NBA offseason grades for every East team: Were 76ers, Heat biggest winners?

Miami Heat : A+ The Miami Heat made waves in the 2026 NBA offseason by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo , a move that solidified their status as one of the league's top teams. While they did lose some key players like Jaylen Brown and Nikola Vucevic, the influx of Antetokounmpo and other signings like Chris Cenac Jr. and Mike Conley has set the stage for a championship contender.

Boston Celtics : C The Celtics made some moves in the offseason, including acquiring Chris Cenac Jr. and Mike Conley, but the trade of Jaylen Brown, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, remains a puzzling decision. The addition of Jayson Tatum and Paul George has improved the team, but fans are left wondering about the long-term impact of those trades.

Brooklyn Nets : B- Brooklyn utilized the No. 6 pick in the 2026 draft to secure Mikel Brown Jr., a versatile player with playmaking abilities. They also added a wing in Joshua Jefferson and a promising guard in Day Ron Sharpe. While the trade of Ziaire Williams and Nic Claxton might not sit well with some fans, the overall addition of talent makes for a solid summer for the Nets.

Charlotte Hornets : B- Charlotte made significant changes after trading away LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Josh Green, and Tre Mann. They acquired Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round pick, and three first-round pick swaps, along with three second-round picks. While the team's vision for the future appears promising, replacing LaMelo Ball's playmaking and scoring prowess will be a significant challenge.

Chicago Bulls : B+ The Bulls made a concerted effort to bolster their roster, adding versatile players like Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, Dailyn Swain, and Caleb Wilson. The late-season hires, such as Bryson Graham as executive vice president of basketball operations, have injected excitement into the franchise. While there is much stockpiling of draft capital, the Bulls have a strong foundation for the future.

Cleveland Cavaliers : A- Cleveland made a late-season splash by acquiring Peyton Watson, a versatile wing defender who shot 41.1% from deep last season. Mario Hezonja was also added to provide wing depth, while James Harden and Donovan Mitchell remain the team's star players. The Cavaliers have proven themselves to be a formidable force in the Eastern Conference.