NBA Eastern Conference power rankings: How Giannis, Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard trades shook up outlook

The NBA offseason is off to a sizzling start, with many teams in the Eastern Conference making huge moves to try to compete with the New York Knicks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, and Jaylen Brown all now find themselves on new teams in the conference, turning what was considered the weaker conference into a powerhouse. Now, the regular season out East will feature a gauntlet of contenders who believe they can be the team to make it to the NBA Finals.

However, that also means that some teams will be very disappointed with where they end up once the season ends. While there is still a while until the regular season begins, the Eastern Conference powers are already taking shape.

Here’s how the Eastern Conference teams rank after those three massive trades.

MORE: Grading the Jaylen Brown-Paul George trade

Eastern Conference Power Rankings

15. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are in full rebuild mode now that Giannis Antetokounmpo is on his way to Miami. While Milwaukee has some interesting pieces and could be a little frisky, the team does not have nearly enough to compete this year.

14. Brooklyn Nets

Over the last few years, the Nets have added a bunch of young talent in hopes of starting to compete in the East, but that will be much more difficult than expected. Despite adding Julius Randle for experience, Brooklyn's youth will hold them back again.

13. Chicago Bulls

It seems as though the Bulls are moving in the right direction now, especially since Caleb Wilson gives them a franchise-changing talent. With a new head coach in Tiago Splitter, 2026-27 will be about building a foundation more than competing for a playoff spot.

12. Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves, which should mean they take a step back in the crowded Eastern Conference. Charlotte is still on the right path to success while being a tough and competitive team, but they will miss Ball next year as the conference improves.

11. Washington Wizards

With A.J. Dybantsa, Trae Young and Anthony Davis now a trio, the Wizards are an interesting team that could sneak into a playoff spot. Unfortunately for them, Washington will have to learn on the go in a crowded East, putting them more than likely a year away from that playoff berth,

10. Orlando Magic

Coming off such a disappointing season, the Magic hope a new coach can infuse some new ideas and help this core grow. Orlando could certainly have a breakout season in 2026-27, but it will require new coach Sean Sweeney to hit the ground running.

9. Atlanta Hawks

During the 2025-26 season, the Hawks proved to be a well-run organization that gave the Knicks a challenge in the first round of the playoffs. However, while Atlanta's roster is solid, it lacks the star power necessary to match with the rest of the conference.

8. Boston Celtics

 7. Cleveland Cavaliers

With all the movement in the East, the Cavaliers are probably the biggest casualties. Cleveland lost key contributor Dean Wade to Philadelphia in free agency, and while James Harden helped bring the team to the Eastern Conference Finals, Harden's impact is lessening as he gets older. 

6. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are a bit of a wild card entering next season. Last year was a lost year for Indiana, as Tyrese Haliburton was out for the year, but the team is still similar to the one that won the East two seasons ago. It will all come down to how Haliburton produces coming off an Achilles injury.

5. Miami Heat

While adding Giannis Antetokounmpo is a splash, the Heat will be a work in progress over the course of the regular season as they fill out the rest of the roster. There will be some growing pains as Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo learn to play together, but they could be dangerous come playoff time.

4. Detroit Pistons

Last year, the Pistons were the only team to win 60 games in the East as Cade Cunningham took a massive leap. As long as Jalen Duren returns, the Pistons will once again be formidable, especially if they add shooting around Cunningham and Duren. But bringing back Duren is now necessary to just keep up with everyone else.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

2. Toronto Raptors

By adding Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors jump all the way up as one of the most dangerous teams in the East. Toronto was strong defensively last year but had offensive issues in the playoffs, making Leonard a perfect fit to once again make a deep playoff run.

1. New York Knicks

The Knicks remain the team to beat in the East, bringing back most of their championship team from 2025-26. The lone question is how New York will find depth at center after losing Mitchell Robinson, but rest of the team's rotation will be tough to beat.