The NBA’s 7 worst offseason moves of 2026, ranked
The best thing about the parity era of the NBA is that almost every team believes they are one or two moves away from contention. It can also be something of a double-edged sword when teams get desperate and make shortsighted deals that could negatively affect their chances for years to come if they don’t […]
7. Lakers' Kessler Deal
The Los Angeles Lakers spent a significant portion of their offseason resources on Walker Kessler, a defensive-minded center. While Kessler's contract appears reasonable for a solid starting center, the Lakers traded away two unprotected first-round picks and two swaps to Utah for the privilege of paying him. This deal is considered risky, especially since Kessler has never reached All-Star status before and there's no guarantee he will in the future.
Moreover, this move left the Lakers with no first-round pick for the next seven years, potentially hindering their ability to upgrade their roster in the long run.
6. Knicks Losing Mitchell Robinson
The New York Knicks made the decision to let Mitchell Robinson walk, despite his contributions to the team's offensive glass and rim protection. Although his free throw shooting has been a problem, Robinson's presence made the Knicks a formidable opponent. His offensive rebound in the 2026 NBA Finals Game 5 was crucial for their championship win in 1973.
The Knicks' decision to let Robinson go could potentially hinder their chances of repeating as champions, as they gained nothing in return and lost a key player. Andre Drummond's addition to the team is considered a significant step back for the Knicks, who aspire to achieve back-to-back championships.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
