NBA Power Rankings: Where Do Teams Stand After Free Agency Moves?
By Edcel Panganiban July 09, 2025 09:30
The 2025 NBA offseason has been a whirlwind of activity, with blockbuster free agency signings and strategic roster moves reshaping the league’s competitive landscape. As teams finalize their rosters, the question on every fan’s mind is: Where do the contenders and challengers stand heading into the 2025-26 season? Here’s a breakdown of the power rankings following the latest free agency developments, highlighting who gained, who lost, and what it could mean for the upcoming campaign.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder — Still the Team to Beat
Oklahoma City remains the league’s benchmark after their historic 68-win season and first championship since relocating from Seattle. Retaining their core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Lu Dort all under 26 years old sets them up for sustained excellence. Their offseason was quiet but purposeful, focusing on continuity rather than splashy signings. As one NBA analyst put it, “The Thunder’s blend of youth, experience, and championship pedigree makes them the team everyone else is chasing”.
2. Houston Rockets — A New Western Powerhouse
Houston made waves by acquiring Kevin Durant, instantly catapulting them into title contention. Under coach Ime Udoka, who has led the team to steady improvement (from 22 to 52 wins over two seasons), the Rockets now boast a lethal combination of Durant, Jalen Green, and emerging stars. Durant’s arrival not only boosts their scoring but also elevates their leadership and playoff experience. “Kevin changes everything for Houston,” said an NBA executive. “They’re no longer just contenders; they’re favorites in the West”.
3. Denver Nuggets — Depth and Experience Added
The Nuggets, led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, pushed the Thunder to seven games in the playoffs and have shored up their roster with savvy acquisitions like Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Jonas Valanciunas, and Tim Hardaway Jr. These additions address previous depth concerns, especially on the perimeter and in the frontcourt. Denver’s front office clearly signaled their intent to remain among the elite. Jokic’s continued dominance, combined with improved role players, keeps Denver in the top tier.
4. Orlando Magic — Rising After Key Additions
The Magic made a splash by signing sharpshooter Desmond Bane, who boasts a career 41% three-point shooting percentage, complementing their young core led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. This move vaulted Orlando into the top 10 in power rankings, reflecting their transition from rebuilding to legitimate playoff contention. Team president Jeff Weltman remarked, “Adding Desmond gives us the spacing and scoring punch we’ve needed. This is a team on the rise”.
5. Boston Celtics — Reeling but Resilient
The Celtics experienced a tumultuous offseason, trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis following Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury. This has led to a drop in their rankings and raised questions about their immediate competitiveness. Still, Boston retains a deep roster and championship experience, and their front office is expected to be active in seeking reinforcements. Coach Joe Mazzulla remains optimistic: “We have challenges ahead, but this team’s heart and depth will keep us fighting”.
Eastern Conference Wide Open
The East is notably more unpredictable this year. The Indiana Pacers, who won the conference last season, will miss Tyrese Haliburton for the entire year due to injury, causing a significant drop in expectations. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers, bolstered by the addition of promising rookie VJ Edgecombe alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, have surged into contender status despite a middling record last year. The New York Knicks, with Mike Brown now at the helm and key bench reinforcements, remain a team to watch.
Other Notable Moves
The Los Angeles Lakers added Deandre Ayton on a two-year, $16.6 million deal, aiming to bolster their frontcourt alongside LeBron James, who picked up his $52.6 million player option. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks made shrewd signings that moved them up in the pecking order, emphasizing improved depth and veteran presence.
Free agency has shifted the NBA’s balance of power, with Oklahoma City and Houston emerging as the clear frontrunners in the West, while the East remains a wide-open battlefield. Teams like Orlando and Denver have made smart moves to solidify their playoff credentials, whereas Boston and Indiana face uphill battles due to injuries and roster turnover. As the new season approaches, these power rankings will continue to evolve, but one thing is clear: the 2025-26 NBA season promises intense competition and compelling storylines from coast to coast.
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