NBA Offseason Report Cards: How Five Contenders Reshaped Their Rosters
nba-offseason-grades-knicks-rockets-celtics-cavaliers-thunder
The final installment of the 2025 offseason grading series examines how last season’s top clubs adjusted their rosters and payrolls ahead of the new campaign. The New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder each faced distinct challenges—ranging from coaching changes to major injuries—and responded with moves that could shape the league’s balance of power.
New York Knicks • Grade: B-
Key additions: Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele
Key departure: Precious Achiuwa
After consecutive playoff exits linked to a thin bench, New York added instant offense in Jordan Clarkson and front-court depth with Guerschon Yabusele, who impressed during the 2024 Olympics and his subsequent NBA return. New head coach Mike Brown now has more flexibility around core pieces Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, the latter reportedly agreeing to a slight hometown discount. Brown’s task is to elevate a talented starting unit beyond its current ceiling.
Houston Rockets • Grade: A
Key additions: Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, Josh Okogie
Key departures: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, Jock Landale
Seeking to fix one of the league’s worst half-court attacks, Houston landed Kevin Durant, one of the game’s most efficient scorers, while moving on from the inefficient Jalen Green and the expendable Dillon Brooks. The Rockets also pried Dorian Finney-Smith from the Los Angeles Lakers to bolster perimeter defense and outside shooting, and added Clint Capela to back up Alperen Şengün alongside Steven Adams. Forward Jabari Smith Jr. secured a five-year, $122 million extension. Questions remain at shooting guard, where Amen Thompson and Josh Okogie headline a thin depth chart, but the overall haul earns top marks.
Boston Celtics • Grade: B
Key additions: Anfernee Simons, Georges Niang, Luka Garza, Hugo Gonzalez, Josh Minott
Key departures: Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, Luke Kornet
Boston’s offseason pivot followed Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles rupture, a blow that extinguished short-term title hopes. Management prioritized cutting costs under the new second-apron tax, offloading Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kornet while bringing in Anfernee Simons and role players. The moves trimmed roughly $200 million from projected tax payments, but left the roster with a sizable talent deficit for 2025.
Cleveland Cavaliers • Grade: B
Key additions: Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr.
Key departures: Ty Jerome, Isaac Okoro
Imagem: Vivek Jacob via basketballinsiders.org
Cleveland chose a measured response to last season’s early playoff exit, attributing the setback to Darius Garland’s toe injury and Evan Mobley’s missed game. To add size and playmaking in the backcourt, the Cavaliers swapped Ty Jerome for Lonzo Ball; Ball’s health will determine the move’s ultimate value. Larry Nance Jr. returns to provide front-court versatility, while the team keeps options open regarding any future decision on Garland.
Oklahoma City Thunder • Grade: B-
Key additions: None
Key departures: None
The defending champions focused exclusively on extensions, locking in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Holmgren, limited to 32 regular-season games after missing his rookie year entirely, received a standard rookie-max deal that now hinges on sustained availability. With Denver and Houston both upgrading, Oklahoma City opted for continuity over fresh blood—an approach that will be tested as the franchise seeks to become the first repeat champion since Golden State’s 2017-18 run.
The 2025-26 season will reveal whether roster tweaks, financial maneuvering or simple stability prove most effective for these five contenders.
Source: Basketball Insiders
