NBA power rankings 2026: Thunder stay No. 1 after wild offseason
ESPN’s NBA insiders kept Oklahoma City on top after major 2026 offseason moves involving Jaylen Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo and more.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The latest NBA power rankings 2026 from ESPN’s panel of insiders keep the Oklahoma City Thunder in the top spot after an offseason already packed with star movement, roster trimming and rookie buzz.
ESPN said its rankings were compiled by Tim MacMahon, Jamal Collier, Michael C. Wright, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Zach Kram, Anthony Slater, Ben Golliver and Vincent Goodwill after a run of free agency moves. Power rankings are an expert snapshot of how teams stack up at a given moment, rather than official standings or title odds.
The offseason backdrop is lively. ESPN reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown have left their long-term franchises, while LeBron James’ future has kept attention high around the league. Summer league is also over, giving teams a first professional look at rookies including AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, both described by ESPN as ready for large early roles.
Who is No. 1 in the NBA power rankings?
Oklahoma City remains No. 1, with ESPN noting that the Thunder are counting on Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell returning to health after hamstring and calf issues, respectively. The team is still viewed by ESPN as a title favorite, even after moving several role players from its 2025 championship run.
The Thunder’s notable departures are Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Luguentz Dort, all via trade. ESPN said those deals were cost-cutting moves that removed $200 million in luxury tax payments. Oklahoma City added draft pick Aday Mara, also brought in first-round guard Bennett Stirtz and now holds seven second-round picks, according to ESPN.
Spurs and Knicks hold their ground near the top
The San Antonio Spurs stayed at No. 2 after what ESPN described as a decision to bring back almost the same roster that reached the 2026 NBA Finals. Victor Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is central to that plan, and ESPN said his contract approach helped the franchise keep the group together. San Antonio’s listed addition is Tobias Harris in free agency, with no notable departures.
The New York Knicks sit at No. 3 after winning the championship, according to ESPN’s rankings. Their key change is at backup center: Mitchell Robinson left in free agency for Boston, while Andre Drummond arrived. ESPN reported that Knicks owner James Dolan wanted the team to stay out of the second apron, shaping the team’s offseason spending.
Which teams moved up after free agency?
Denver climbed from No. 6 to No. 4, though ESPN’s Ben Golliver wrote that the Nuggets have made no major move to reshape the roster around Nikola Jokic. Tyus Jones joined in free agency, while Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas left.
Philadelphia made one of the bigger jumps, rising from No. 12 to No. 5. ESPN listed Jaylen Brown as a trade addition, with Paul George leaving in that deal. The 76ers also added Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade and draft pick Labaron Philon Jr., while Andre Drummond departed in free agency.
Detroit landed at No. 6 after leading the Eastern Conference in wins last season, according to ESPN. The Pistons added John Collins and Isaiah Joe, while Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert and Isaiah Stewart left. ESPN noted that Jalen Duren remains an unsigned restricted free agent.
Minnesota is No. 7 after a swingy offseason headlined by the trade for LaMelo Ball. ESPN listed Ball, Josh Green and Isaiah Evans as additions, with Julius Randle, Naz Reid, Kyle Anderson and Mike Conley among the departures.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.