NBA offseason grades: Which teams had best trades, signings, deals?

The 2026 NBA offseason activity is largely finished. Most teams have settled their rosters for the upcoming year, allowing for an evaluation of trades, free agent acquisitions, and contract extensions. While draft picks are excluded from this assessment, the impact of summer maneuvers provides a clear look at how front offices managed their financial flexibility and strategic goals.

The San Antonio Spurs earn top marks this summer. Securing Victor Wembanyama on a 25 percent maximum extension stands as the most vital move of the offseason. This deal offers long-term salary cap relief while keeping the face of the franchise locked in for the future. Similarly, the Utah Jazz receive high praise for their trade involving Walker Kessler, which brought back significant draft capital to aid their long-term rebuild.

Not every team found similar success. The Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans remain at the bottom of the rankings after struggling to execute moves that address their roster deficits. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers engaged in a massive overhaul that cleared out most of their playoff rotation, leaving them with an uncertain outlook and a lack of depth as they enter the new season.

Final grades reveal clear tiers across the league. Organizations like Atlanta and Charlotte navigated the summer by prioritizing future flexibility and youth development. Conversely, teams tied up in investigations or incomplete trade negotiations, specifically the Clippers and Raptors, remain in limbo. The league enters the next phase of the calendar with rosters largely set, setting the stage for the 2026-27 campaign.