NBA Offseason's 5 Biggest Winners and 5 Biggest Losers: Hawks Rising Strong, Lakers and Warriors Falling Deep?

The offseason is nearing its end, and most teams have completed their roster upgrades. Some teams are celebrating while others are disappointed. Recently, US media ranked the five teams that became stronger and the five teams that became worse during the 2026 offseason. Some teams quietly made major gains, while others noticeably declined without realizing it. Let's see whether your favorite team is included.

I. Five teams that declined

Detroit Pistons

They won 60 games last season to finish first in the Eastern Conference, but they almost did nothing this offseason. Duren's extension remains unresolved, Stewart was sent to the Grizzlies, and a major hole has appeared at center. Their biggest addition is John Collins, but his offensive and defensive impact value with the Clippers last season ranked only in the 30th percentile league-wide, making him almost a replacement for Tobias Harris. With moves like these, the Pistons would be fortunate to win 50 games next season, let alone 60.

Denver Nuggets

Losing Peyton Watson is a major blow. The 23-year-old forward has developed into one of the league's best young two-way wings. Valanciunas and Hardaway also left one after another, leaving the backup center role to Bagley, who has changed teams six times in six years and has become a journeyman. DeRozan has a big reputation, but at 37 years old he does not defend well or shoot threes, making him a poor fit for the Nuggets' needs. The starting five remain among the league's best, but the bench depth is concerning.

Golden State Warriors

Butler is expected to miss several months because of a serious ACL injury. Last season, when he was absent, the Warriors went just 14-30 with a net rating of -4.8 per 100 possessions. The offseason additions of Lundberg and Niang cannot fill the void, as one has never played in the NBA and the other has just returned from injury. The team's average age of 29.2 is the oldest in the league, and Curry will turn 39 during the new season. The Warriors may not even reach the play-in tournament, and the end of the dynasty appears unavoidable.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers rebuilt their roster around Doncic, but their overall talent level has clearly declined. The loss of James is difficult to measure, as no one can replace his playmaking, experience and clutch ability. Kessler is good at rim protection and rebounding, but his offensive impact value was negative in his last two healthy seasons, and he played only five games last season before being ruled out with a shoulder injury. To acquire him, the Lakers gave up multiple first-round picks and swap rights, severely limiting their future flexibility.

Minnesota Timberwolves

To acquire Ball, the Timberwolves sent away Randle, Reid, four first-round picks and multiple swap rights, a price that was too high. Ball has played more than 51 games only twice in his six-year career, creating major injury concerns. Their backup point guard options are now limited to Dosunmu, DiVincenzo also suffered an ACL tear, and Conley moved to the Celtics. Kuminga changed teams three times within seven months, and whether he can accept a 3-and-D role remains unknown. If Ball gets injured again, the Timberwolves could collapse quickly.

II. Five teams that improved

Chicago Bulls

Replacing Vucevic with Claxton immediately upgrades the defense. Vucevic's defensive impact value ranked only in the 18th percentile last season, while Claxton is younger, more mobile and a better rim protector. The Giddey and Powell backcourt combination is very solid, and rookie Wilson showed future All-Star potential in the Summer League. Buzelis averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game as a second-year player. New coach Splitter already proved his coaching ability with the Trail Blazers last season. The Bulls could win more than 40 games next season.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks may have the best defense in the league. Their defensive efficiency after the All-Star break was 108.6, ranking second, and they also acquired Dort and Wiggins from the Thunder this offseason. Dort ranked fourth in the 2024-25 DPOY voting and is a tough defender capable of guarding multiple positions. This year's No. 8 pick Flemings will learn under McCollum, while Carter and Nembhard add more backcourt depth. This team has tremendous depth, Jalen Johnson is already an All-Star, and the Hawks could challenge for the top spot in the East.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies decisively began a rebuild, sending away Morant and bringing back immediate contributors such as Grant and Stewart, while selecting Boozer with the third overall pick. Boozer has strong immediate impact and could compete for Rookie of the Year. In Zach Edey's 11 appearances last season, the Grizzlies went 7-4, and he averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks with a 63.3% shooting percentage. The Edey+Boozer frontcourt combination could be a major threat for the next decade. With Grant, Coward and Jerome added, Memphis' offense could improve significantly, and the team should easily surpass 30 wins next season.

Portland Trail Blazers

Betting on Morant with a two-year contract is worthwhile. If he returns to All-Star form, the Trail Blazers will benefit greatly; if not, his $44.89 million expiring contract next summer still carries strong trade value. Lillard returns after three years away, giving the backcourt major firepower. Henderson is entering a contract year, Holiday remains reliable, and Clingan is one of the few centers in the league with height comparable to Wembanyama. The wing group led by Avdija and Kamara is also worth watching.

Utah Jazz

3J will significantly improve the defense. He has led the league in blocks twice, made three All-Defensive Teams and was the 2022-23 DPOY. Nurkic averaged 11.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists as a starter last season, shooting 37.7% from three-point range. Peterson, George and Bailey form an exciting young offensive trio. Markkanen averaged 26.7 points per game last season and is in excellent form.