coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin, hoping to build on a strong second half. With a young core, Portland aims to make a playoff push.

Chicago Bulls

2024-25 record: 39-43 Previous rank: 20 Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament

The Bulls aim to re-sign Josh Giddey and build around their young players. With the No. 12 pick, Chicago looks to make incremental improvements.

Phoenix Suns

2024-25 record: 36-46 Previous rank: 21 Result: Missed postseason

The Suns hired Jordan Ott as their new head coach, aiming to balance a roster with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Jalen Green. Phoenix looks to return to playoff contention.

New Orleans Pelicans

2024-25 record: 21-61 Previous rank: 27 Result: Missed postseason

The Pelicans need to address Zion Williamson's availability and accountability. With draft assets and controllable contracts, New Orleans aims to make significant moves.

Toronto Raptors

2024-25 record: 30-52 Previous rank: 24 Result: Missed postseason

The Raptors have reshaped their roster over the past 18 months. With Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram leading the way, Toronto aims to return to the top of the East.

Brooklyn Nets

2024-25 record: 26-56 Previous rank: 25 Result: Missed postseason

The Nets could move Cameron Johnson and decide on Cam Thomas' future. With multiple draft picks, Brooklyn aims to build for the future.

Charlotte Hornets

2024-25 record: 19-63 Previous rank: 28 Result: Missed postseason

The Hornets face questions about LaMelo Ball's future as a cornerstone. With the No. 4 pick, Charlotte aims to build around its young core.

Utah Jazz

2024-25 record: 17-65 Previous rank: 30 Result: Missed postseason

The Jazz landed the No. 5 pick and aim to continue their rebuild. With Lauri Markkanen and veterans available for trade, Utah looks to accumulate assets.

Washington Wizards

2024-25 record: 18-64 Previous rank: 29 Result: Missed postseason

The Wizards have building blocks in young players like Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly. With the No. 6 pick, Washington aims to continue its rebuild and become more competitive.