ESPN analyst grades NBA teams' 2026 offseason moves
A comprehensive review of the 2026 NBA offseason reveals divergent strategies, with the San Antonio Spurs securing Victor Wembanyama on a cost-effective extension while the Boston Celtics face criticism for their Jaylen Brown trade.
ESPN analyst Tim Kramin has released a comprehensive evaluation of all 30 NBA teams’ activities during the 2026 offseason, assigning grades based on trades, free agent acquisitions, and contract extensions. The assessment specifically targets moves impacting the 2026-27 season, deliberately excluding the outcomes of the 2026 NBA Draft. Key highlights include the San Antonio Spurs receiving top marks for securing Victor Wembanyama on a 25% maximum extension, which reportedly saves the franchise over $50 million compared to a potential supermax deal.
Conversely, the Boston Celtics faced significant criticism for trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for a perceived insufficient return. The 76ers received positive marks for the acquisition, viewed as a win for their forward positions, while the Celtics were graded among the worst for reducing their championship equity without significant financial relief. The Miami Heat received a "B" grade for signing Giannis Antetokounmpo despite depth concerns, and the Los Angeles Lakers were viewed as "running in place" following the loss of LeBron James.
The Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors received "Incomplete" grades due to an ongoing NBA investigation into a pending Kawhi Leonard trade. Until the investigation concludes, neither team can finalise the transaction, leaving their offseason status unresolved. This administrative limbo contrasts with the Utah Jazz, who were praised for trading Walker Kessler for two unprotected first-round picks and two swaps, a move described as arguably the best trade of the summer for asset accumulation.
Other notable evaluations include the Charlotte Hornets' strategic pivot to rebuild around younger talent, the Houston Rockets' defensive reinforcements, and the Memphis Grizzlies' decision to trade Ja Morant for a clean slate. The Milwaukee Bucks secured a strong haul for Antetokounmpo but faced scrutiny over a minor move involving Gary Trent Jr. that reportedly provoked an NBA investigation.
The grading system, which treats a "C" as neutral, suggests that teams with grades better than a C met their offseason goals to some extent, while those lower did not. The report underscores the complex financial landscape of the NBA, where decisions regarding supermax contracts and apron limits are reshaping team strategies across the league.
