The 2026 NBA offseason was one of the most intriguing in recent memory, from LeBron James’ shocking decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers to the Miami Heat’s acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s not to mention the fact that Kawhi Leonard got traded from the LA Clippers back to the Toronto Raptors in a deal that now appears on its way to becoming null and void, or the fact that the Hornets finally decided to part ways with LaMelo Ball by sending him to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Few off-seasons have changed the complexion of the league so dramatically, and few have given us the level of drama this summer has provided. It’s no secret that the most memorable offseasons are the ones filled with drama and star movement, and thanks to LeBron, Giannis and Pablo Torre, that’s exactly what we’ve gotten.
Of course, as it always goes, some teams were on the right side of the drama and others got the short end of the stick. Whether it was luck, circumstance, or the telling signs of a franchise’s direction, the simple matter of fact is that some teams won the offseason and some teams lost.
The Biggest Winners
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers showed some level of promise with their first round triumph over the Boston Celtics, but the Knicks’ dismantling of them in the second round proved they still had a long way to go to truly become a contender in the East. After years of trusting the process, the process, for once, has finally trusted Philadelphia back. The offseason started with an absolute fleecing of the Celtics, in which the 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown for what’s left of Paul George and a handful of good but not great draft picks. It continued with the shocking acquisition of James, which has ignited a flame of hope not seen for the franchise in two and a half decades.
Miami Heat
It was abundantly clear entering this offseason that the Miami Heat needed either an overhaul or a transcendent addition to overcome the issues that have weighed the team down the last few seasons. They found one of the few players in the league who can cover up nearly all of them in Antetokounmpo. Giannis had been the Heat’s primary target for what has seemed like years to this point, and Pat Riley proved that the old dog still hunts when it comes to getting a deal done. At least one last time.
Charlotte Hornets
At first glance, it may have seemed to the casual fan that the decision to trade Ball was a sign the Hornets were taking a step back and perhaps pursuing a tank job with their young roster. The trade was really a coup for Charlotte, who received a litany of draft pick swaps plus fan favorite Naz Reid in return. The decision to trade Miles Bridges in tandem shortly afterward made it clear that the Hornets were undergoing a complete culture shift, especially signified by the massive contract extension they handed down to hopeful cornerstone Coby White. He, Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller are the new faces of the operation in Charlotte, and it feels like Charlotte’s front office made the right move by ripping the band-aid off with Ball and Bridges in favor of building this core.
The Biggest Losers
Los Angeles Clippers
It’s almost laughable, at this point, how disastrously south things have gone for the Clippers when it comes to the Kawhi Leonard/Aspiration cap circumvention investigation. The most damaging blow so far, however, has been from the NBA itself and not Pablo Torre after the NBA has effectively put Leonard’s trade to the Toronto Raptors on hold until the investigation ends (and there’s no clear end in sight). An outcome that’s entirely possible for the Clippers is that they get levied a substantial punishment from the NBA in addition to having the Leonard trade called off entirely, after which Leonard would just leave the Clippers for Toronto in free agency. In that case, there would be no return package Brandon Ingram nor draft picks, and Kawhi would largely be avoiding consequences as well.
Sooo the Raptors can have both of them now? pic.twitter.com/vFxPuQwVuV
— Ozoon (@Ozoon_CA) August 8, 2026
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors entered this offseason with dreams of pairing LeBron James, Anthony Davis and even Kevin Durant with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green for some sort of legends tour in San Francisco. When Green opted out of his deal, it even led folks to believe that he may take a pay cut for his friends to come join the party again. As it would turn out, the Warriors not only didn’t land a single one of their desired superstar targets, they literally did not acquire one single new player. Literally, they were the only team in the NBA to not make a single addition. Draymond got a shiny new contract with a handsome overpay though, so I guess he’s happy.
Los Angeles Lakers
Losing LeBron James is something that’s historically never bode well for a franchise the previous times it’s happened. Considering the Lakers’ offseason outside of James’ departure has been highlighted by a questionable Austin Reaves contract extension and the acquisition of Walker Kessler in a lopsided trade, it doesn’t exactly inspire faith that things will be much different for the Lakers. On the bright side, as long as you have Luka Doncic, you have a chance to do something in this league.
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