NBA Rumors: Thunder, Jalen Williams, Celtics, Neemias Queta, Pistons

Thunder

The Thunder failed to repeat as champions, or even return to the Finals, but ESPN still has them at No. 1 in the way-too-early NBA power rankings for 2026-27.

But like everyone, they have some serious decisions to make (and a few draft selections, as usual).

“This roster gets even more expensive next season,” wrote ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren step into extensions that push the team’s overall salary cap number from $186.7 million, just below the luxury tax, toward the $250 million range, which is deep into the second apron.

“There are subtle ways to shave down that money, but Thunder general manager Sam Presti has planned and prepped this perennial contender for this next stage of luxury tax living.”

Slater added that OKC is expected to bring back the majority of the roster that won 64 games and, quite frankly, looked like the team to beat for most of the regular season. They also did not have the injured Williams at the end.

Celtics

Meanwhile, the Celtics came in fourth in the ESPN rankings.

But as is the case everywhere, at least a few things have to be decided in Boston.

“After doing some considerable salary gymnastics to get out of the luxury tax this past season, Boston enters this summer looking to improve its roster,” wrote ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “At his end-of-season availability, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens referred to Boston’s subpar record against the top teams in the NBA as a sign the Celtics need to upgrade.”

“They first have to figure out what to do with starting center Neemias Queta, who has a team option for next season and is a key player after making a significant leap this past season.”

Pistons

The Pistons were undoubtedly one of the NBA’s most pleasant surprises, winning 60 games and finishing with the top seed in the East. 

Now the question becomes, “How on earth do we build on that?” After all, they had to fight back to overtake the Magic in seven games in the first round, then succumbed to the Cavaliers in seven games in the second.

ESPN placed Detroit at No. 5 in its early power rankings.

“It’s hard to expect another 60-win campaign from the Pistons next season unless they make a huge splash this summer in the trade market,” wrote ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill. “The East is getting better, which means feasting off the bottom of the conference won’t be so easy, and getting Cade Cunningham a shot-creating running mate is their No. 1 priority.

Goodwill added that there are some very clear priorities.

“Locking up restricted free agent center Jalen Duren and extending Defensive Player of the Year candidate Ausar Thompson will take up most of their activity, but there are already whispers that the Pistons are looking at proven veterans who could take them to the next level,” he wrote.

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