Magic president Jeff Weltman was adamant this summer about wanting to win now, and he struck early by acquiring Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane in the summer's first big blockbuster. Bane is a significantly improved ballhandler and decision-maker while also averaging 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals on 40.7 percent shooting from 3-point range over the last four seasons. In translation: He's very good at basketball.
The Indiana Pacers took yet another leap last season, putting together another phenomenal postseason run. They were one game away from winning the franchise's first-ever NBA championship - which few, if any, expected heading into the playoffs. But they weren't able to outlast the Oklahoma City Thunder, and star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
The Bulls enter 2025-26 coming off their fourth-straight play-in appearance and second-straight 39-win season. Their biggest move of the offseason was flipping Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro, which was more poor asset management on the Bulls' part after what was reportedly available at the deadline. Ball does have notable health concerns. But they sold low on an expiring contract to take on more guaranteed money not only in 2025-26, but the following season as well.
The New York Islanders fell short of making the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs by nine points in the standings and had a reasonable chance at contending for a berth before ending the season on a 3-7-4 streak. The playoffs could potentially be within reach this upcoming season, but their chances hang in balance and depend on a new core finding chemistry together.