The operation scores of each team during the offseason: The Eagles usher in a major upgrade, and the Pacers become the biggest loser

(This article was published on July 22, and the author is Grant Hughes, a reporter from the open-air stands. The content of the article does not represent the translator's views.)

With the exhaustion of most of the available funds in the 2025 NBA offseason, top free agents have signed new contracts, rookies have also been in place, and the transaction rumors have gradually subsided. It's time to rate offseason operations for each team.

ratings cannot be based solely on whether the team roster is better or worse than a year ago. Each team has different priorities, chips and intentions. These ratings must take these actual situations into account.

We need to go deeper and raise some important questions before making a judgment. What are the priorities of each team? What are the realistic choices to pursue these goals? Then, is the team effective in pursuing these goals: maximizing value, seizing opportunities, clarifying timelines, etc.?

Celtic reconstruction needs to be differentiated from the Rockets' star acquisition, or the Hornets' cautious accumulation of future assets, to conduct different assessments. The offseason has begun for three weeks and most of the major matters have been completed. Let's see how 30 teams have performed so far.

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks ushered in the Trae Young era that might be their best backcourt rotation. The joining of Alexander Walker ($62 million in four years and then exchange) and Kennard ($11 million a year) and Porzingis obtained from the trade will bring unprecedented blocks and ability to open up space.

Despite uncertainty about Porzingis' health, it is worth it for the Hawks to trade George Nion, Terence Mann and the 22nd pick. The tripartite deal also involves the Nets and the Celtics. Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Rissache, Jaylen Johnson and Okonwu, who are starting lineups, are now supported by three high-level substitutes. This is probably the deepest and most complete lineup of the Hawks since the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals.

What's even more exciting is that the Hawks earned a huge reward in one of the most unbalanced deals in the summer, trading the 13th pick for an unprotected 2026 first-round pick (the Pelicans or Bucks with the top pick), and the 23rd pick. If the Pelicans or the Bucks perform poorly, the Hawks could get a high draft pick in the 2026 draft.

Rating: A

Boston Celtics

Before Tatum's Achilles tendon to tear the Tatum's playoffs, the Celtics may have been considering cost reductions and talent loss. However, this unfortunate injury made the team's reorganization inevitable.

Considering that without Tatum's lineup, spending another $500 million in salary and taxes is obviously meaningless, the Celtics traded Porzingis and Holiday and got Anthony Simmons from the Trail Blazers.

Currently, Boston's salary is lower than the second rich line. If a team that is willing to take over Simmons' upcoming $28 million contract before the transaction deadline, they can even avoid paying luxury taxes.

It's not all very pleasant for Celtic fans. After all, it was only 13 months apart from winning the championship to rebuilding the team. But the Celtics have to do that, because the cost and limitations of maintaining the existing roster are too high, especially if Tatum may not fully recover until 2027.

Rating: C

Brooklyn Nets used all five first-round picks in the draft, which was somewhat unexpected. But considering that they lack cornerstone players and are still a bit far from competing for the championship, this strategy of casting a wide net is also an option.

If any of Yegor Jamin, Nolan Traore or Ben Salav can become successful, the Nets will have the point guard they need to control the game.

The Nets got a dull first-round pick by stepping in the Porzingis deal between the Hawks and the Celtics, but their real gain in the offseason was to get an unprotected 2032 first-round pick from the Nuggets. If the Nets can trade Michael Porter Jr. before the trade deadline and get positive returns, the deal could give them a big win.

Perhaps some fans are disappointed that the Nets are not using their cap space more actively, but ending this offseason with a bunch of rookies, that 2032 draft pick and almost as much cap space next summer is also a pretty good result.

Rating: B

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets used to pursue immediate short-term interests, but now under the leadership of executive Jeff Peterson, the team has shown better self-control. This summer, Hornets’ work focuses on accumulating assets to achieve a prudent reconstruction plan. Instead of seeking short-term gains or quick solutions, they take thoughtful, methodical actions with a focus on sustainable success.

Hornets won the 29th overall pick and a 2029 first-round pick (from the worst of the Cavaliers, Jazz and Timberwolves) by trading Mark Williams. They also traded Nurkic for Sexton and got a second-round draft pick. In addition, the Hornets won two future second-round picks by taking over Pat Connaughton's contract.

Plus sign Trey Mann on a three-year, $24 million low-risk contract, signed Dinwiddie with a basic salary, and selected Con Kniper with the No. 4 pick in the draft, the Hornets found some excellent supplementary players or replacements for Lamelo Ball and his fragile ankles.

Rating: B

Chicago Bulls' biggest move during the offseason was to renew their contracts with Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Canisovas and head coach Billy Donovan, which seems to indicate that the team is satisfied with its current record of 38 to 44 wins. However, for fans who dream more and hope that the team can go further, such results may disappoint them.

If the Bulls had offered a five-year, $90 million contract against restricted free agent Josh Gidey, as they did last summer, the situation could have been worse. Although no other team has made high offers yet, Gidey has not signed yet, and if the Bulls stick to a tough stance, he could return at a relatively reasonable price (like around $20 million a year).

In addition, the trade of Lonzo Ball to the Cavaliers for Ocorro also seemed dull. The best part of this deal is that Okoro, as the ninth man on a good team, is more likely than Ball to maintain a steady performance throughout the season.

Rating: D

Cleveland Cavaliers

Although Lonzo Ball may not be able to play every night like Ocorro, for the Cavaliers, this is not the issue they need to care about when they face the Wizards on a Tuesday in January.

After getting out early for two consecutive seasons, the Cavaliers need a player who can play at a critical moment in the playoffs at the end of May. Ball's tandem passes, reliable shots and solid team defense make him an upgrade option—even if the risk of his absence does exist. The Cavaliers also made the right financial decisions to get Tay Jerome away. His explosive performance last year cemented his position as a rotation-level NBA player, but the Cavaliers would face huge luxury taxes if they renewed their contract at market prices.

Old friend Larry Nance Jr. returns with a low salary, while scorer Merrill renews his contract with a three-year, $38 million contract.

Overall, the Cavaliers brought back a team that looked similar to the roster that won 64 games last year - only their competitiveness in the playoffs has improved slightly.

Rating: B

Detroit Pistons

If Jaden Ivy fails to continue growing in the 30 games before the end of last season's injury, LeVere ($29 million in two years) will be a very solid signing. He can be the secondary organizer around Cunningham, while also taking on more scoring tasks for the second team. Another signing from the Pistons Duncan Robinson is still a quality shooter, and his contract is quite friendly to the team. While $16.8 million in the 2025-26 season may be a little expensive, only $2 million of Robinson's $31 million contract is guaranteed over the next two seasons.

Schroeder and Hardaway Jr. left the team in the free market, while Malik Beasley's future is uncertain due to gambling investigations. All three players played a big role in the Pistons who performed well last season, but losing these three main free agents is perhaps not the worst outcome as Osal Thompson, Holland and even Ivy are ready to take on more responsibilities.

Ivy and Jaylen Durham are both eligible for a contract renewal, and the Pistons are currently wise to choose to wait. The team is now strong enough to force the two players to prove their worth and still have a lot of bargaining chips in the restricted free market in 2026.

Rating: C

Indiana Pacer

Pacer avoided paying luxury tax due to Halliburton's Achilles tendon tear. The injury gave team owner Herb Simon an excuse to avoid paying luxury taxes on the grounds that the team could not compete without an All-Star point guard this year.

The person who had previously expressed doubts about the Pacers' willingness to pay luxury tax seemed more confident when free agent Miles Turner signed a four-year $107 million contract with the Bucks. According to Jake Fischer, the Pacers have never been offered by Turner for more than $22 million a year.

If the luxury tax was such a big concern, the walkers could have cut costs in other ways. Mathering, TJ McConaughey or Obie Topin are all attractive bargaining chips in the trading market. The Pacers can give Turner a contract that meets the market price and then resolve other issues before the February trade deadline.

However, the Pacers let Turner, one of the top five centers in the league who can really protect the basket and open up the space, leave the team in vain. Whether Halliburton was injured or not, this summer was extremely disappointing for a team that almost won the championship.

Rating: F

Miami Heat

Heat cleverly obtained Norman Powell in a tripartite deal involving the Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz. In order to score Powell, who averaged 21.8 points per game, shot 48.4% from the field and 41.8% from three-point shooting percentage, the Heat only paid Li Kaile and Love. Although Powell and Herro's combination in the backcourt is still questionable, the Heat have obtained a quasi-All-star scorer at an extremely low cost.

David Mitchell won a two-year contract with a great performance at the end of the season, new player Fontechio may be more comprehensive (and lower-priced) than Duncan Robinson, who left the team, and rookie Yakujonis also has the opportunity to prove that he should be selected ten in advance. The Heat may still be a playoff edge team at the moment, with their top goal being the No. 6 seed, but they have added several interesting players without affecting the big plan of the free market in 2027 (they have not renewed Taylor Herro early).

Rating: B

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks made a shocking decision in despair, and they cut Lillard and extended his contract. This means that over the next five years, they will have $22.5 million in "dead money" on their books every year.. But this move also allowed them to successfully sign Miles Turner.

Turner is the ideal partner to partner with Antetokounmpo. Giannis is currently planning to stay in Milwaukee, and he's better stay here as the Bucks sacrifice future financial flexibility to sign Turner. If they thought Giannis would leave, they would never make such a decision.

The Bucks also retained several familiar faces. Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr., Trent, Sims and Prince will all continue to play for the team, and their total salary will be less than $20 million in the 2025-26 season. Veteran free agent Gary Harris may also contribute, and he is worth a try in the lowest salary.

Finally, Portis renewed his contract with a three-year, $44 million contract, which could be bigger if more teams have cap space offseason.

The largely intact Bucks may be slightly stronger with Turner than Lillard who was healthy last year, but the decision to sack Lillard remains far-reaching.

If the Bucks really have a chance to compete for the championship, maybe this decision is worth it. But they will face huge financial pressure in the next few years, and this lineup may not even be able to enter the top four in the Eastern Conference.

Rating: C-

New York Knicks

Mike Brown may not be better than Thibodeau overall, but he will bring a very different style.

It can be reasonably assumed that Brown will add some dynamic changes to the originally lack of vitality offensive system. At the same time, he will also have more room for adjustment than Thibodeau.

Knicks have introduced two rotation players, Clarkson and Yabuselle, which will help reduce the starting players' excessive playing time under Thibodeau. Although Clarkson, 33, may have passed his peak, he is still more reliable as a substitute than Payne. Yabuselle's shooting ability and size make him an ideal partner for Mitchell Robinson or Towns.

If the Knicks can convince Mikal Bridges to sign a four-year, $156 million contract extension, they will have a major victory in a offseason dominated by small moves.

Rating: B-

Orlando Magic

By introducing Bain and Tyame Jones, the Magic basically replaced Pope, Cole Anthony and Gary Harris, and finally solved the problem of backcourt space and shooting creation.

In order to get Bain, the Magic paid the price of five first-round picks. The 16th pick in 2025 has been confirmed, and the rest of the picks should be around 20 picks if the Magic perform well in the next few years.

Bain's career three-point shooting percentage reached 41.0%, bringing fresh air to the team that has been trapped in space in recent years. The Magic's three-point shooting percentage last season was only 31.8%, the worst performer among the 91 teams that have made at least 2,800 three-pointers since statistics.

Jones is a trusted organizer who will provide excellent backup time and provide insurance for Suggs's injury again.

Magic also renewed a rookie early contract with Ben Keiro, which was a natural choice for the player who averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists at the age of 22.

With the arrival of Benkairo and new players, the Magic are expected to change the situation where offensive rankings have always been at 22nd or lower in the past five seasons.

Rating: B

Philadelphia 76ers

76ers' offseason has attracted attention, although the fate of the team depends mainly on existing star players. Third-couped rookie VJ Edgecom joins a dynamic backcourt roster, but the position may become a little crowded as restricted free agent Grimes signs a new contract. In addition, Maxi and McCain compete in this position. If Edgecom or Grimes can do the small forward’s defensive tasks, the congestion problem at the backline may not be that serious.

Abusele's departure is regrettable, but the 76ers successfully signed the two-way big man Dominic Barlow and also introduced the forward guard swingman Jabarri Walker with another two-way contract, which was undoubtedly a successful operation. If Embiid or George miss more games due to injury, the two new players may play a major role in the rotation. George, in particular, has faced health problems due to surgery on his left knee.

Rating: C

Toronto Raptors

Pelter seems to have become Devin Booker of the Toronto Raptors - at least in terms of the team's unnecessary big deal renewal ($84.5 million in three years).

Pelter is a mid-level starting center. He does not have the ability to shoot outside and will be at least 30 before the start of the new season. He has signed a contract with the team for an annual salary of $19.5 million in 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons. Why are you so eager to save him until the 2029-30 season with a big pay increase? He would be 34 years old then.

Boyles had a chance to save the Raptors' operation this summer, but the rookie's unstable shooting has made it difficult for him to adapt in a roster including Scotty Barnes or Pearl. The

Raptors should be able to easily surpass last season's 30 wins, but this is largely due to the healthy return of Ingram and Quickley, not for anything they did in the summer.

Rating: D

Washington Wizards seized the opportunity to send Poole away the remaining two years worth $66 million in exchange for McCollum. McCollum's contract will expire after the end of this year.

Plus Olynik's upcoming contract (he was later traded to the Spurs), the Wizards freed up about $30 million in salary space next summer, giving them more than $100 million in spending capacity.

Then the Wizards got Whitmore from the Rockets. The talented forward is likely to be on the bench for the third straight season with the Rockets.

Whitmore is far from a perfect player and his vision limitations may mean he will never be a true victory driver, he is still full of potential and has the potential to be a star player. It would be wise for the Wizards to sign him risk-free, while rookie Trae Johnson offers another chance to threaten the top scorer.

Rating: B

Original text: Grant Hughes

Compiled by JayChan