Who Are the Biggest Movers in the Top 15 NBA Power Rankings after the 2025 Trade Deadline?

Rest of Season NBA Power Rankings – Post-Trade Deadline 2025

The 2025 NBA trade deadline brought seismic changes that reshaped the league landscape. Blockbuster moves, unexpected acquisitions, and emerging young stars have set the stage for a chaotic race to the playoffs. Here's how the top 15 teams stack up as we head into the home stretch:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (42-10)

• The Cavs have been the league's top dog most of the year, powered by three All-Stars: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley. Adding De'Andre Hunter at the deadline was a masterstroke, further solidifying an already elite starting five.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (42-9)

• MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads one of the league's most balanced squads. With Chet Holmgren back in the lineup, the Thunder are poised to make a serious push for the top seed.

3. Boston Celtics (37-16)

• Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have kept the defending champs near the top of the East, as they have for years. Never count them out when it matters most.

4. New York Knicks (34-18)

• Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns form a formidable duo, making the Knicks one of the toughest outs in the league. Their physicality and coaching are key assets.

5. Houston Rockets (33-20)

• One of the season's biggest surprises, the Rockets are thriving with Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Şengün firing on all cylinders.

6. Memphis Grizzlies (35-17)

• With Ja Morant back and healthy, the Grizzlies have reclaimed their status as a top contender in the West.

7. Denver Nuggets (34-19)

• Nikola Jokić continues to play at an MVP level, but the team's lack of depth has become a noticeable issue.

8. LA Clippers (29-23)

• Outshining expectations all year, the Clippers are finally seeing Kawhi Leonard round back into form. The additions of Ben Simmons and Bogdan Bogdanović make them a dark-horse playoff threat.

9. Los Angeles Lakers (31-19)

• The Luka Dončić-LeBron James-AR15 trio makes the Lakers an immediate title contender. However, their lack of big-man depth could be their Achilles' heel.

10. Milwaukee Bucks (28-23)

• Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard remain dangerous, but inconsistency has plagued the Bucks. Time will tell if Kyle Kuzma can help elevate them back to the top tier.

11. Minnesota Timberwolves (30-23)

• Anthony Edwards keeps this team competitive, but deadline acquisitions by other teams have dampened their playoff momentum.

12. Dallas Mavericks (28-25)

• The Luka era is over. The big question now is whether the Kyrie-led Mavericks can survive long enough for Anthony Davis to return healthy after his latest injury setback.

13. Detroit Pistons (27-26)

• One of the league’s most surprising teams, led by All-Star Cade Cunningham. With the addition of scoring guard Dennis Schröder, the Pistons are pushing to prove they can hang with the East's elite.

14. Orlando Magic (26-28)

• Led by rising stars Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, the Magic have exceeded expectations. Now they just need to stay healthy to remain competitive.

15. Indiana Pacers (29-22)

• Tyrese Haliburton continues to lead this fun, fast-paced team, but they’ve cooled off slightly after a strong first half of the season.

Just Missed the Cut: 

Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs

• The Warriors and Kings remain competitive but lack consistency, while the Spurs have shown flashes of brilliance behind Victor Wembanyama and the newly acquired De'Aaron Fox.