Atlanta Hawks | Key Addition: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kristaps Porziņģis
By adding both Alexander-Walker and Porziņģis, Atlanta boosts its defensive capabilities significantly. Alexander-Walker teams up with 2024-25 steals leader Dyson Daniels, creating a formidable perimeter presence. Meanwhile, Porziņģis enhances interior rim protection. Offensively, his synergy with Trae Young in pick-and-roll situations could provide Atlanta with greater adaptability on both ends of the floor.
Boston Celtics | Key Addition: Anfernee Simons
With Jayson Tatum out for an extended period due to an Achilles injury, Boston required another offensive creator. Simons fits the bill perfectly, having averaged 20.7 points per game over the last three seasons and proving he can score rapidly. He serves as a dependable scoring partner for Jaylen Brown.
Brooklyn Nets | Key Addition: Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. joins an elite shooting group, being one of only two players to hit 185 or more three-pointers at a 39% rate or better over the past three seasons. This talent provides Brooklyn with much-needed floor spacing, working alongside Egor Demin (No. 8 overall) and multiple 2025 first-round picks to improve an offense that struggled last season.
Charlotte Hornets | Key Addition: Kon Knueppel
Charlotte’s No. 4 overall pick, Knueppel, made an impressive debut by leading the team to the NBA 2K26 Summer League title, earning MVP honors in the process. He aims to help the Hornets break a nine-year playoff drought while complementing LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller in a promising young backcourt.
Cleveland Cavaliers | Key Addition: Lonzo Ball
Ball, acquired from Chicago, brings essential playmaking and pace to a Cavs offense that led the league with an average of 121.9 points per game last season. In addition to Ball, Cleveland also added Larry Nance Jr. to further bolster their already formidable roster, aiming for a deeper playoff run after posting a 64-18 record.
Dallas Mavericks | Key Addition: Cooper Flagg
Flagg, this year’s top draft pick, had an outstanding collegiate season at Duke, leading in multiple statistical categories. His versatility and defensive skills, coupled with contributions on offense, are expected to make an immediate impact for the Mavericks as he joins the team as a 6-foot-8 multi-positional player.
Denver Nuggets | Key Addition: Jonas Valančiūnas
The Nuggets, who have been the most successful team in the Western Conference recently, bring in Valančiūnas to address scoring deficiencies when Nikola Jokić is off the court. His inclusion, along with other notable additions like Cam Johnson and Bruce Brown, aims to strengthen Denver’s depth as they continue their championship pursuit.
