NBA power rankings: Where all 30 teams stand after a wild summer
- The chaotic free agency period has completely changed the NBA.
- Seven star players changed teams, plus several other big-name free agents, altering the league landscape.
- With the dust mostly settled, here’s our power ranking of where each NBA team stands after a wild offseason.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
The NBA season ended less than a month ago and already the league has changed.
After a massive free agency — perhaps the biggest ever — the entire league has had a shake-up. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, and Kemba Walker are just a few of the big-name players to change teams. Their moves have altered numerous franchises and the landscape of the NBA.
Though a few minor moves are still being sorted out in the league and we’re months away from the 2019-20 season, we ranked the NBA teams now that the dust has mostly settled.
Here’s where all 30 NBA teams stand after a hectic offseason.
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30. Charlotte Hornets
2018-19 record: 39-43, 9th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Terry Rozier (G), P.J. Washington* (F)
Biggest offseason losses: Kemba Walker (G), Jeremy Lamb (G/F), Tony Parker (G), Frank Kaminsky (F/C)
Championship odds: 1000/1
What to know: The Hornets let their two best players walk for nothing in free agency. Letting Walker leave — after not trading himbefore not offering him the full max contract — is especially baffling. The Hornets attempted to rebound by signing Terry Rozier, but the jury is out on whether he can be an effective starting point guard. The Hornets can let their young prospects in Malik Monk, Miles Bridges, and P.J. Washington, get more run this season, but it will not be a pretty year in Charlotte.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers
2018-19 record: 19-63, 14th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Darius Garland* (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Marquese Chriss (F)
Championship odds: 1000/1
What to know: Where the Cavs are heading is a bit unclear. They drafted sharp-shooting guard Darius Garland with the fifth pick, one year after taking point guard Collin Sexton, who had a solid rookie season but is divisive in the NBA world. Kevin Love could become a trade chip this season.
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
2018-19 record: 49-33, 6th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Danilo Gallinari (F), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G), Chris Paul (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Paul George (F), Russell Westbrook (G), Jerami Grant (F), Raymond Felton (G)
Championship odds: 200/1
What to know: Paul George’s trade request to the Clippers rocked the Thunder and started a fire sale. Since moving George, the Thunder have traded forward Jerami Grant and Russell Westbrook, the latter going to the Rockets in this summer’s latest blockbuster trade. The Thunder might not be done, and they now have a bounty of draft picks to begin a rebuild. Chris Paul is reportedly likely to be sent elsewhere before the season begins.
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
27. New York Knicks
2018-19 record: 17-65, 15th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Julius Randle (F), Bobby Portis (F/C), Taj Gibson (F/C), Elfrid Payton (G), Marcus Morris (F), Wayne Ellington (G), R.J. Barrett* (G/F)
Biggest offseason losses: Emmanuel Mudiay (G), DeAndre Jordan (C), Mario Hezonja (G/F), Noah Vonleh (F/C)
Championship odds: 200/1
What to know: After striking out on their big-name targets in free agency, the Knicks signed a mix of talented young players and veterans to short-term deals to keep their future open. The Knicks can only go so far without one of their many young players popping and turning into an All-Star-level player.
(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
26. Memphis Grizzlies
2018-19 record: 33-49, 12th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Andre Iguodala (F), Solomon Hill (F), Miles Plumlee (C), Jae Crowder (F), Ja Morant* (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Mike Conley (G), Chandler Parsons (F), Delon Wright (G), Avery Bradley (G)
Championship odds: 300/1
What to know: The Grizzlies got a little lottery luck when they jumped up to second in the draft, which allowed them to draft Ja Morant, the second-best prospect behind Zion Williamson. In Morant and second-year big man Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies have a long, athletic, and intriguing young duo to build around.
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
25. Washington Wizards
2018-19 record: 32-50, 11th in East
Biggest offseason additions: C.J. Miles (F), Isaiah Thomas (G), Rui Hachimura* (F)
Biggest offseason losses: Tomas Satoransky (G/F), Jabari Parker (F), Dwight Howard (C), Trevor Ariza (F), Bobby Portis (F/C)
Championship odds: 1000/1
What to know: Poor Bradley Beal. With John Wall likely out for the year recovering from a horrific string of injuries, the Wizards appear to be in tank mode. Beal will win them a few extra games on sheer talent, but this roster is going nowhere fast.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
24. Atlanta Hawks
2018-19 record: 29-53, 12th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Chandler Parsons (F), Allen Crabbe (G), Evan Turner (G/F), Jabari Parker (F), De’Andre Hunter* (F), Cam Reddish* (G/F)
Biggest offseason losses: Dewayne Dedmon (C), Kent Bazemore (G/F), Taurean Prince (G/F), Miles Plumlee (C)
Championship odds: 200/1
What to know: The Hawks continued their rebuild around the promising young duo of Trae Young and John Collins by adding two lottery picks in De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish. This team was competitive toward the end of last season and could take another step forward this season.
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
23. Chicago Bulls
2018-19 record: 22-60, 13th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Thaddeus Young (F), Tomas Satoransky (G/F), Coby White* (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Robin Lopez (C)
Championship odds: 200/1
What to know: The Bulls have earned praise this offseason for making low-key, sensible moves, adding veterans and young players with room to grow around their core of Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr., Zach LaVine, and Otto Porter Jr.
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
22. Phoenix Suns
2018-19 record: 19-63, 15th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Ricky Rubio (G), Dario Saric (F), Aron Baynes (C), Frank Kaminsky (F/C), Cameron Johnson* (F)
Biggest offseason losses: T.J. Warren (F), Josh Jackson (G/F), Jamal Crawford (G)
Championship odds: 300/1
What to know: Have the Suns offseason moves all made sense? Not really. They dumped T.J. Warren and Josh Jackson for almost nothing and traded for Baynes and Saric before signing Kaminsky, three big men who will have to split time. Nonetheless, with Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton on the roster, the Suns added playable veterans who should help the team make a modest jump next season.
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
21. Minnesota Timberwolves
2018-19 record: 36-46, 11th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Noah Vonleh (F/C), Jordan Bell (F/C), Jarrett Culver* (F)
Biggest offseason losses: Derrick Rose (G), Dario Saric (F)
Championship odds: 300/1
What to know: Karl-Anthony Towns remains the hub of the Wolves, but he’ll need help. A rebound from Andrew Wiggins, development from second-year guard Josh Okogie, production from fifth-overall pick Jarrett Culver, and overall team-wide health could push the Wolves into the playoff mix. They’ll need a lot of things to go right to get there.
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
20. Dallas Mavericks
2018-19 record: 33-49, 14th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Delon Wright (G), Seth Curry (G), Boban Marjanovic (C)
Biggest offseason losses: Dirk Nowitzki (F), Trey Burke (G)
Championship odds: 50/1
What to know: The Mavs entered the offseason with loads of cap space to build around the intriguing duo of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. The moves were a bit dull, as they added backup guards to surround Doncic and re-signed most of their big men. The season will come down to whether Doncic can rekindle the magic from his rookie season and if Porzingis can return to All-Star level after missing all of last year with an ACL tear.
(AP Photo/LM Otero)
19. Orlando Magic
2018-19 record: 42-40, 7th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Al-Farouq Aminu (F/C)
Biggest offseason losses: none
Championship odds: 100/1
What to know: The Magic retained last year’s surprise playoff team, paying big money to re-sign Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross. The Magic still have an almost inexplicable positional overlap between Vucevic, Mohamed Bamba, Jonathan Isaac, Aaron Gordon, and now Aminu, which will likely limit their ceiling. A major storyline of 2019-20 will be if Markelle Fultz suits up and can contribute.
(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
18. Detroit Pistons
2018-19 record: 41-41, 8th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Tony Snell (F), Markieff Morris (F), Derrick Rose (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Ish Smith (G)
Championship odds: 100/1
What to know: The Pistons’ offseason moves, after just making the playoffs last year, are confounding, as they added more size and little shooting to a roster already including Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. If Griffin plays at an All-NBA level again next season, they could remain in the playoff hunt.
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
17. New Orleans Pelicans
2018-19 record: 33-49, 13th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Zion Williamson* (F/C), Brandon Ingram (F), Lonzo Ball (G), Josh Hart (G), J.J Redick (G), Derrick Favors (F/C)
Biggest offseason losses: Anthony Davis (F/C), Julius Randle (F), Elfrid Payton (G), Solomon Hill (F)
Championship odds: 100/1
What to know: Pelicans GM David Griffin has done a masterful job rebuilding the Pelicans roster after getting a huge bounce in the draft lottery. The Pelicans took Zion Williamson with the No. 1 pick, flipped Anthony Davis for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and a bounty of picks, then surrounded them with respected veterans in J.J. Redick and Derrick Favors. The Pelicans are probably long-shots to make the playoffs, but they should be fun and competitive, and they have the assets to make more big deals to improve quickly.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
16. Miami Heat
2018-19 record: 39-43, 10th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Jimmy Butler (G/F), Meyers Leonard (F/C), Tyler Herro* (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Josh Richardson (G/F), Hassan Whiteside (C)
Championship odds: 50/1
What to know: The Heat finally landed the star they’ve been pining for in Jimmy Butler, though it cost them their previous best player in Josh Richardson. The Heat were in the market for Russell Westbrook, but he was traded to the Rockets. Is it possible that they’ll get in on Chris Paul, who is now on the trade market?
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
15. Boston Celtics
2018-19 record: 49-33, 4th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Kemba Walker (G), Enes Kanter (C)
Biggest offseason losses: Kyrie Irving (G), Al Horford (F/C), Terry Rozier (G)
Championship odds: 25/1
What to know: The Celtics rebounded nicely from losing Kyrie Irving by landing Kemba Walker in free agency. But while Walker can replace some of Irving’s scoring and play-making, the Celtics will dearly miss Al Horford. Depth and defense are major issues on the roster. Boston will have to hope Gordon Hayward returns to All-Star form or that Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown make a leap this year to remain competitive.
(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
14. Sacramento Kings
2018-19 record: 39-43, 9th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Trevor Ariza (F), Dewayne Dedmon (C), Cory Joseph (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Willie Cauley-Stein (C)
Championship odds: 80/1
What to know: The Kings paid big money to four veterans this summer (they also retained Harrison Barnes long-term), but this season will once again be about the young players growing — De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley, and Harry Giles. Growth isn’t always linear, but if the young core improves as expected, the Kings will be in the playoff hunt again.
(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
13. Toronto Raptors
2018-19 record: 58-24, 2nd in East
Biggest offseason additions: Stanley Johnson (F), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (F)
Biggest offseason losses: Kawhi Leonard (F), Danny Green (G/F)
Championship odds: 80/1
What to know: Winning the 2018-19 championship wasn’t enough to retain Kawhi Leonard. The trade was still worth it. It’s unclear whether the Raptors will run it back or explore blowing it up a year early. The Raptors were 18-4 in games Leonard sat last year. They won’t keep up that pace this year, but if they keep the team together, they should be able to fight for a playoff spot, particularly with more growth from Pascal Siakam.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
12. San Antonio Spurs
2018-19 record: 48-34, 7th in West
Biggest offseason additions: DeMarre Carroll (F)
Biggest offseason losses: Davis Bertans (F)
Championship odds: 50/1
What to know: The Spurs return much of last season’s roster, with some additions on the wing who should bring some toughness and defense. They’re not the sexiest team in the West, but they were just five games out of third place last year and moments from advancing to the second round, and they’ll get Dejounte Murray back this year. Don’t rule out the Spurs.
(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
11. Indiana Pacers
2018-19 record: 48-34, 5th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Malcolm Brogdon (G), Jeremy Lamb (G/F), T.J. Warren (F), T.J. McConnell (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Bojan Bogdanovic (G/F), Thaddeus Young (F), Darren Collison (G)
Championship odds: 40/1
What to know: The Pacers will once again fly under the radar, but they’re a big, long, deep team. They’ll still be reliant on Victor Oladipo returning to All-Star form from a quad injury, but if he does, he’ll have the help he needs to make the Pacers a threat in the East.
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
10. Brooklyn Nets
2018-19 record: 42-40, 6th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Kyrie Irving (G), Kevin Durant (F), DeAndre Jordan (C), Taurean Prince (G/F), Wilson Chandler (F)
Biggest offseason losses: D’Angelo Russell (G), Allen Crabbe (G), DeMarre Carroll (F)
Championship odds: 40/1
What to know: This is a holdover year for the Nets while they wait for Kevin Durant to return from a torn Achilles. However, Kyrie Irving is an upgrade over D’Angelo Russell, and the East just got weaker. The Nets have a chance to continue to let their young core develop while still fighting for a top four seed in the East.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
9. Golden State Warriors
2018-19 record: 57-25, 1st in West
Biggest offseason additions: D’Angelo Russell (G), Willie Cauley-Stein (C), Alec Burks (G/F)
Biggest offseason losses: Kevin Durant (F), Andre Iguodala (F), DeMarcus Cousins (C)
Championship odds: 12/1
What to know: Under the circumstances, the Warriors did OK. After Kevin Durant bolted in free agency, as was heavily rumored, the Warriors rebounded by pulling off a sign-and-trade for All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell (which cost them Andre Iguodala). Russell will provide Stephen Curry with a back-court scoring partner while Klay Thompson rehabs from a torn ACL. Some wonder if Russell is simply a tool to another bigger trade down the line.
(Photo by Jane Tyska/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images)
8. Houston Rockets
2018-19 record: 53-29, 4th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Russell Westbrook (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Chris Paul (G)
Championship odds: 9/1
What to know: The Rockets made a major swing, trading Chris Paul, plus as many as four draft picks, to the Thunder for Russell Westbrook. James Harden is now reunited with his former back-court start, giving the Thunder an explosive back-court. It’s fair to wonder about the fit, though. Westbrook promotes less ball movement than Paul, and he doesn’t space the floor. Will he and Harden end up detracting from each other’s games?
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
7. Portland Trail Blazers
2018-19 record: 53-29, 3rd in West
Biggest offseason additions: Hassan Whiteside (C), Kent Bazemore (G/F), Mario Hezonja (G/F)
Biggest offseason losses: Al-Farouq Aminu (F/C), Moe Harkless (G/F), Seth Curry (G), Enes Kanter (C)
Championship odds: 30/1
What to know: Acquiring Hassan Whiteside in a contract year to fill in for the injured Jusuf Nurkic is a smart idea. The Blazers essentially swapped out their wing rotation, but it’s to be decided if they improved their defense or shooting. The season will still all fall on the shoulders of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
6. Los Angeles Lakers
2018-19 record: 37-45, 10th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Anthony Davis (F/C), DeMarcus Cousins (C), Danny Green (G/F), Avery Bradley (G), Quinn Cook (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Brandon Ingram (F), Lonzo Ball (G), Josh Hart (G), Tyson Chandler (C)
Championship odds: 5/1
What to know: The Lakers made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by trading for Anthony Davis. They struck out on Kawhi Leonard in free agency and had to pivot to signing multiple role players. The roster is still imperfect and will rely on LeBron James and Davis, but it’s certainly an improvement over last year. The Lakers are all-in.
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
5. Philadelphia 76ers
2018-19 record: 51-31, 3rd in East
Biggest offseason additions: Al Horford (F/C), Josh Richardson (G/F)
Biggest offseason losses: Jimmy Butler (G/F), J.J. Redick (G), T.J. McConnell (G), Boban Marjanovic (C)
Championship odds: 8/1
What to know: The Sixers had another splashy offseason, signing Al Horford, trading for Josh Richardson, then re-signing Tobias Harris while letting Jimmy Butler and J.J. Redick walk in free agency. Just how these pieces fit is a little confusing, but the Sixers are big, versatile, and should be among the best defensive outfits in the league. The pressure is now on Ben Simmons to run the team after they let Butler, another ball-handler, leave.
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
4. Denver Nuggets
2018-19 record: 54-28, 2nd in West
Biggest offseason additions: Jerami Grant (F)
Biggest offseason losses: Trey Lyles (F)
Championship odds: 16/1
What to know: The Nuggets have had a low-key summer, running back a team that was moments from making the Western Conference Finals. There is reason to believe their young core of players can improve, and they have reinforcements on the way in low-risk, high-reward rookies like Michael Porter Jr. and Bol Bol.
(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
3. Utah Jazz
2018-19 record: 50-32, 5th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Mike Conley (G), Bojan Bogdanovic (G/F), Ed Davis (F/C), Jeff Green (F), Emmanuel Mudiay (G)
Biggest offseason losses: Ricky Rubio (G), Derrick Favors (F/C), Jae Crowder (F), Kyle Korver (G)
Championship odds: 14/1
What to know: The Jazz had a less-splashy offseason than the likes of the Clippers and Nets, but still as impactful. Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic will be huge additions to lessen the burden on Donovan Mitchell. This team improved its scoring and ball-handling while not losing anything on defense and replenishing its depth. As ESPN’s Zach Lowe wrote, the Jazz have three A-minus players in Conley, Mitchell, and Rudy Gobert — something that shouldn’t be overlooked.
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
2. Milwaukee Bucks
2018-19 record: 60-22, 1st in East
Biggest offseason additions: Wesley Matthews (G/F), Robin Lopez (C)
Biggest offseason losses: Malcolm Brogdon (G)
Championship odds: 9/2
What to know: The Bucks paid big money to retain Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and George Hill (and Eric Bledsoe, who they extended last spring), but ultimately let young, talented, two-way guard Malcolm Brogdon walk away with an $85 million offer from the Pacers. Losing Brogdon hurts, but as long as Giannis Antetokounmpo stays healthy and plays like an MVP, the Bucks should remain the best team in the East.
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
1. Los Angeles Clippers
2018-19 record: 48-34, 8th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Kawhi Leonard (F), Paul George (F), Moe Harkless (F)
Biggest offseason losses: Danilo Gallinari (F), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G)
Championship odds: 3/1
What to know: The Clippers rocked the NBA world by pulling off a massive trade for Paul George, then landing Kawhi Leonard in free agency. The Clippers now own arguably the best superstar duo in the league, and thanks to savvy team-building, a solid cast of role players that includes Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Moe Harkless, JaMychal Green, and Montrezl Harrell. They still have some needs, but the Clippers enter the season as immediate contenders.
(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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See Also:
- Kawhi Leonard turned down $39 million in an eyebrow-raising move that sets big stakes for the Clippers and free agency in 2021
- NBA free agency has exploded. Here are the biggest signings so far and the best remaining players.
- NBA fans were baffled when they woke to the news that Kawhi Leonard signed with the Clippers
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