NBA best & worst offseason moves now that LeBron is in Philly

The entire NBA world has been patiently awaiting LeBron James’ decision. Now that he has decided to team up with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia, all of the big names have signed. That means each team’s roster is, for the most part, finalized.

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Whether it has been a blockbuster trade or a superstar signing elsewhere, there have been numerous major moves this offseason. Some of those moves propelled teams into championship contention, while others pushed teams further away from it. Regardless, it’s time to look at the best and worst moves of the offseason.

MORE: NBA world reacts to LeBron James’ stunning 76ers decision

Let’s start with the best:

Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) speaks in a press conference before the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

LeBron to Philadelphia

LeBron may have lost a step, but he is still one of the best playmakers in the NBA. James averaged 21 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists this past season and was a top free agent this summer. Philadelphia already looked like one of the top teams in the NBA, and this move was the cherry on top.

In April, Philadelphia was playing in the play-in tournament. Now, it’s the championship favorite.

LaMelo Ball to Minnesota

Minnesota has been searching for a guard and finally got one, and it isn’t just an average one either. Ball now teams up with Anthony Edwards, and the two are poised to become one of the deadliest backcourts in the NBA.

By trading Naz Reid, the Timberwolves showed their trust in Jaden McDaniels. This team is scary and could end up being one of the best in the league.

Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia

Philadelphia acquiring Jaylen Brown has to be the top move of the offseason.

Boston traded Brown to Philadelphia in a blockbuster deal this offseason. Brown is coming off an MVP-caliber season in which he led Boston to the second seed in the East. The 76ers got younger and improved at the small forward position.

On top of that, Philadelphia was able to keep V.J. Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey in the trade.

MORE: 3 NBA teams that have quietly won the offseason already

Now it’s time for the worst moves:

Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Miami acquires Giannis Antetokounmpo

A player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber can’t hurt a team, but Miami did give up its supporting cast and future for the superstar. The Heat now have no significant players outside of Giannis and Bam.

A failed attempt to sign LeBron leaves the Heat in shambles. Miami went from a play-in team to… a play-in team.

Hornets trade LaMelo Ball

LaMelo was the only bright spot on the Hornets for years and played a huge role in the team’s best season in a decade. Yet they still traded him for Naz Reid. They re-signed Coby White to take his place. White provides scoring but is a far worse playmaker than Ball.

The Hornets took a clear step back with this trade.

Grizzlies trade Ja Morant

Ja Morant looked like one of the best players in the league just a couple of seasons ago before the injuries and off-court issues. Memphis finally traded him this offseason for older players, leaving top-three pick Cameron Boozer with a poor supporting cast.

The Grizzlies didn’t get younger, nor did they improve. It feels like they’re setting their rookie up for failure.

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