ESPN updated the offseason power rankings for all 30 teams: the Thunder are at the top, the Rockets rise to second, the Clippers are seventh, and the Lakers are tenth.

On July 31, Beijing time, the well-known American media ESPN refreshed its NBA team power rankings for the offseason, providing an initial ranking of the 30 teams based on their current rosters. The reigning champions, the Thunder, hold the top spot, while the Rockets, who acquired Durant, have climbed to second. The Clippers are in seventh place, the Warriors ninth, and the Lakers tenth, with the Trail Blazers, who selected Scoot Henderson, ranked 21st. Below is a detailed ranking along with analyses of some popular teams—

Rankings 1-10:1. Thunder, 2. Rockets, 3. Nuggets, 4. Cavaliers, 5. Knicks, 6. Timberwolves, 7. Clippers, 8. Magic, 9. Warriors, 10. Lakers;

Rankings 11-20:11. Pistons, 12. Hawks, 13. Mavericks, 14. Bucks, 15. Grizzlies, 16. Spurs, 17. Celtics, 18. 76ers, 19. Heat, 20. Pacers;

Rankings 21-30:21. Trail Blazers, 22. Kings, 23. Bulls, 24. Raptors, 25. Suns, 26. Pelicans, 27. Hornets, 28. Nets, 29. Wizards, 30. Jazz.

1. Thunder

Key Additions: None

Key Departures: Dillon Brooks (traded)

During the offseason, the Thunder drafted rookies Thomas Sobor and Brooks Barnheiser (the latter showcased excellent defensive skills in the Summer League, proving to be a perfect fit), but they did not acquire any other players. However, why do they need additions? As the reigning champions, they will retain all members of their rotation for the 2025-26 season, aiming to defend their title. The Thunder's core task this offseason is to secure long-term contracts with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, locking this championship core in until the late 2020s—this task has been successfully completed without any issues.

2. Rockets

Key Additions: Clint Capela (free agent signing), Kevin Durant (trade), Dorian Finney-Smith (free agent signing), JD Davidson (free agent signing)

Key Departures: Dillon Brooks (trade), Jalen Green (trade), Cam Whitmore (trade)

Disappointed by their first-round exit in the playoffs, the Rockets quickly addressed their offensive needs by bringing in 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant, while signing Finney-Smith to enhance their roster depth and perimeter defense, retaining Fred VanVleet, alongside a group of young and eager stars like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. The Rockets also look forward to the improvement of sharpshooter Sheppard, especially on defense, as he shone in the Summer League, proving he is ready for a more significant role. Frontcourt depth will also become an understated advantage for the team.

7. Clippers

Key Additions: Bradley Beal (free agent signing), John Collins (trade), Brook Lopez (free agent signing), Chris Paul (free agent signing)

Key Departures: Norman Powell (trade)

The Clippers are clearing salary cap space to potentially sign one or two stars in the next two offseasons. In the meantime, they have successfully strengthened their team—last season, they won 50 games but lost to Nikola Jokic's Denver Nuggets in a seven-game first-round series. The Clippers re-signed James Harden to a two-year deal, maintaining salary flexibility; traded Powell to Miami for power forward John Collins; outbid competitors in the free agent market to sign Brook Lopez; and finally capped off a busy offseason by signing Paul after he was bought out by the Suns.

When healthy, the Clippers' starting five is considered one of the best in the West, with the team adding shooting ability and depth, boasting one of the league's top frontcourts with Ivica Zubac and Lopez. Collins provides a finishing point for Harden and allows Kawhi Leonard to return to the small forward position. Although the team is slightly older and needs to focus on health management, as long as Leonard stays healthy, the Clippers have the potential to go further in the playoffs.

9. Warriors

Key Additions: None

Key Departures: Kevon Looney (free agent departure)

As August approaches, the Warriors' roster consists of only nine players. However, many in the league believe that once Jonathan Kuminga's restricted free agency issue is resolved, Al Horford, D'Anthony Melton, and Seth Curry will ultimately join Golden State, adding some experienced veterans to a rotation that needs reinforcement. Kuminga’s situation remains unresolved, and it is still uncertain whether he will return (and to what extent he will be invested). The Warriors' future largely depends on whether Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green can fend off aging. This is the wager for their next two seasons: the total salary of Curry (37), Butler (35), and Green (35) will reach $286.6 million over the next two seasons, with all three contracts expiring in the summer of 2027.

10. Lakers

Key Additions: Deandre Ayton (free agent signing), Marcus Smart (free agent signing)

Key Departures: Goodwin (waived), Jamison III (waived), Milton (waived), Finney-Smith (free agent departure)

After a disappointing first-round defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers faced a significant decision: either re-sign Finney-Smith or let the forward go to utilize the mid-level exception. The Lakers opted for the latter and used the freed-up salary space to sign two players: center Ayton and wing Larravia. They then waived Jordan Goodwin and used the biannual exception to sign Smart. All these moves are aimed at giving Luka Doncic and LeBron James a better chance for success in their second season together.

13. Mavericks

Key Additions: D'Angelo Russell (free agent signing)

Key Departures: Spencer Dinwiddie (free agent departure)

With Kyrie expected to miss a significant number of games, the team's lack of experienced ball handlers is a concern. However, if Dallas can navigate this situation smoothly, the talent and veteran leadership within the roster should be sufficient to develop enough chemistry in the early months of the season to become contenders in the West. The Mavericks have a strong and versatile frontcourt, with lively bodies in Reaves and Davis. First overall pick Flagg proved his worth in the Summer League, and his playmaking ability could become the glue that holds the team together until Kyrie's return.

16. Spurs

Key Additions: Luke Kornet (free agent signing), Kelly Olynyk (trade), Lindy Waters III (free agent signing)

Key Departures: Mamukelashvili (free agent departure), Paul (free agent departure), Wesley (trade)

With the addition of second overall pick Dylan Harper, the number of ball handlers on the team has increased, which may make the roster feel somewhat redundant. However, the Spurs believe this will enhance their ability to create mismatches, and Victor Wembanyama's presence in the paint will amplify this advantage—Wembanyama has fully recovered from the blood clot issue that caused him to miss the last 30 games last year. Over the past two drafts, the Spurs have selected NBA Rookie of the Year Wembanyama and Castle, and Harper hopes to continue this momentum. 14th overall pick Carter Bryant has shown potential to become a top defender, and the team has also bolstered frontcourt depth, providing more options for lineup combinations.

21. Trail Blazers

Key Additions: Jrue Holiday (trade), Damian Lillard (free agent signing), Blake Wesley (signing)

Key Departures: Anfernee Simons (trade), Deandre Ayton (free agent departure)

The two most exciting moves for the Trail Blazers this offseason may not pay off until next season: Lillard is expected to return only for the 2026-27 season due to an Achilles tear in April; the 16th overall pick Henderson also needs time to adjust to the NBA. Nonetheless, bringing Lillard back to the team where he spent most of his career and selecting Henderson has reignited the enthusiasm of Blazers fans after a disappointing 36-46 season. If Portland wants to maintain this momentum, acquiring veteran guard Jrue Holiday to support Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe will be crucial.