{"id":674344,"date":"2026-03-23T11:25:56","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:25:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/674344\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T11:25:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:25:56","slug":"ranking-the-10-best-and-10-worst-nba-deals-since-2025-offseason","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/674344\/","title":{"rendered":"Ranking the 10 best and 10 worst NBA deals since 2025 offseason"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao MvWXB TjIXL aGjvy ebVHC \">Between <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/trade-deadline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">trades<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/nba-free-agency\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">free agent signings<\/a>, extensions and more, NBA teams collectively make hundreds of transactions every year. Some work out great. Some fail spectacularly. And most end up somewhere in the middle.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">As the 2025-26 <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/standings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">regular seaso<\/a>n draws to a close, let&#8217;s look back on the last year of <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/transactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">transactions<\/a> and focus on those extremes, ranking the 10 best and 10 worst moves since the end of the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/44610574\/nba-finals-2025-postseason-news-scores-highlights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">2025 NBA Finals<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">I&#8217;m judging these decisions based on results, not process, and with the benefit of hindsight; some of the best moves might have been panned at the time, while some of the worst might have made sense, only to play out counter to expectations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">All net rating and on\/off data in this piece comes from <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/databallr.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">databallr<\/a>, which removes low-leverage minutes from its calculations. Stats are through March 21&#8217;s games.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Jump to a move:<\/p>\n<p>Best: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#best1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">1<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#best2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">2<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#best3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">3<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#best4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">4<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#best5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">5<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#best6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">6<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#best7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">7<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#best8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">8<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#best9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">9<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#best10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">10<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Worst:<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#worst1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">1<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#worst2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">2<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#worst3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">3<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#worst4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">4<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#worst5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">5<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#worst6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">6<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#worst7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">7<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#worst8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">8<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#worst9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">9<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48241616\/nba-2025-2026-best-worst-moves-finals-trades-extensions#worst10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">10<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/_end_rule.png\"\/>Ranking the 10 best moves<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265131_671_nyk.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">10. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/ny\/new-york-knicks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New York Knicks<\/a> trade for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4277869\/jose-alvarado\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jose Alvarado<\/a> <\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: From the moment they acquired him <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/47839301\/sources-knicks-acquiring-pg-jose-alvarado-pelicans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">at the trade deadline<\/a> &#8212; for the minor price of <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4433159\/dalen-terry\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dalen Terry<\/a>, two second-round picks and cash &#8212; Alvarado seemed like a perfect fit for the Knicks, and he has more than fulfilled those expectations in his first 19 games with his new team. The Knicks have a plus-11.8 net rating with Alvarado on the floor, the best mark on the team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What&#8217;s the potential playoff impact?Knicks coach Mike Brown still has to figure out his precise playoff rotation, which is already chock-full of guards even before <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4431823\/miles-mcbride\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Miles McBride<\/a> returns from surgery for a sports hernia. Alvarado could lose some playing time in the shuffle.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">But he&#8217;ll certainly play some role in the postseason, adding to New York&#8217;s depth, and the Madison Square Garden crowd is bound to love it.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265139_439_gsw.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">9. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/gs\/golden-state-warriors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Golden State Warriors<\/a> sign<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4066436\/deanthony-melton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">De&#8217;Anthony Melton<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: Melton has been an advanced stats darling for most of his career, but his 2024-25 season lasted just <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/42514221\/warriors-melton-acl-surgery-miss-rest-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">six games due to a torn ACL<\/a> in his left knee. The Warriors used his salary in a midseason trade (for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3032979\/dennis-schroder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dennis Schroder<\/a>, whom they then <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/43708810\/jimmy-butler-stephen-curry-warriors-contenders-biggest-questions-following-trade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">re-routed<\/a> in the<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/6430\/jimmy-butler-iii\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jimmy Butler III<\/a>trade), then <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/46416139\/sources-gary-payton-ii-deanthony-melton-commit-warriors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">re-signed him in the offseason<\/a> for $3.1 million, with a $3.5 million player option for 2026-27.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Since he returned to the court on Dec. 4, Melton has quietly been one of the best role players in the league. When he&#8217;s on the floor, Golden State has a plus-6.0 net rating &#8212; the second-best mark on the team, behind only Butler.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What&#8217;s the potential playoff impact?Whatever remaining playoff hopes the Warriors have rest on <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3975\/stephen-curry\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Stephen Curry<\/a>, who hasn&#8217;t played since Jan. 30 due to a <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48176280\/sources-warriors-stephen-curry-10-more-days-knee-issue\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">lingering knee issue<\/a>. But if Curry can return to the court in time for the postseason, then Melton will serve as the best two-way backcourt partner for the two-time MVP.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265140_21_sas.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">8. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/sa\/san-antonio-spurs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">San Antonio Spurs<\/a> sign <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3064560\/luke-kornet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Luke Kornet<\/a> <\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: When he&#8217;s not <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48156644\/nba-cancels-atlanta-hawks-planned-magic-city-tribute-night\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">active<\/a> <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48156644\/nba-cancels-atlanta-hawks-planned-magic-city-tribute-night\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">on<\/a> his blog, Kornet is the definition of a solid backup center. The 2024 NBA champion signed <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45622984\/spurs-luke-kornet-reach-four-year-41-million-deal-sources-say\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">a four-year, $40.7 million deal<\/a> (with $24 million guaranteed) in free agency, and he&#8217;s slotted in perfectly behind <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/5104157\/victor-wembanyama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Victor Wembanyama<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What&#8217;s the potential playoff impact?The difference between winning a title and losing in an early playoff round can come down to whether a team can tread water when its best player rests, or if it collapses entirely (see: many recent Nuggets seasons, with <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3112335\/nikola-jokic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nikola Jokic<\/a>). And Kornet offers the Spurs stability when Wembanyama sits.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">In 1,078 minutes when Kornet&#8217;s on the floor and Wembanyama isn&#8217;t, the Spurs have a plus-4.3 net rating. That&#8217;s even better than treading water.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265141_323_den.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">7. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/den\/denver-nuggets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Denver Nuggets<\/a> sign <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/2528210\/tim-hardaway-jr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tim Hardaway Jr<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: Only 14 qualified players this season have made at least 2.5 3-pointers per game on 40% shooting or better. One is <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3936299\/jamal-murray\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jamal Murray<\/a>, and another is his new Nuggets teammate, Hardaway.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Signed to a <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45634625\/denver-nuggets-sign-tim-hardaway-jr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">one-year, $3.6 million contract<\/a> last summer &#8212; a far cry from the <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/31944297\/dallas-mavericks-keep-tim-hardaway-jr-4-year-72-million-deal-sources-say\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">four-year, $75 million<\/a> deal he&#8217;d previously played under with the<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/dal\/dallas-mavericks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dallas Mavericks<\/a>and<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/det\/detroit-pistons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Detroit Pistons<\/a>&#8212; Hardaway has done wonders for Denver&#8217;s depth, averaging 13.9 points per game on a career-high 41% mark from distance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What&#8217;s the potential playoff impact?The Nuggets ranked 28th in 3-point makes last season, but they&#8217;re up to 11th this year, in large part due to Hardaway&#8217;s influence. He should play a major role as Denver attempts to return to the Finals this spring, and he could even close playoff games if the team&#8217;s injury woes continue, or if fellow Nuggets newbie<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3138196\/cameron-johnson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cameron Johnson<\/a>&#8216;s impact remains muted.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265141_431_phx.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">6.<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/phx\/phoenix-suns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Phoenix Suns<\/a>trade for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3155526\/dillon-brooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dillon Brooks<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: It seemed like <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45561747\/sources-suns-trading-kevin-durant-rockets-blockbuster-deal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Brooks was included<\/a> in the Rockets&#8217; trade for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3202\/kevin-durant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kevin Durant<\/a> primarily for salary-matching purposes. But the veteran wing has had a much greater impact in Phoenix, where he&#8217;s spearheaded the Suns&#8217; turnaround from lottery team in 2024-25 to playoff hopeful in 2025-26.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">This move makes the &#8220;best&#8221; list not only because of Brooks&#8217; play on the court &#8212; he&#8217;s averaging a career-high 20.9 PPG &#8212; but because of his off-court influence on the Suns&#8217; culture.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;He&#8217;s in the gym more than anybody that I know,&#8221; Suns guard <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4278585\/collin-gillespie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Collin Gillespie<\/a>told <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/47602565\/dillon-brooks-phoenix-suns-dillon-villain-nba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">ESPN&#8217;s Tim MacMahon<\/a> earlier this season. &#8220;You see how hard he works, how competitive he is, and you want to not let your teammate down when you see that. He makes you want to work harder. He challenges you to be in the gym with him, challenges you to play harder.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What&#8217;s the potential playoff impact?Brooks hasn&#8217;t played since Feb. 21 due to a broken hand, though his projected four-to-six-week absence means he could return in time for the postseason. The Suns need a healthy Brooks to make any noise in the playoffs, as he ranks second on the team in points and minutes.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265142_156_mia.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">5. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/mia\/miami-heat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Miami Heat<\/a> trade for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/2595516\/norman-powell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Norman Powell<\/a> <\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: Only two 2026 All-Stars changed teams last summer: Durant, from Phoenix to Houston; and Powell, from the Clippers to the Heat. And the price to add an All-Star was <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/2993874\/kyle-anderson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kyle Anderson<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3449\/kevin-love\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kevin Love<\/a> &#8212; two veterans past their prime who had no place on this Heat squad.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Powell is an unrestricted free agent after this season, and it&#8217;s unclear whether Miami <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45688419\/sources-powell-heat-collins-clips-three-team-trade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">will re-sign him<\/a> &#8212; especially with <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4395725\/tyler-herro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tyler Herro<\/a> eligible for an extension at the same time. But even if he only ends up playing in Miami for one season, this move was well worth it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What&#8217;s the potential playoff impact?Powell&#8217;s playoff impact is more uncertain than his All-Star status would suggest. Due to injuries for both players, Powell and Herro have shared the floor for just 207 minutes this season, and the Heat have been outscored in that time. It&#8217;s notable, perhaps, that Powell missed all of Miami&#8217;s recent seven-game winning streak, before he returned for Miami&#8217;s losses to the Magic, Hornets and Lakers last week.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Still, with a team-high 22.3 PPG, Powell should play a key role as Miami seeks another underdog playoff run.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265142_51_bkn.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">4. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/bkn\/brooklyn-nets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Brooklyn Nets<\/a> trade for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4278104\/michael-porter-jr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Michael Porter Jr<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: Brooklyn traded <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3138196\/cameron-johnson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cameron Johnson<\/a> to Denver for Porter and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45622594\/denver-trading-michael-porter-jr-nets-cam-johnson-sources-say\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">a 2032 first-round pick<\/a>, and Porter has significantly outplayed Johnson this season. So Brooklyn got the best player in the trade and a future unprotected pick to add to its vast war chest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Despite a massive increase in usage rate &#8212; Porter ranks 12th among qualified players this season with 30.4% usage, while his previous career high was 22.7% &#8212; on a worse team, Porter&#8217;s efficiency hasn&#8217;t dropped much. All those extra opportunities have boosted his scoring to a career-high 24.2 PPG, 5.2 points above his previous best.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What&#8217;s the potential playoff impact?None, with the Nets&#8217; sights squarely on the lottery. But Brooklyn seeks to contend in 2026-27, with no control over its own draft pick next year, so Porter could be much more relevant then.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265146_685_atl.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">3. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/atl\/atlanta-hawks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Atlanta Hawks<\/a> add <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4278039\/nickeil-alexander-walker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nickeil Alexander-Walker<\/a> via sign-and-trade<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list:  Alexander-Walker wasn&#8217;t even supposed to start this season. With the Timberwolves deciding to pay <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3064514\/julius-randle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Julius Randle<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4396971\/naz-reid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Naz Reid<\/a> last summer instead of their reserve guard, Atlanta swooped in, nabbing Alexander-Walker for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45623262\/nickeil-alexander-walker-atlanta-hawks-reach-4-year-62-million-deal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">four years and $60.6 million<\/a>. But still, he profiled as a role player who&#8217;d back up <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4277905\/trae-young\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Trae Young<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4869342\/dyson-daniels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dyson Daniels<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Instead, with Young hurt and then traded, Alexander-Walker has stepped into the spotlight and been Atlanta&#8217;s second-best player. The onetime defensive standout is now posting career highs in just about every offensive statistic on the board: His 20.3 PPG are nearly double his previous season best (11.0), and he&#8217;s 10th among qualified players with 3.1 3-pointers per game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Alexander-Walker initially ranked fourth on this list, but he jumped up another spot after he scored a career-high 41 points in a big Hawks win over Orlando last week.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What&#8217;s the potential playoff impact?The Hawks are the hottest team in the East, with a 12-1 record in their last 13 games.That run has boosted them from ninth to a tie for sixth place in the East, and Alexander-Walker and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4701230\/jalen-johnson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jalen Johnson<\/a> are making a case that they can compete in a fairly open playoff field.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265146_346_okc.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">2. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/okc\/oklahoma-city-thunder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> extend <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4900671\/ajay-mitchell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ajay Mitchell<\/a> and trade for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4683778\/jared-mccain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jared McCain<\/a> <\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: One of the defending champions&#8217; only weaknesses was their playmaking options behind <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4278073\/shai-gilgeous-alexander\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a>, as the team often struggled to score without its MVP. But a pair of shrewd moves mean the Thunder now have two young, cheap scorers under contract for three years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">First up was Mitchell, a second-round pick in 2024 who signed an extension for three years and $8.7 million last summer. Now that Mitchell has broken out to the tune of 14.2 PPG on strong efficiency, that deal looks like a masterstroke for Thunder GM Sam Presti. Mitchell is being paid $3 million this year, and he&#8217;s on the books for just $2.85 million next year and another $2.85 million in 2027-28. (That last year is technically a team option, but the Thunder are guaranteed to either pick up that option or use it as leverage in another extension negotiation.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">In all three seasons, Mitchell&#8217;s salary accounts for less than 2% of the salary cap.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Next was McCain, whom the Thunder acquired for a late 2026 first-round pick and three second-rounders. McCain is still on his rookie deal, and in 19 games with his new team, he&#8217;s scored 22.9 points per 36 minutes while making 44% of his 3-pointers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What&#8217;s the potential playoff impact?Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has so many perimeter options that Mitchell and McCain could lose playing time in the postseason. After all, Mitchell ranked 12th on Oklahoma City in playoff minutes last year, and all 11 players ahead of him are still on the team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">But Mitchell recently entered the starting rotation, and McCain has led the Thunder in scoring in three games since the All-Star break. Both young guards have above-average usage rates, suggesting they&#8217;ve earned Daigneault&#8217;s trust.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265147_349_cha.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">1. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/cha\/charlotte-hornets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Charlotte Hornets<\/a>draft <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/5061575\/kon-knueppel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kon Knueppel<\/a> <\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list:  The first two picks of the 2025 NBA Draft carried little suspense: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/5041939\/cooper-flagg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cooper Flagg<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/5037871\/dylan-harper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dylan Harper<\/a> were the consensus top two prospects in the class, and the Mavericks and Spurs obliged by taking them first and second, respectively.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The decisions got harder from there, with a large group of players in contention to go in the next couple picks. Tops among that group was Rutgers forward <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4873138\/ace-bailey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ace Bailey<\/a>, who was third on our ESPN Big Board, albeit with questions <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45592247\/sources-ace-bailey-reps-told-team-top-five-not-pick-him\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">around his representation<\/a>. But Philadelphia passed on Bailey and other candidates with the No. 3 pick, instead selecting <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/5124612\/vj-edgecombe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">VJ Edgecombe<\/a>, who looks like a future All-Star.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Next up was Charlotte, which slammed an even mightier home run with the No. 4 selection, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/5061575\/kon-knueppel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kon Knueppel<\/a>. Suffice it to say, that was the right choice: Knueppel is the Rookie of the Year favorite, having already smashed the rookie record for 3-pointers, and he is already one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What&#8217;s the potential playoff impact?:  Charlotte appears headed for the play-in round, so it&#8217;s unlikely &#8212; even with the team&#8217;s strong play since the new year &#8212; that Knueppel advances very far this spring.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">But from a long-term perspective, the Hornets made the best, most important decision for any team over the last year. Knueppel is a cornerstone for what could be the franchise&#8217;s most successful stretch since it was reborn as an expansion team in 2004.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/greyline.png\"\/>Ranking the 10 worst moves<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265153_190_cle.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">10. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/cle\/cleveland-cavaliers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> trade for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4066421\/lonzo-ball\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Lonzo Ball<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: Cleveland&#8217;s offseason swap of <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4432822\/isaac-okoro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Isaac Okoro<\/a> for Ball made a lot of sense <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45603177\/sources-bulls-trading-lonzo-ball-cavaliers-isaac-okoro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">at the time<\/a>. Okoro is a solid defender but could never stick in Cleveland&#8217;s playoff rotation because of his offensive struggles, while Ball profiled as a higher-upside connector for Cleveland&#8217;s star-studded lineup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">But Ball&#8217;s offense cratered in Cleveland, where he averaged 4.6 PPG on 30% shooting, with the worst true shooting percentage in the league (minimum 700 minutes).<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is there any hope?No. Cleveland used two future second-round picks to <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/47830358\/sources-jazz-acquire-lonzo-ball-trade-away-jock-landale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">dump Ball&#8217;s contract<\/a> as a money-saving measure at the deadline, and Utah waived him thereafter. He&#8217;s now a free agent.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265154_509_orl.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">9. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/orl\/orlando-magic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Orlando Magic<\/a> sign <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3135046\/tyus-jones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tyus Jones<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: The Magic were looking for a dependable backup point guard when they signed Jones for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45623381\/sources-magic-agree-one-year-7m-deal-tyus-jones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">one year and $7 million<\/a>. Instead, they got a player who averaged just 3.0 PPG on 34% shooting (29% from 3). Orlando was 11.3 points per 100 possessions worse with Jones on the floor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is there any hope?No. Like the Cavaliers with Ball, the Magic used two second-round picks to dump Jones&#8217; contract at the deadline, and he&#8217;s since bounced from Charlotte to Dallas to Denver, where he&#8217;s played <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/48083753\/nuggets-bolster-depth-veteran-point-guard-tyus-jones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">a small role<\/a> for the Nuggets.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265131_671_nyk.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">8. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/ny\/new-york-knicks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New York Knicks<\/a> sign <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4017844\/guerschon-yabusele\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Guerschon Yabusele<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: Yabusele excelled in his return to the NBA last season, averaging 11 PPG and making 38% of his 3-pointers for Philadelphia. The Knicks <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45630757\/sources-knicks-land-c-guerschon-yabusele-2-year-12m-deal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">seemingly stole him<\/a> from their division rivals in free agency &#8212; and promptly watched his numbers regress to a mere 2.7 PPG and 29% mark on 3-pointers, as he fell out of coach Brown&#8217;s rotation and left a hole on the bench.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is there any hope?Yes. While Yabusele was also <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/contributor\/shams-charania\/ee85e66812237\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">traded at the deadline<\/a>, like Ball and Jones, the Knicks didn&#8217;t have to dump his salary. Instead, they swapped Yabusele for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4433159\/dalen-terry\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dalen Terry<\/a>, then spun Terry to New Orleans for Alvarado. So indirectly, the Knicks already turned their worst move of the year into their best.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265154_734_hou.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">7.<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/hou\/houston-rockets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Houston Rockets<\/a>sign <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/2578185\/dorian-finney-smith\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dorian Finney-Smith<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: Finney-Smith was one of the NBA&#8217;s best role players last season, while playing for the Nets and Lakers. His plus-14.2 on\/off differential was third best in the league, behind only <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3112335\/nikola-jokic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nikola Jokic<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4431767\/christian-braun\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Christian Braun<\/a> of the Nuggets.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">So it seemed like a coup when the Rockets signed him for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45622228\/sources-finney-smith-rocket-agree-4-year-53m-deal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">four years and $53 million<\/a>, on the heels of trading for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3202\/kevin-durant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kevin Durant<\/a>. Finney-Smith&#8217;s addition was one reason the Rockets seemed like the offseason&#8217;s biggest winners.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">But Finney-Smith didn&#8217;t debut with his new team until Christmas, and he&#8217;s barely made an impact since. He&#8217;s averaged just 3.2 PPG, and he still hasn&#8217;t reached double-digit points in any game as a Rocket.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is there any hope?Finney-Smith&#8217;s playing time has perked up recently. He never exceeded 20 minutes in a game before February 10, but he&#8217;s done so in 10 of 14 games since. The production still isn&#8217;t there, but Rockets coach Ime Udoka is clearly trying to incorporate him before the postseason.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">And because Finney-Smith is signed beyond this year, he&#8217;ll have more opportunities in the future, preferably when his start to the season isn&#8217;t waylaid by injury.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265155_905_sac.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">6. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/sac\/sacramento-kings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sacramento Kings<\/a> trade for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3032978\/dario-saric\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dario Saric<\/a> to add <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3032979\/dennis-schroder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dennis Schroder<\/a> via sign-and-trade<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: The Kings took the wrong lessons from the famous <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/One_red_paperclip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">red paperclip story<\/a>. Instead of a succession of small moves that led to something great, they made a series of transactions to end up in a worse place than before.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">First, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45631958\/sources-nuggets-land-center-jonas-valanciunas-kings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">they traded capable<\/a> backup center <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/6477\/jonas-valanciunas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jonas Valanciunas<\/a> for Saric, who scored all of five points in five games this year. Then, they used the extra financial flexibility from that deal to commit $44.4 million over three years to Schroder, who didn&#8217;t fit in Sacramento. And finally, to extricate themselves from Schroder&#8217;s contract, they <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/47793616\/sources-cavs-trade-hunter-kings-schroder-ellis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">bundled him with<\/a> valuable role player <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4702177\/keon-ellis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Keon Ellis<\/a> in a trade for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4065732\/deandre-hunter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">De&#8217;Andre Hunter<\/a>, who&#8217;s regressed and owed $24.9 million next season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is there any hope?Given the state of the franchise at this point, the Kings&#8217; best hope to salvage something from this sequence is that Hunter finally fulfills his 3-and-D potential in a sustained way next season, and they can trade him for picks at the 2026-27 deadline.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265155_871_tor.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">5. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/tor\/toronto-raptors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Toronto Raptors<\/a> extend <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3134908\/jakob-poeltl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jakob Poeltl<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: The Raptors <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45629696\/sources-raptors-c-jakob-poeltl-agree-4-yr-104m-extension\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">didn&#8217;t need to extend Poeltl<\/a> last summer. He already had a fair value $19.5 million player option for the 2026-27 season. And they especially didn&#8217;t need to extend Poeltl for three years and $84.1 million, in a deal that would take him through his age-34 season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">But the long-term concerns with such a pact accelerated to the short term: Back problems have limited Poeltl to 32 games this year, and his production has plummeted, from 14.5 PPG to 10.7.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Moreover, Poeltl&#8217;s lengthy extension potentially complicated the Raptors&#8217; trade deadline plans, as they didn&#8217;t make a big addition to boost their core but instead worked around the margins to duck under the luxury tax line.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is there any hope?Poeltl has played better since the All-Star break, with his two best games of the season (21 points and 18 rebounds on 9-for-12 shooting against Detroit, and 23 points and 11 rebounds on 10-for-14 shooting against Denver) coming in the last week. Toronto would benefit if that surge continues through the spring &#8212; though over the long term, Poeltl&#8217;s health concerns mean he&#8217;s still unlikely to live up to his new extension. Even in his late 20s, Poeltl hasn&#8217;t played more than 57 games in a season since 2022-23.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265155_302_no.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">4. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/no\/new-orleans-pelicans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New Orleans Pelicans<\/a> sign <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3155535\/kevon-looney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kevon Looney<\/a> and trade for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4277956\/jordan-poole\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jordan Poole<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: They were perhaps overshadowed by an even more perplexing move at the time, but this pair of Pelicans transactions was no less confusing in the moment. Looney left Golden State for an $8 million deal (with an equivalent team option for year two), and as part of a three-team deal, New Orleans traded <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/2490149\/cj-mccollum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CJ McCollum<\/a>, who was entering the final year of his contract, for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4397136\/saddiq-bey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Saddiq Bey<\/a> and Poole, who&#8217;d played better in 2024-25 but had an additional $34.0 million headed his way in 2026-27.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">While Bey has quietly turned in a career-best season, which somewhat redeems the Pelicans&#8217; decisions, the Looney and Poole portions haven&#8217;t paid off. Looney has appeared in just 18 games for a center-heavy roster, while Poole&#8217;s true shooting has fallen from 59% last season to 53% this year &#8212; right in line with his 53% mark from his first rotten season in Washington. The rest of his stats have followed suit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is there any hope?It&#8217;s unlikely. Poole began the season as a starter, but he&#8217;s since fallen out of the Pelicans&#8217; rotation entirely. He and Looney have combined to appear in just two games in March.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">It&#8217;s now unclear what&#8217;s next for Poole, but he&#8217;s slated to be the Pelicans&#8217; second-highest-paid player next season. Looney will likely be a free agent again if New Orleans declines his option.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265156_671_lac.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">3. Clippers replace <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/2595516\/norman-powell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Norman Powell<\/a> with <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/6580\/bradley-beal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Bradley Beal<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/47920879\/chris-paul-announces-retirement-nba-21-seasons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Chris Paul<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: The Clippers planned to trade a guard (Powell) for a forward (<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3908845\/john-collins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">John Collins<\/a>), then backfill Powell&#8217;s production with two veteran stars.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Collins, to his credit, has held up his end of the deal. But Beal averaged just 8.2 PPG in six games before undergoing hip surgery, while Paul &#8212; a former franchise great &#8212; averaged 2.9 PPG in 16 games before being unceremoniously sent home <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/47316812\/inside-ugly-chris-paul-la-clippers-divorce-nba-season-disaster-end-kawhi-leonard-era\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">amid clashes with management<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is there any hope?If the Clippers make good use of the cap space they&#8217;re not devoting to a Powell extension this summer, they could reap some long-term benefit from this swap in a roundabout way. But there&#8217;s no sugarcoating the disastrous impact it had on their 2025-26 campaign.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265155_302_no.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">2. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/no\/new-orleans-pelicans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New Orleans Pelicans<\/a> trade an unprotected 2026 draft pick to move from No. 23 to 13 in 2025<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: When ESPN&#8217;s Tim Bontemps <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/46337909\/nba-offseason-survey-best-worst-summer-deals-lebron-finals-picks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">conducted a survey<\/a>of coaches, scouts and executives last offseason, a majority picked this as the worst move of the summer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">A year later, it doesn&#8217;t look any better. As a reminder, to move up 10 spots and select <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/4869780\/derik-queen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Derik Queen<\/a> last year, New Orleans gave Atlanta an <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/contributor\/shams-charania\/7fc5ba9360b33\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">unprotected pick<\/a> in the loaded 2026 draft &#8212; the best of either the Pelicans&#8217; or Bucks&#8217; picks. With both New Orleans and Milwaukee headed for the lottery, based on ESPN&#8217;s Basketball Power Index projections, the Hawks have a 10.3% chance of nabbing the top pick in the draft as a result of this trade, and more than a 40% chance of a top-4 pick.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">For context, according to my draft value chart, a fair price to move up to No. 13 from No. 23 would be the 28th pick in the draft. The Pelicans are likely going to give up a pick that&#8217;s at least 20 slots better.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is there any hope?Queen has hit something of a rookie wall, and his playing time and production have dwindled since the All-Star break. But he&#8217;s flashed enough potential as a rookie that it&#8217;s possible he&#8217;ll prove worth this hefty cost in the long run &#8212; even if the Hawks land a more prized prospect this summer.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265156_310_mil.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">1. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/team\/_\/name\/mil\/milwaukee-bucks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Milwaukee Bucks<\/a> waive and stretch <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/6606\/damian-lillard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Damian Lillard<\/a> to sign <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3133628\/myles-turner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Myles Turner<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Why it&#8217;s on the list: Milwaukee took the biggest risk of any team last offseason, when it waived the injured Lillard and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/45630759\/sources-free-agent-myles-turner-bucks-reach-4-year-107m-deal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">to acquire Turner<\/a> in free agency. Turner signed a four-year, $108.9 million deal to replace <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3448\/brook-lopez\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Brook Lopez<\/a> next to <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/3032977\/giannis-antetokounmpo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> in the Bucks&#8217; frontcourt.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">That two-step hasn&#8217;t worked out in the short term: In his first season away from Indiana, Turner has posted the worst player efficiency rating of his career and his worst box plus\/minus since he was a rookie. And the Bucks will finish with their first losing record in a decade, as the Antetokounmpo rumors swirl more than ever before.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">In the long term, moreover, stretching Lillard means the Bucks will pay $22.5 million in dead cap charges every season through 2029-30, severely compromising their ability to build a winner during that period.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Is there any hope?Theoretically, Turner could rebound next season and serve as a proper stretch big next to Antetokounmpo, and the Bucks could return to contention on the strength of that duo.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">But the Bucks made a desperate gamble when they sacrificed so much long-term flexibility to sign him. And desperate gambles don&#8217;t often pay out.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774265156_310_mil.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC eTIW sUzSN \">]<\/p>\n<p>Copyright \u00a9 2026 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Between trades, free agent signings, extensions and more, NBA teams collectively make hundreds of transactions every year. Some&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":674345,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[85998,8218,85994,85992,208,70157,7,24750,85996,247,28903,473,193,187,130,3104,164,1524,79455,194,85993,18631,85997,192,23461,72535,36372,65738,189,121,76667,6,470,191,179,76,32998,472,85991,85995,24755,29204,477,474,31323,73079,476,84162,27244],"class_list":["post-674344","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nba","tag-85998","tag-2025-26-nba-season","tag-alexander-walker-nickeil","tag-alvarado-jose","tag-atlanta-hawks","tag-ball-lonzo","tag-basketball","tag-beal-bradley","tag-best-worst-moves","tag-brooklyn-nets","tag-brooks-dillon","tag-charlotte-hornets","tag-cleveland-cavaliers","tag-denver-nuggets","tag-espn","tag-finney-smith-dorian","tag-golden-state-warriors","tag-grades","tag-hardaway-jr-tim","tag-houston-rockets","tag-jones-tyus","tag-knueppel-kon","tag-kornet-luke","tag-la-clippers","tag-lillard-damian","tag-looney-kevon","tag-mccain-jared","tag-melton-deanthony","tag-miami-heat","tag-milwaukee-bucks","tag-mitchell-ajay","tag-nba","tag-new-orleans-pelicans","tag-new-york-knicks","tag-oklahoma-city-thunder","tag-orlando-magic","tag-paul-chris","tag-phoenix-suns","tag-poeltl-jakob","tag-poole-jordan","tag-porter-jr-michael","tag-powell-norman","tag-sacramento-kings","tag-san-antonio-spurs","tag-saric-dario","tag-schroder-dennis","tag-toronto-raptors","tag-turner-myles","tag-yabusele-guerschon"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/674344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=674344"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/674344\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/674345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=674344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=674344"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=674344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}