NBA offseason results: Magic, Pistons, Bucks, Grizzlies, Wolves – Basketball insider

As we continue our offseason results series, the narrative of the five teams entered the 2025-26 season.

First, the Orlando Magic is a young team trying to move their next step into the championship battle or at least meeting contenders. The Detroit Pistons are determined to show that their return to the playoffs is not Fluorine. The Milwaukee Bucks looked dead, buried Damian Lillard Achilles and then tried to make Giannis antetokounmpo happy.

Minnesota Timberwolves are trying to cross the wall of the Western Conference Finals last two years. Then there is the Memphis Grizzlies. Are they rebuilding or are they ready to rebuild?

How do their respective off-seasons solve all these different problems? This is a look.

Orlando Magic

Noteworthy additions: Desmond Bane, Tyus Jones, Jase Richardson, Noah Penda

Notable departures: Kentavy Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris

It was the Magic’s loud statement, surrendering to the draft capital it did in obtaining Bain. They clearly think the East is there next season and see it as an appropriate time for meaningful upgrades.

Bane is in theory a perfect complementary piece, just like people want to add (signed to long-term expansion) and Franz Wagner alongside. Not to mention, he is also perfect for playing with Jalen Suggs. When the offense slows down, Bane offers excellent external shots, play and another shot creator.

Jones added a veteran spherical handler that he should run the bench unit well, but could also get into the starting lineup in the pinch. Richardson fell down the draft board, and early signs suggest his main focus may have been too low. Penda had some impressive moments in Las Vegas early in the second round.

Now, we’ll just wait and see if Banchero and Wagner are good enough to make this team look like a real contender.

Level: A-

Detroit Pistons

Noteworthy additions: Duncan Robinson (Caris Levert)

Notable departures: Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr.

Detroit is the Cinderella story of the league last season, turning the 14-win season into the first round of the playoffs. Next season, they will bet on internal growth.

Considering the team’s identity in the second half of last season, Schroeder will be a meaningful loss. Hopefully Jaden Ivey recovers completely from his broken leg and will take another step in his development.

Malik Beasley, the second best player in the team last season, has gone. Is it reasonable to expect Robinson to have such an impact? The Pistons will invest significantly in Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland.

If not, becoming known numbers around the league could stagnate them. If it depends on them, there is Beasley’s investigation, I think they’d rather run back with the crew from last season and get Ivey back into it.

Level: b-

Milwaukee Bucks

Noteworthy additions: Miles Turner, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris

Notable departures: Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, Pat Connaughton

The Bucks deserve at least the most surprising deal in the offseason to win awards. No one saw stretching and giving up Lillard. Just to steal Myles Turner from Indiana Pacers? Um.

At this stage of their respective professions, Turner is Lopez’s upgrade. Anthony should offer more value than Connaughton last season. Harris has had several seasons without matter, so it remains to be seen what contribution he can make.

It was devastating to break up Lillard to Achilles. Over the next five seasons, he will be extended and abandoned to his cap of $20 million, which will have a severely damaged effect over the long term. Now, you still don’t consider them as Eastern favorites.

The reset button screamed and they ignored it. If Antetokounmpo chooses to set off anyway, it would be one of the worst lounges in NBA history.

Level: D- (Anyway, leaving Antetokounmpo will make this F)

Memphis Grizzlies

Noteworthy additions: Ty Jerome, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jock Landale, Cedric Coward

Notable departures: Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard

Of course, if it is not a full reconstruction, it can feel like a grizzly beating it. Caldwell-Pope is a clear downgrade for Bane, first of all, to ensure the future of the Draft Capital.

If you plan to do a lot of swings, cowards are the type of player you trade. You swing a big swing when you know the franchise’s pillars may be changing.

What seems to be the most uncertain is Ja Morant’s future. From the outside, both sides seem to benefit from separation. Tolerant scenery and grizzly bears to breathe fresh air. Between harm and controversy, absorbing both aspects is a lot.

After the Bane deal ended, Morant posted a secret message on social media, so it might be a problem with the front desk finding the right deal. Long-term securing Jaren Jackson Jr. will be considered fair value because he missed the All-NBA is a big advantage.

Level: c

Minnesota Timberwolves

Noteworthy additions: Joan Beringer, Rasher Fleming

Notable departures: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luka Garza, Josh Minott

The damage to losing Alexander-Walker will be prepared to play a bigger role and fill the degree to which Terrence Shannon Jr. is ready to play a bigger role. Is Rob Dillingham ready for more?

Looking at the draft, Bellinger and Fleming are solid choices.

Re-signing Julius Randle and Naz Reid ranked first on this off-season priority list, and they checked out two boxes. They tried to provide a mix for Kevin Durant, but the superstar was not interested.

It would be reasonable for the Wolves to take a step back next season, while other teams around the West have improved.

Level: b-