NBA Power Rankings: Thunder and Pistons set the pace with trade deadline one month away
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With the NBA trade deadline scheduled for Feb. 5, an ESPN panel evaluated all 30 clubs and produced the first rankings of 2026. The list reflects each team’s current record, recent form and potential moves, including the possibility that four-time All-Star Trae Young could leave Atlanta.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (30-7)
Record holders in the West stay No. 1 even after a 6-6 stretch. Rival executives expect minimal action because the roster is deep and expensive extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren begin next season. Upcoming games: vs. Utah (Jan. 7), at Memphis (Jan. 9), vs. Miami (Jan. 11), vs. San Antonio (Jan. 13).
2. Detroit Pistons (27-9)
Monday’s blowout of New York reinforced Detroit’s championship credentials. President Trajan Langdon may tweak around the edges, but head coach J.B. Bickerstaff warns against “big-picture” distractions. Next: vs. Chicago (Jan. 7), vs. L.A. Clippers (Jan. 10).
3. San Antonio Spurs (25-11)
Victor Wembanyama is day-to-day with left knee soreness, yet San Antonio wins at a .714 rate with or without him. The club may hunt for bench shooting but avoids drastic deals. Next: vs. Lakers (Jan. 7), at Boston (Jan. 10), at Minnesota (Jan. 11), at Oklahoma City (Jan. 13).
4. Boston Celtics (23-12)
The biggest question is whether Jayson Tatum can return from an Achilles tear. Guard Anfernee Simons’ expiring contract gives Boston flexibility. Next: vs. Denver (Jan. 7), vs. Toronto (Jan. 9), vs. San Antonio (Jan. 10), at Indiana (Jan. 12).
5. Houston Rockets (22-11)
Fred VanVleet’s season-ending knee injury forced a point-guard committee, but the hard-capped Rockets appear satisfied. Kevin Durant has three 30-point efforts in four games, and rookie Amen Thompson owns a trio of 20-point nights. Next: two games at Portland (Jan. 7 and 9), at Sacramento (Jan. 11), vs. Chicago (Jan. 13).
6. New York Knicks (23-13)
Four straight defeats prompted no panic from head coach Mike Brown, yet Jalen Brunson says “a lot needs to be addressed.” Owner James Dolan considers the roster title-ready; limited draft assets restrict major upgrades. Next: vs. Clippers (Jan. 7), at Phoenix (Jan. 9), at Portland (Jan. 11).
7. Denver Nuggets (24-12)
Converting two-way forward Spencer Jones to a standard deal is priority one. Denver is 12-9 with him starting, and he shoots 41.4 percent from deep. Next: at Boston (Jan. 7), vs. Atlanta (Jan. 9), vs. Milwaukee (Jan. 11), at Orlando (Jan. 13).
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (24-13)
Front-office eyes remain on point-guard upgrades as veteran Mike Conley ages and rookie Rob Dillingham struggles. Assets and cap room are tight, but president Tim Connelly is known for bold swings. Next: vs. Cleveland (Jan. 8), at Cleveland (Jan. 10), vs. San Antonio (Jan. 11), at Milwaukee (Jan. 13).
9. Los Angeles Lakers (23-11)
The Lakers rank 25th in three-point accuracy and 29th in opponent three-point percentage, highlighting a need for a 3-and-D wing. Packages could include expiring deals and a 2031 or 2032 first-round pick. Next: at San Antonio (Jan. 7), vs. Milwaukee (Jan. 9), at Sacramento (Jan. 12), vs. Atlanta (Jan. 13).
10. Phoenix Suns (21-15)
Dillon Brooks has hardened Phoenix’s perimeter defense, but interior protection and rebounding lag. Rookie center Khaman Maluach averages only 4.7 minutes, suggesting a veteran rim protector could help. Next: at Memphis (Jan. 7), vs. New York (Jan. 9), vs. Washington (Jan. 11), at Miami (Jan. 13).
11. Philadelphia 76ers (19-15)
Sitting inside the East’s top six changes the conversation from ducking the luxury tax to potentially adding talent. Next: vs. Washington (Jan. 7), at Orlando (Jan. 9), back-to-back at Toronto (Jan. 11-12).
12. Toronto Raptors (22-15)
Jakob Poeltl’s back injury and declining numbers push Toronto into the center market. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles has started but is undersized at 6-7. Next: at Charlotte (Jan. 7), at Boston (Jan. 9), two vs. Philadelphia (Jan. 11).
13. Miami Heat (20-17)
Tyler Herro is back after 11 missed games, but Miami dropped twice to Minnesota. Terry Rozier’s $26.6 million salary becomes guaranteed Wednesday afternoon; waiving him would free $1.7 million and two roster spots. Next: at Chicago (Jan. 8), at Indiana (Jan. 10), at Oklahoma City (Jan. 11), vs. Phoenix (Jan. 13).
14. Orlando Magic (20-17)
A 25-point deficit in Washington raised eyebrows after Orlando sacrificed four first-round picks for Desmond Bane and extended Paolo Banchero. With Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs hurt, management must decide whether to chase the top tier or settle for a play-in bid. Next: at Brooklyn (Jan. 7), vs. Philadelphia (Jan. 9), vs. New Orleans (Jan. 11).
15. Cleveland Cavaliers (21-17)
Already above the second apron, Cleveland’s best path is internal improvement. Getting Max Strus healthy and more consistency from Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen are critical. Next: at Minnesota (Jan. 8), vs. Minnesota (Jan. 10), vs. Utah (Jan. 12).
16. Golden State Warriors (19-18)
Jonathan Kuminga becomes trade-eligible in eight days, but talks haven’t advanced. Sacramento shows the most interest, yet Golden State may keep the seldom-used forward if no appealing offer surfaces. Next: vs. Milwaukee (Jan. 7), vs. Sacramento (Jan. 9), vs. Atlanta (Jan. 11), vs. Portland (Jan. 13).
17. L.A. Clippers (13-22)
Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Ivica Zubac supply scoring, but Bradley Beal’s season-ending surgery leaves playmaking voids. The front office scans non-contenders such as Sacramento, New Orleans and Brooklyn for help. Next: at New York (Jan. 7), at Brooklyn (Jan. 9), at Detroit (Jan. 10), vs. Charlotte (Jan. 12).
18. Atlanta Hawks (17-21)
Two wins halted a seven-game slide, yet Trae Young’s future dominates headlines. Atlanta is 2-8 with him and 15-13 without. The guard is owed $46 million next season and holds a $49 million player option for 2027-27. Next: vs. New Orleans (Jan. 7), at Denver (Jan. 9), at Golden State (Jan. 11), at Lakers (Jan. 13).
19. Chicago Bulls (17-19)
Chicago owns multiple expiring contracts and all future first-round picks, giving the club rare flexibility. Guard Coby White enters free agency this summer. Next: at Detroit (Jan. 7), vs. Miami (Jan. 8), vs. Dallas (Jan. 10), at Houston (Jan. 13).
20. Portland Trail Blazers (17-20)
A 5-1 surge moved Portland into ninth, ending speculation about selling. Evaluation remains tricky until Scoot Henderson, out with a severe hamstring strain, is re-examined in two weeks. Next: vs. Houston twice (Jan. 7, 9), vs. New York (Jan. 11), at Golden State (Jan. 13).
21. Milwaukee Bucks (16-20)
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return sparked four wins in five tries, keeping the Bucks in buyer mode despite scarce assets. Continued slides could force bigger summer questions. Next: at Golden State (Jan. 7), at Lakers (Jan. 9), at Denver (Jan. 11), vs. Minnesota (Jan. 13).
22. Memphis Grizzlies (16-20)
Memphis dropped six of nine while battling injuries. Ja Morant played four games before a bruised right calf sidelined him again; rookie center Zach Edey has missed 12 straight. The Grizzlies consistently deal at deadlines but are unlikely to move Morant. Next: vs. Phoenix (Jan. 7), vs. Oklahoma City (Jan. 9), vs. Brooklyn (Jan. 11).
23. Dallas Mavericks (14-23)
All eyes are on Anthony Davis, who would stay if extended this summer. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul is already gauging teams willing to commit long-term dollars to the 10-time All-Star. Next: at Utah (Jan. 8), at Chicago (Jan. 10), vs. Brooklyn (Jan. 12).
24. Charlotte Hornets (13-23)
Charlotte reached 13 wins much faster than last year, highlighted by a surprise blowout in Oklahoma City during which Brandon Miller hit seven threes. The improved competitiveness could influence the front office’s stance on a LaMelo Ball trade. Next: vs. Toronto (Jan. 7), vs. Indiana (Jan. 8), at Utah (Jan. 10), at L.A. Clippers (Jan. 12).
25. Utah Jazz (12-23)
Teams ask about Lauri Markkanen, averaging a career-best 27.7 points. Utah’s price remains steep as the 28-year-old forward features in next year’s playoff hopes. Next: at Oklahoma City (Jan. 7), vs. Dallas (Jan. 8), vs. Charlotte (Jan. 10), at Cleveland (Jan. 12).
26. Brooklyn Nets (11-22)
Michael Porter Jr. scores 26 per game as Brooklyn’s primary option, making him a coveted target for contenders needing instant offense. Next: vs. Orlando (Jan. 7), vs. Clippers (Jan. 9), at Memphis (Jan. 11), at Dallas (Jan. 12).
27. Washington Wizards (10-25)
CJ McCollum could be on the move, either in a headline deal for Trae Young or a smaller swap. The guard averages 18.6 points and 39.2 percent from three, with his $30.7 million salary expiring this summer. Next: at Philadelphia (Jan. 7), vs. New Orleans (Jan. 9), at Phoenix (Jan. 11).
28. Sacramento Kings (8-29)
Fourth-year guard Keon Ellis draws league-wide interest as a low-cost 3-and-D option. Sacramento is listening but may keep him and discuss an extension after Feb. 9. Next: at Golden State (Jan. 9), vs. Houston (Jan. 11), vs. Lakers (Jan. 12).
29. New Orleans Pelicans (8-30)
Zion Williamson scored 30 in each of his first three games back in the starting lineup, underscoring the dilemma: he is indispensable when healthy but tough to trade when not. The eight-game losing streak continues despite his surge. Next: at Atlanta (Jan. 7), at Washington (Jan. 9), at Orlando (Jan. 11), vs. Denver (Jan. 13).
30. Indiana Pacers (6-31)
Myles Turner’s departure left a void in the middle. Isaiah Jackson is recovering from an Achilles tear, and Jay Huff profiles as a reserve. Indiana could wait until summer or seek a long-term center now, even while headed to the lottery. Next: at Charlotte (Jan. 8), vs. Miami (Jan. 10), vs. Boston (Jan. 12).
The rankings were compiled by ESPN writers Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Kevin Pelton, Michael C. Wright, Bobby Marks, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram. They will update the list weekly until the trade deadline.
Source: ESPN.com
