In this weeks 13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts Steve Purciello dives shares more random NBA thoughts. Eastern Conference 2026 Offseason Breakdown: Grading Every Team’s Biggest Moves. Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast the Shot Clock Pod to your list!
Eastern Conference 2026 Offseason Breakdown
This week, we will look at nine teams in the Eastern Conference and the changes they made in the offseason. We will determine if the team is better or worse compared to last year. As a tenth thought, we will talk about Donovan Mitchell‘s new contract and what this means for the Cavs’ future.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers added Jaylen Brown, Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons and Ariel Hukporti and lost Paul George. If the Sixers can share the ball and star players can handle not always being the focal points of their offense, look out league, because they could be really good. The problems they face are Joel Embiid‘s health and their ability to mesh as an ego-free unit. With the addition of Brown, the team is much better than last year talent-wise, but difficult to predict because of Embiid.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons added John Collins, Taurean Prince and Gary Harris. They lost Isaiah Stewart, Tobias Harris, Caris LaVert and Marcus Sasser. Jalen Duren has yet to sign and is a restricted free agent. I don’t quite understand what the Pistons are doing, but losing Stewart takes away toughness and a solid backup big that can start on some teams, and losing Harris takes the veteran presence who is willing to take big shots at the end of games. Even if Duren returns, which I believe he will, the Pistons took a step back from last year.
New York Knicks
The Knicks lost Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti and picked up Andre Drummond. Robinson was a key player coming off the bench and being one of the best offensive rebounders in the league. He also was a pretty good defender and rim protector. We all know he couldn’t shoot foul shots. Drummond has the capability to do what Robinson did, but Robinson does a little more to help a team. The Knicks took a very small step back, but should be good enough to at least get to the conference finals.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics lost Jaylen Brown, a big loss. They picked up Mitchell Robinson, Mike Conley and Paul George. The key with Robinson is staying injury-free. If you compare this team to last year’s team, they are slightly better, as the young talent that got considerable playing time and played well are a year older; however, with the Eastern Conference improving, I don’t believe they will win as many games as last year.
Miami Heat
The Heat made the big trade acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis while giving up Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez, Kasparas Jakucionis and numerous draft picks. They also lost Norman Powell to free agency. Since the trade, the Heat signed Tim Hardaway Jr. The Heat received the best player in the deal; however, the haul they gave up leaves them needing players. They are limited in the players they can sign because most will have to be on minimum contracts. Giannis is a great player, but the Heat’s lack of depth will hurt them this year.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks got that large haul from Miami. They also acquired Caris LaVert while dealing Taurean Prince. Keep in mind, the Bucks won 32 games last year, and Giannis played in 36 games. Though the Bucks gave up the better player in Giannis, I believe this Bucks team can win 32 games.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets shook up their team, acquiring Naz Reid, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith. They also re-signed Coby White. They traded LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. The Hornets gained needed size in Reid. I think the Hornets will fare about the same as last year, winning in the lower 40s again.
Toronto Raptors
Everything is on hold because of the Kawhi Leonard/Aspiration investigation, but let’s presume the trade goes through. The Raptors acquired Kawhi and lost Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Leonard is still a really good player; however, I caution teams that acquire players that are 35. They are usually on the decline, more susceptible to injuries, and cost a lot of money. Leonard has been injured often in the past. It’s a gamble, and if I had my choice, I’d rather have younger, high-salaried players. The Raptors should come in at about the same place as the previous year at 46 wins.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are the most interesting team in the East. In the last year, they have acquired Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Deandre Ayton and Khris Middleton. Combine the new players with first-round pick AJ Dybantsa and holdovers Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson, and you may have something. I don’t think they are a playoff team yet, but there is no doubt they will win more than the 17 games they won last year.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell’s contract is great for Donovan and deserved, but I don’t know if it helps the Cavs in the long run. He is getting 35% of the overall cap. If you combine that and what Evan Mobley will be getting, you put the Cavs in a similar situation the Celtics were just in. At some point, the Cavs are going to have to deal one of Mobley, Jarrett Allen or James Harden. If not, the Cavs will be in the dreaded second apron. Unless they get LeBron James, the Cavs presently aren’t good enough to win a title, making staying in the second apron crazy.
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