Less than three months ago, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stood at the centre of a roaring crowd as the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their hard-fought victory over the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA finals.

The title win marked the franchise's first NBA championship since 1979, when they won as the Seattle Supersonics, and first since moving to OKC in 2008.

The 2024-2025 season was filled with surprises, breakout stars, and plenty of plot twists, and now the league's best are reloading for another run.

This preview spotlights the top 10 contenders heading into the 2025-26 season. The top five from each conference based on last season's power rankings.

The road to glory will be contested by "on the bubble" squads like the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves, all aiming to crash the contender conversation.

Eastern conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

When we last saw them

The Cavaliers looked unstoppable during last year, opening the season with a record-tying 15-game win streak and ultimately finishing 64–18 under first-year coach Kenny Atkinson. It was their best mark in franchise history.

Donovan Mitchell carried the scoring load while Evan Mobley emerged as an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year, anchoring the league's most balanced units on both ends.

After sweeping Miami in the first round, Cleveland's momentum collapsed against Indiana, where injuries, cold three-point shooting, and a shaky bench play led to a game five exit.

The Cavs' dominant regular season didn't carry over to the playoffs, raising doubts about whether they're built for a deep run or just a team that peaks before May.

Most impactful offseason moves
Gaining Lonzo Ball and drafting Tyrese Proctor

The Cavs made one of the more interesting bets of the offseason by trading for Lonzo Ball.

After missing more than two years with a lingering knee injury, Ball returned last season to play 35 games in Chicago, showing flashes of the playmaking and defensive instincts that once made him a premier role player.

His outside shot wasn't quite back to form, though he did hit 37 per cent in his healthiest stretch in January, and his size, vision, and defensive awareness still stood out.

Cleveland hopes those tools will help offset the loss of Ty Jerome and bring more balance to a backcourt that leaned heavily on Donovan Mitchell.

Ball is far from a sure thing given his injury history, but the Cavs took the chance without giving up draft capital, swapping out Isaac Okoro, who had fallen out of favour in the playoff rotation.

Cleveland also added a dose of future upside by drafting Australian guard Tyrese Proctor, whose court vision and shooting touch could make him a valuable rotation piece sooner rather than later.

If Ball can stay on the court and Proctor develops quickly, the Cavs' backcourt depth could be among the league's most versatile.

Breakout candidate: Evan Mobley

It might sound strange to call a reigning Defensive Player of the Year and an NBA All-Star a breakout candidate, but Evan Mobley still has another level to reach.

Defensively, his dominance is already a given; as long as he's healthy, he's one of the league's most reliable anchors. The question is on the other end of the floor.

Last season marked his best offensive year yet under Kenny Atkinson, with more touches, freedom to create off the dribble, and a noticeable uptick in aggression.

Donovan Mitchell has even pointed to Mobley's offensive leap as the key to Cleveland's next step, and with a full offseason in Atkinson's system, the opportunity is there.

If he can push his scoring into the 21–22 points per game range while maintaining his defensive impact, Mobley has the chance to move from rising star to centrepiece and put himself in the All-NBA first-team conversation.

2. Boston Celtics

When we last saw them

For the first time in 16 years, Boston entered a season as defending champions, and they played like it.

The Celtics carried the weight of a target on their back. Still, they delivered a dominant campaign that included record-breaking scoring, wins over Cleveland and Los Angeles, and another deep playoff push.

That run ended abruptly in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks.

Jayson Tatum was spectacular in game four, pouring in 42 points, before suffering a devastating Achilles tear that swung the series.

Boston stole game five behind Derrick White's 34 points, but without their superstar, they ultimately fell in six games.

It was a crushing finish for a team chasing back-to-back titles, leaving the question of how quickly they can regroup once Tatum returns.

Most impactful offseason moves: Trading Jrue Holiday and acquiring Anfernee Simons

Boston reshaped its backcourt by sending veteran Jrue Holiday to Portland in exchange for Anfernee Simons.

Holiday's leadership and playoff experience were invaluable, but at 35, his role and availability were always going to decline.

Simons, 26, brings a fresher offensive skillset, averaging 19.3 points per game last season on 42.6 per cent shooting, with the ability to score at all three levels and create his own shot off the dribble.

His shot-making abilities should alleviate pressure on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, while providing the Celtics with a younger player to keep their championship window wide open.

Breakout candidate: Payton Pritchard

Last season already felt like a breakthrough for Payton Pritchard.

He was named Sixth Man of the Year while averaging over 14 points per game on 47 per cent shooting from the field.

But with Jayson Tatum sidelined for the year, Kristaps Porzingis gone, and Jrue Holiday no longer in Boston, Boston's backcourt is suddenly in need of a bigger scoring punch.

Even if Anfernee Simons stays, there's a void to fill, and Pritchard looks like the prime candidate to take it on.

His fearless shot-making and efficiency make him a trusted option, and with more minutes and touches, he could push toward the 20-point mark and put himself firmly in the mix for Most Improved Player.

3. New York Knicks

When we last saw them

The Knicks had one of their most promising seasons in decades, marking back-to-back 50-win streaks for the first time since the 1990s and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.

Since snapping their long playoff drought in 2021, they've steadily rebuilt their identity.

That turnaround was on full display in the playoffs: their run featured a first-round win over Detroit and an upset of Boston, driven by the Brunson-Towns duo and timely defensive execution.

But against Indiana, New York ran out of answers, falling in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games. Even in defeat, the Knicks left with momentum to build on as they head into the 2025-26 season.

Most impactful offseason move: Securing Guerschon Yabusele in free agency

New York's most shrewd addition came in the form of Guerschon Yabusele, a signing that quietly addressed one of their biggest weaknesses, bench production.

Last season, the Knicks ranked at the bottom of the league in bench scoring, a flaw exposed whenever Tom Thibodeau leaned heavily on his starters.

Yabusele helps balance that out, bringing shooting touch (38 per cent from three), playmaking flashes, and the versatility to slot into double-big lineups alongside Karl-Anthony Towns or Mitchell Robinson.

That flexibility allows New York to maintain spacing while keeping size on the floor, something they leaned on effectively during last year's playoff run.

And at just $5.6 million annually, Yabusele's contract is one of the better value deals of the summer; a low-cost, high-upside move that strengthens their rotation without tying up long-term cap space.

Breakout candidate: Mitchell Robinson

When Mitchell Robinson is healthy, he changes the game for the Knicks. His rim protection and dominance on the offensive boards give New York a presence in the paint that few teams can match.

The issue has been health. He's appeared in only 48 games over the past two seasons combined.

If he can stay on the floor under Mike Brown's defensive system, Robinson has the potential to earn All-Defensive recognition.

The health concerns remain, but this could finally be the year he puts together a full season and reminds everyone just how valuable he is.

4. Indiana Pacers

When we last saw them

Indiana became the team everyone wanted to see succeed.

The Pacers entered the 2024-25 playoffs as underdogs but turned the East upside down, breaking through to the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance since 2000.

In game seven against Oklahoma City, Tyrese Haliburton looked ready to take over, dropping 9 points in just 7 minutes and finishing with 14 points overall before injury cut his night short.

With their star player out, Indiana's run collapsed at the finish line, leaving behind one of the biggest “what-ifs” of the season: what if Haliburton had been able to finish what he started?

Most impactful offseason move: Standing still?

Indiana's most notable offseason storyline was the loss of Myles Turner, who signed a four-year deal with Milwaukee.

The Pacers opted not to commit long-term money to the 29 year old centre, a decision shaped in part by Haliburton's devastating Finals injury that lowered short-term expectations.

To fill the void, Indiana traded for Jay Huff, a big man with a similar skill set but far less proven production, raising doubts about whether he can realistically anchor the starting role.

Beyond that move, the Pacers chose continuity, retaining the core that carried them to the Finals. It was a pragmatic summer rather than a bold one, leaving open the question of whether standing pat is enough to keep Indiana in contention.

Breakout candidate: Bennedict Mathurin

With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the season and Miles Turner now in Milwaukee, Bennedict Mathurin is stepping into the biggest opportunity of his young career.

At just 23, the former lottery pick is suddenly Indiana's second scoring option and potentially their first if Pascal Siakam misses time. That means more touches, more shot attempts, and the chance to show he can be more than just a complementary scorer.

Mathurin has already proven he thrives under pressure, but this year will test whether he can pair efficiency with volume as defences key in on him.

Add in the motivation of a contract year, and Mathurin looks primed to push toward the 20 points per game mark and cement his place as a key piece in Indiana's future.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

When we last saw them

Injuries and inconsistency defined Milwaukee's 2024-25 run, ending in a 48–34 record and a third consecutive first-round playoff exit.

Since their last championship in 2021, the Bucks have won only one playoff series.

Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo still playing at an elite level and the high-profile addition of Damian Lillard, who was sidelined with a torn Achilles, the Bucks' structure has started to crack under pressure.

With limited draft capital, a constricting payroll, and little flexibility to retool, questions loom not just about the longevity of Milwaukee's championship core but also whether the franchise has reached the end of its current era altogether.

Most impactful offseason moves: Betting big on Myles Turner and waiving Damian Lillard

Milwaukee made one of the most scrutinising moves of the summer, waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remainder of his contract to clear space for a four-year, $107 million deal with Myles Turner.

Turner is a capable rim protector and floor-spacer who, on paper, fits neatly alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.

But the cost of making it happen was steep: $22.5 million of dead money tied to Lillard for the next five years, no true replacement at point guard, and an already rigid cap situation.

The Bucks may have addressed their frontcourt void after losing Brook Lopez, but the question remains whether Turner alone can keep Milwaukee competitive or if this was a desperate swing that leaves the team even more vulnerable moving forward.

Breakout candidate: Ryan Rollins

Milwaukee's backcourt is crowded after adding Cole Anthony, Gary Trent Jr, and Kevin Porter Jr, but Ryan Rollins is the name to watch.

Re-signed in free agency, Rollins quietly became one of the Bucks' most efficient guards last season, shooting over 40 per cent from three across 56 games and providing much-needed defensive intensity.

On a roster short of reliable stoppers at the guard spot, his ability to pressure ball-handlers and defend up a position could earn him a larger role.

He may not have received much recognition for his contributions down the stretch in 2024-25, but with Milwaukee searching for stability, Rollins has the chance to carve out a consistent spot in the rotation and emerge as one of the Bucks' more dependable two-way options.

Western conference

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

When we last saw them

OKC capped off a dominant 2024-25 season with their first championship since relocating, defeating the Pacers in a decisive game seven.

Their 68–14 record was the best in the league and ranked among the top single-season marks in NBA history, while their point differential set a new all-time record.

In total, they finished with 84 wins between the regular season and playoffs.

SGA led the way, claiming regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, and the scoring title in a season that confirmed his status as one of the league's top players.

With Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren stepping up alongside him, the Thunder's young core delivered on its promise and firmly established OKC as the new powerhouse in the West.

Most impactful offseason move: Running it back

Oklahoma City didn't make headlines with flashy signings this summer, and they didn't need to.

The front office's top priority was keeping its championship core together, and they delivered by securing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren for the long term.

Continuity is this team's greatest asset: with youth, depth, and chemistry already in place, running it back was the smartest move the Thunder could make.

Beyond that, they added Georgetown's Thomas Sorber with the number 15 pick and second-rounder Brooks Barnhizer, both of whom fit the organisation's defensive-minded, versatile profile.

It wasn't an offseason full of big moves, but retaining the group that just won 84 games between the regular season and playoffs might prove more valuable than any outside addition.

Breakout candidate: Chet Holmgren

After playing a key role in Oklahoma City's title run, Chet Holmgren looks set to make the leap from rising star to full-fledged All-Star.

Still just 23, Holmgren has already shown flashes of being one of the league's top two-way players.

Before suffering a right hip injury early last season, he averaged 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks; numbers that hinted at how complete his game can be.

Even while battling through that setback, he developed one of the NBA's best defences and proved his value in the postseason, particularly against Denver.

With a full offseason to recover and a new max contract in hand, Holmgren enters 2025–26 as a prime candidate to not only challenge Victor Wembanyama for Defensive Player of the Year but also to cement himself among the league's elite big men.

2. Houston Rockets

When we last saw them

The Houston Rockets made a significant step forward last season, winning the Southwest Division championship and securing the number two seed in the West.

Under Ime Udoka, Houston paired a top 12 offence with a top five defence, fuelled by the growth of Alperen Sengun, who was named an All-Star for the first time, and rookie Amen Thompson, who quickly proved himself as a versatile defender.

Jalen Green continued to show flashes of scoring brilliance, while veterans like Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams provided steady leadership.

In the playoffs, the Rockets pushed Golden State to seven games after falling behind 3–1, but the lack of a reliable shooter under pressure proved costly in a 103–89 elimination loss.

Most impactful offseason move: Landing Kevin Durant

No team made a bigger splash this offseason than Houston.

The Rockets swung a deal for Kevin Durant, adding a two-time Finals MVP who still put up 26.6 points, six rebounds, and four assists while maintaining one of the league's most efficient scoring profiles in the last season.

Durant gives Houston exactly what it lacked in last season's first-round loss to Golden State: a reliable half-court closer to steady the offence when it stalls.

Remarkably, the Rockets landed him without gutting their depth, moving on from Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the number 10 pick but keeping key frontcourt pieces like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr, and Tari Eason.

They also added Dorian Finney-Smith as a defensive wing and secured Fred VanVleet on a two-year, $50 million deal. Turning in Green in for Durant may well prove to be the single most consequential move of the 2025 offseason.

Breakout candidate: Amen Thompson

Amen Thompson wasted no time establishing himself as a cornerstone in Houston, earning All-Defensive honours as a rookie and even drawing late-season buzz in the Defensive Player of the Year debate.

His quickness, strength, and instincts make him a tough matchup defensively, while his offensive game continues to expand.

Thompson nearly doubled his three-point percentage last season, and if he can push that into the low to mid-30s, his ability to attack downhill becomes almost unguardable.

With Durant now in the fold to draw defensive attention, Thompson should find even more space to operate alongside Sengun.

Entering just his second season, Thompson's ceiling stretches well beyond an All-Star berth. If Houston takes another step forward, he could play his way into All-NBA consideration.

3. Los Angeles Lakers

When we last saw them

The Lakers closed out with plenty of headlines thanks to the blockbuster February trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic, a move that sparked immediate worldwide controversy.

On the court, Doncic and LeBron James showed flashes of brilliance, but the roster imbalance created by the deal left the frontcourt thin and exposed in the postseason.

After pushing Minnesota but ultimately falling 4–1 in the first round, frustration lingered. Doncic battled a stomach ailment in Game 3 and was never quite himself, while the Lakers let late leads slip away in both Games 4 and 5.

Even so, Doncic expressed optimism about his fit in Los Angeles, and rookie head coach JJ Redick earned praise for keeping the group competitive under difficult circumstances.

For a franchise defined by championships, the early exit was another letdown, but it also marked the beginning of a new era built around LeBron and Luka.

Most impactful offseason move: DeAndre Ayton

The Lakers addressed one of their biggest weaknesses by adding DeAndre Ayton on a one-plus-one deal worth $8 million per year after he was waived by Portland.

Last season's lack of depth at the centre position forced LeBron James into heavy minutes at the five, including during their first-round series against Minnesota. This was a clear sign the frontcourt needed help.

Ayton, 27, provides the Lakers with a much-needed presence in the paint, thanks to his size, efficient scoring around the rim, and postseason experience from Phoenix's 2021 Finals run.

His consistency and defence remain in question, but the Lakers are betting that a fresh start, alongside LeBron James, in a competitive setting will help him rediscover the form that once made him a top pick.

Breakout candidate: Jake LaRavia

With the Lakers reshaping their wing rotation, Jake LaRavia has a real chance to carve out a bigger role.

The 23-year-old impressed in a short stint with Sacramento last season, averaging 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 20 minutes a night while knocking down 42 per cent of his threes.

His combination of floor spacing, size, and defensive effort makes him a natural fit next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic, whose playmaking styles should create plenty of clean looks for him on the perimeter.

The Lakers will also count on him to rebound effectively and hold his own defensively, key responsibilities for a young player trying to earn consistent minutes. If LaRavia delivers, he has a chance to solidify himself as the dependable two-way wing this roster has lacked.

4. Denver Nuggets

When we last saw them

In the season after their first championship, Denver remained one of the West's top teams, led by Nikola Jokic's MVP-level play and an offence that ranked among the league's best.

Injuries to key players, particularly Aaron Gordon, stretched the roster, and the bench struggled to provide steady production.

Off the court, the bigger twist came late in the year when team president Josh Kroenke dismissed both head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth after prolonged disagreements over roster direction.

David Adelman stepped in as interim coach and was retained after the season, but the Nuggets ultimately lost in the second round to the eventual champion, Oklahoma City.

With Jokic still at his peak, the challenge now is stabilising leadership and surrounding him with enough support to push for another title.

Most impactful offseason move: A veteran reset

Denver overhauled its supporting cast this summer, trading Michael Porter Jr. for sharpshooter Cam Johnson while also adding Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr, and bringing back Bruce Brown.

Johnson's spacing and defensive versatility give Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray more freedom, Valanciunas provides a steady frontcourt option, and Hardaway Jr offers instant offence off the bench.

Combined with Brown's grit and familiarity, the moves signalled a clear push for depth and reliability.

It wasn't about making a splash but about giving Jokic a sturdier cast after a season where the lack of support proved costly.

Breakout candidate: Peyton Watson

Peyton Watson is shaping up as Denver's X-factor on the wing.

The young forward has already shown flashes as a disruptive defender, using his length and athleticism to guard multiple positions and provide much-needed rim protection from the perimeter.

His offensive game is also starting to catch up.

After shooting just 29 per cent from three in 2023–24, he bumped that mark to 35 per cent last season. If he can nudge that closer to league average while maintaining his defensive impact, Watson could become Denver's go-to perimeter stopper and a fixture in closing lineups.

Surrounded by veterans, he doesn't need to carry the scoring load, but his growth could be what tips the balance in the Nuggets' push to get back to the Finals.

5. LA Clippers

When we last saw them

The Clippers entered the postseason at full strength, but their run was short-lived, as they fell to Denver in a hard-fought seven-game series.

It was their third consecutive first-round exit, extending a playoff drought that has seen them miss the second round since 2021.

Still, the season wasn't without positives.

Kawhi Leonard looked sharp once he got on the floor, James Harden bounced back after a rough 2023-24 campaign, and both Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell delivered career-best years.

Losing Paul George in free agency could've spelled collapse, yet the Clippers remained competitive and finished fifth, proving they can still hang with contenders.

But with Leonard and Harden both in their mid-30s, the clock is ticking. For a franchise built on stars, expectations remain championship or bust.

Most impactful offseason move: Roster reinforcements and frontcourt depth

The Clippers quieted concerns about their aging roster by adding three proven veterans, Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, and Bradley Beal, while also trading for John Collins to add much-needed size and athleticism to the frontcourt.

These signings didn't require a major financial sacrifice or the loss of future assets, giving Los Angeles immediate depth and experience while still preserving flexibility for a larger roster overhaul in the coming years.

It's a calculated gamble: leaning on seasoned stars to stabilise the rotation now, while keeping the door open for a younger, long-term rebuild down the line.

Breakout candidate: John Collins

The Clippers aren't exactly stacked with up-and-coming prospects, but John Collins has a real chance at making an impact.

At 27, he's no longer a young breakout candidate, yet his stats with Utah last season, 19 points per game on close to 40 per cent shooting from three, showed he can still be a dynamic offensive player.

Now, in a winning environment, Collins has the chance to remind people of his effectiveness.

If Collins brings the same efficiency he showed in Utah while contributing in high-stakes games, the Clippers may spark a “John Collins renaissance” where fans and opponents alike remember just how impactful he can be.