The 2026 NBA trade deadline is officially in the books, and it featured numerous shocking trades. Check out a power ranking of the revamped Western Conference. Teams were sorted into four tiers based on their championship outlook for this season. 

The bottom tier features teams that are either tanking for the 2026 NBA Draft or do not have enough talent to make the playoffs.  

15. Grizzlies: After getting swept in the first round last playoffs, Memphis decided to pull the plug by trading Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. for a massive amount of draft picks. Ja Morant will be also moved this offseason, although the Grizzlies may have to lower the price to a mere salary dump. The roster is close to barren, but Memphis is set up for a fruitful rebuild. 

14. Kings: Sacramento is an island of misfit yet highly expensive toys. Most of the veterans do not mesh or have skill sets that are conducive to winning basketball, and there are no prized young players. The Kings also used Keon Ellis – one of its best assets – to salary dump Dennis Schröder’s contract, which was signed in July. The return package featured De’Andre Hunter’s negative contract and zero draft picks. Yikes! 

13. Pelicans: New Orleans currently owns the second-worst record in the NBA and is 5-17 since Christmas. The team has plenty of talent, such as Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, Herb Jones and Jeremiah Fears. However, the Pelicans’ defense and three-point shooting are both atrocious. It’s extremely difficult to win in the modern NBA if this is the case. 

12. Clippers: Los Angeles entered the trade deadline having won 17 of its past 23 games, but the front office decided to sell high on James Harden and Ivica Zubac. Both trades returned great long-term assets, but the Clippers’ outlook this season is now bleak without its main playmaker and defensive anchor. It doesn’t help that Darius Garland probably does not return to full strength until next season. 

11. Mavericks: Cooper Flagg looks like a future superstar. Over his past four games, the rookie has averaged 37.8 points per game on 56/44/86 shooting splits while playing tremendous defense. But it will be difficult for Dallas’ front office to surround him with enough long-term talent because the team does not control its own first-round pick from 2027 to 2030. Anthony Davis is also a Wizard now, so competing next season with Davis, Flagg and Kyrie Irving is out the window. 

10. Jazz: To the surprise of the basketball world, Utah acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis. A frontcourt featuring Jackson, Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler is intriguing on paper, while Keyonte George could make numerous All-Star appearances throughout his career. If the Jazz add a few impactful guards and wings this offseason, then the franchise could win its first playoff series since 2021. 

These teams are good enough to make the playoffs but do not possess enough firepower to pull off an upset. 

9. Warriors: Stephen Curry is averaging 27.2 points per game on elite shooting, but his supporting cast remains too weak to win a playoff series with Jimmy Butler out due to a season-ending torn ACL. There is not enough self-creation, playmaking and size on the roster. At least Golden State finally traded Jonathan Kuminga, but targeting Kristaps Porzingis was an odd decision. He’s a great fit on paper. However, Porzingis rarely plays and becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. 

8. Trail Blazers: Although Portland does not possess enough offensive firepower to make the second round, nobody wants to face this team in the playoffs. The Blazers’ defense is riddled with athletic, lengthy players who hustle and play a physical brand of basketball. A strong offseason from Portland along with Damian Lillard’s return may change the ceiling of this team in the 2027 playoffs. 

7. Suns: Phoenix was projected to be abysmal after trading Kevin Durant last offseason, but the team changed its identity and made shrewd moves like adding Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams. Collin Gillespie’s breakout has also been a nice story, while Royce O’Neale is having a career year. Overall, Phoenix is 8th in defensive rating and 10th in net rating this season. The offense needs more self-created scoring, but the Suns classifies as a tough out. That’s a huge win given its preseason projections. 

One side of the court is too weak for these teams to make the Western Conference Finals. 

6. Lakers: A team with Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James has enough scoring and playmaking to win a championship. But basketball is played on both sides of the court, and the Lakers’ defense is abysmal. In addition to the roster being devoid of elite defenders, Los Angeles’ core players simply do not play with enough effort, energy and toughness. This team arguably could be in Tier 3, but it’s probably a good idea to give Dončić, Reaves and James’ offense some level of respect. 

5. Rockets: It’s just not Houston’s year. Fred VanVleet tore his ACL in September, while Steven Adams recently had season-ending surgery on his ankle. Combine these key injuries with the Rockets making no acquisition at the trade deadline, and Houston is a good but not great team. Now, the defense is still elite, and Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün can get hot as scorers. But Houston’s playmaking, ball handling and shooting woes are too concerning for this young squad to reach the Western Conference Finals. Next year is a different story, though. 

The only franchises capable of winning the West this season are the following four teams. 

4. Spurs: Victor Wembanyama is a unique defensive weapon who forces opposing offenses to adapt to his length and rim protection. Factor in Luke Kornet off the bench and San Antonio’s slew of quality defensive guards and wings, and scoring on the Spurs is not an easy feat. Meanwhile, Wembanyama’s size and shooting make him a cheat code, and he’s surrounded with enough self-created scoring and playmaking to field a dangerous offense. San Antonio is capable of beating anyone when firing on all cylinders. However, the Spurs’ floor is lower than the other teams in this tier due to inconsistent shooting and inexperience. 

3. Timberwolves: Minnesota has made the Conference Finals in each of the past two seasons. Anthony Edwards is better than ever, and the Wolves addressed its backup point guard woes by acquiring Ayo Dosunmu at the trade deadline. The former Bull is averaging 15 points and 3.6 assists per game this season while shooting 51.4% from the field and 45.1% from deep. He excels at getting to the rim, and Dosunmu also competes defensively. Minnesota remains a step behind Oklahoma City and Denver because those two teams have the best player in hypothetical matchups, but do not be surprised if Minnesota makes its first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history. 

2. Nuggets: When healthy, Denver has a legitimate claim to being the best team in the league. Nikola Jokić is one of the most impactful offensive players in NBA history, and Jamal Murray made his first All-Star appearance thanks to his elite efficiency. Veterans like Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson are elite glue pieces, and Peyton Watson’s breakout is significant. But will the Nuggets be healthy in the playoffs? That’s the biggest question for this battle-tested championship contender.

1. Thunder: Oklahoma City still holds the crown until someone takes it. Toppling the Thunder will be very challenging because Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring and the team’s superb defense give the Thunder one of the highest floors in NBA history. Health is an issue for the reigning champs, especially Jalen Williams. Can he get back to pre-injury form? Oklahoma City’s offense is also prone to sluggish stretches due to poor three-point shooting and ball handling. Sam Presti attempted to address this issue by trading for Jared McCain. The sophomore is an elite perimeter shooter with self-creation chops. If McCain gets healthy, then Oklahoma City has no major weaknesses.