The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2025-26 season as the clear favorite across the league, and it’s not even close.

John Schuhmann of NBA.com, conducted the 24th annual NBA GM Survey where 80% of general managers selected the Thunder to win the 2026 NBA Finals.

How It Works

Each year, NBA.com surveys the league’s top decision-makers for insights on the state of the game. In this year’s edition, general managers answered 49 questions covering the best teams, players, coaches, and offseason moves.

GMs were not allowed to vote for their own team or personnel, ensuring an unbiased look at league-wide opinions. Percentages are based on the number of respondents for each question, meaning totals may vary and don’t always reflect all 30 teams.

Other Teams Receiving Votes

The Cavaliers and Nuggets each earned just 7% of the vote, a clear sign that general managers see the Thunder as the team to beat in both conferences. From the East, Cleveland drew respect after its deep postseason run, while out West, Denver’s championship pedigree still commands attention despite falling to Oklahoma City in last year’s playoffs. The Rockets and Knicks also received scattered votes, but this year’s survey makes one thing clear: the road to the 2026 title runs through OKC.

Thunder on Top

Led by reigning Kia MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder return a young core that includes multiple starters under 25 years old. Their balance, depth, and defensive discipline earned the respect of nearly every front office in the league.

Last season’s GM poll wasn’t as accurate 83% predicted Boston to repeat, and the Celtics were bounced in the second round. Still, Oklahoma City’s dominant postseason run and elite roster continuity have made believers out of executives across the NBA.

MVP and Player Rankings

Nikola Jokić remains the GMs’ pick for MVP, drawing 67% of the vote for what would be his fourth award. The Denver big man was also named:

Best Center (97%)Best International Player (93%)Best Passer (80%)Highest Basketball IQ (80%)Most Difficult Matchup (57%)

Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama continues to impress the league’s decision-makers. The Spurs star earned 83% of the vote as the player most GMs would build a franchise around. He was also named the NBA’s Best Defender (80%) and tied with Giannis Antetokounmpo as the league’s most versatile player.

Offseason HighlightsBest Offseason Moves: Atlanta Hawks (53%)Most Improved Team: Orlando Magic (47%)Most Surprising Offseason: Milwaukee Bucks (43%) after waiving Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner

Veterans still drew attention, with Kevin Durant named the offseason addition expected to make the biggest impact.

Conference Outlook

Eastern Conference Rankings

Cleveland Cavaliers – 35%New York Knicks – 31%Orlando Magic – 20%Atlanta Hawks – 5%Detroit Pistons – 4%Milwaukee Bucks – 4%Philadelphia 76ers – 0%Boston Celtics – 0%

Western Conference Rankings

Oklahoma City Thunder – 38%Denver Nuggets – 24%Houston Rockets – 17%Minnesota Timberwolves – 9%Golden State Warriors – 5%LA Clippers – 4%Los Angeles Lakers – 2%Dallas Mavericks – 1%Thunder’s Next Chapter

The Thunder’s youth and chemistry have set the stage for another championship pursuit — and if the GMs are right, Oklahoma City is just getting started.