Most timproved NBA teams this offseason, NBA offseason
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Heading into the NBA offseason reports from top insiders suggested it would be the summer of blockbuster trades. Instead, outside of the Kevin Durant trade and the 2025 NBA trade, it’s been relatively quiet. However, plenty of teams still improved their rosters for next season.

Let’s dive into our list of the five NBA teams that improved the most this summer.

Orlando Magic

Most improved NBA teams
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The Orlando Magic are taking full advantage of a weakened Eastern Conference. With injuries forcing the Boston Celtics (Jayson Tatum) and Indiana Pacers (Tyrese Haliburton) to take a huge step back next season, Orlando has stocked up to make a deep playoff run. Desmond Bane provides the 3-and-D shooting guard that was missing from the Magic’s lineup. To pair with him, Orlando spent its first-round pick on Jase Richardson. The Magic weren’t done there, signing point guard Tyus Jones to play the backup role he’s thrived in during his career. Orlando is a top-four team in the East and that might be its floor.

Related: NBA power rankings, evaluating every team

Atlanta Hawks

Most improved NBA teams
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No team improved more this summer than the Atlanta Hawks. Thanks to the Celtics’ financial issues, Atlanta acquired All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis at an extremely discounted price. Health will always be a concern with him, but the Hawks have an answer when injuries strike in Onyeka Okongwu. Atlanta also finally addressed its backcourt depth, adding Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The icing on the cake is Asa Newell, who should provide added frontcourt depth. All of this positions the Hawks’ roster to be a top-three team in the Eastern Conference next year. Best of all, they also have the Pelicans’ unprotected 2026 first-round pick as a trade chip.

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Houston Rockets

Most improved NBA teams
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The Kevin Durant trade alone made the Houston Rockets one of the most improved teams in the NBA this offseason. As the NBA Playoffs demonstrated, the one thing Houston lacked was a proven bucket-getter who could take over in clutch moments. Durant, even at age 37, provides that. Houston also strengthened the quality of its depth with Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, improving its bench options on the wings and in the frontcourt. If Amen Thompson can take the next leap forward in his career, it feels like destiny for the Rockets to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals next season.

Read More: Best NBA players of all time

Cleveland Cavaliers

Most improved NBA teams
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It’s remarkable how the perspective on a change can shift so quickly. When the Cleveland Cavaliers were knocked out of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, everyone thought it was an indictment of the Cavaliers. Instead, it was just a testament to Indiana. The Cavaliers didn’t have a ton of financial flexibility this summer, but they still improved. Lonzo Ball provides the off-ball guard and defender this team needs off the bench. Cleveland also strengthened its frontcourt behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, reuniting with Larry Nance Jr., who is the perfect third big man. These moves reaffirm that the Cavaliers are the best team in the Eastern Conference.

Dallas Mavericks

Most improved NBA teams
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Of the NBA teams that improved the most this offseason, we have the lowest expectations for the Dallas Mavericks next season. That’s only because Kyrie Irving will miss significant time with an ACL tear. That said, the pairing of D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum is a worthwhile short-term fix. Most importantly, the Mavericks lucked out in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery to get Cooper Flagg. He should be the overwhelming favorite for Rookie of the Year, and a much healthier Mavericks roster will be a force in the West.

NFL, MLB & college football writer for Sportsnaut. Graduated from San Diego State University with BA in Journalism, 2019. ... More about Matt Johnson
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