ESPN s full analysis of the Western Conference offseason operation score: Some people are winning the championship with clever hands, some people are hiding their moves

Brothers, this offseason operation has basically been settled, and ESPN scored the "summer training homework" of the Western teams. This point is not just about whether the strength on paper has increased or not, but also whether the team will "spend small money to do big things" - after all, the calculation of free markets and the cost-effectiveness of transactions are real kung fu.

Rockets: A! This wave of operations is like shopping in supermarkets, which is accurate and cost-effective. I want to say that the most glorious thing this summer is the Rockets. The key is that they "moved" the two-time FMVP Durant to Houston, and the key is that they are not hurt! After exchanging reasonable chips for Durant, he renewed his contract with VanVleet for 2 years of 50 million, and the space he freed up also signed 3D master Finney Smith, perfectly filling the gap for Dillon to leave the team. This wave of operations is like a precise shopping service during a supermarket promotion. It does not waste money, but also takes all the "baby" you want into the shopping cart. Next season's Rockets will directly change from "potential stocks" to "popular championships", and this is nothing wrong with A.

Nuggets: A-! The championship team is upgraded again, and this is called "precision puzzle"

The Nuggets' operation is described in two words as "stable". Sending Porter Jr. and the unprotected first round in 2032 was exchanged for Cameron Johnson, and the freed salary space was also "intercepted" Valancius and sent away Sharic, who almost never played. What's even more amazing is that he signed back to Bruce Brown and Hardaway Jr., and the depth of the outside line was directly full. Now the Nuggets have returned to their peak state after winning the championship. The only thing that loses points is that this operation is too "textbook" and less "stunning", but A-definitely deserves it.

Clippers: B+! The three veterans have caused controversy, but they have left a backup plan for this Clippers. The fans are divided into two factions - one is saying "37-year-old Lopez, 40-year-old Paul, and 32-year-old Bill. Can you play at this age?" The other is saying "Is it not to pick up the three people with the non-luxury tax middle class? What is it?". Indeed, the Clippers' "veteran addition" is a bit risky, but they are smart enough to keep a backup: the salary space for the younger lineup in the summer of 2027 is left. In addition, John Collins strengthened the inside line, that is, taking into account both combat power and future, B+ is reasonable.

Lakers: B! Focusing on Doncic, James' "no chips" era has come to this wave of operations of the Lakers, with the main tone of "rejuvenating". They signed Laravia, 23, Ayton, 27, and Smart, 31. This idea is correct - after all, Doncic is only 26 years old and needs to build a long-term lineup around him. But the problem is also obvious: What should 40-year-old James do? He just used the player option and no longer had "negotiation chips" in his hand. For the Lakers, the most fortunate thing is to convince Doncic to renew his contract - if this most important contract is not agreed, this B point will be in lingering.

Grizzly: B! Send Bain away for 4 first rounds. Is this "future investment" worth it?

The Grizzlies' operation is very similar to "exchange the present for the future". Sending Bain away for 4 first rounds (including the Suns' first round in 2026), signing Jerome with a low price to make a comeback, and renewing Jerlen Jackson Jr. in advance (cheaper than being a non-restricted free agent next year). In the short term, the Grizzlies may have a disadvantage in the Western arms race, but in the long term, if they have four first rounds in hand, they will have confidence in rebuilding or winning the championship in the future. This B point gives you "eye".

Mavericks: B-! The Mavericks made a coincidence that they signed Russell's budget, but they squeezed into a "bus" in the frontcourt. The Mavericks' operation was really a coincidence. Irving, who used a mini middle-class signing Russell and renewed his contract with a lower starting salary, was revitalized directly from the backcourt. But the problem lies in the frontcourt: Flag, who was the No. 1 pick, plus KD and PJ-Washington, the frontcourt rotation was crowded like a bus during the morning rush hour. The team has not yet traded to adjust, and Flag and Washington may have to play small forward position "camera". This B- is an affirmation of "smart operation" and a reminder of "hidden dangers in the frontcourt".

Thunder: B+! The defending champion has a back-up, and the defending champion can understand the operation of the defending champion Thunder, the main tone is "stable". All players who played for more than 50 minutes in the 2025 playoffs stayed in the team, and they also locked in advance the super maximum salary of Alexander, Homgren's maximum salary, and Jewish's fixed salary. This wave of operations is like putting a "safe lock" on the core three. Although it may have to make difficult choices in the future, at least the lineup is complete now. B+, deserved.

Spurs: B! Upgrading and looking forward to rebounding in the frontcourt, can Wenban + Fox create sparks?

The biggest highlight of the Spurs' operation is "upgrading the frontcourt" - using veterans Cornet and Olynick to strengthen it, which is more practical than before. The lottery draw is second to Harper, which is not a plus (after all, the draft is like opening a blind box), but the training camp allows Fox and Vinban Yama to "group CP", and the record should be able to rise next season. The Spurs still have draft picks now, and they will not lack chips if they make big moves in the future. This B point gives you a "steady and steady approach".

Sun: C+! It is difficult to win the championship if you keep your wages dead. Youth is the only way out. This operation of the Sun is summed up in two words: "Difficult". After seeing Durant off, there was basically no chance to compete for the championship, and the playoffs were in lingering. But they were also a little moved - buying out Bills left a lot of dead wages in exchange for three 2025 draft picks and 23-year-old center Williams, and the lineup is getting younger. This C+ is a sympathy for "forced to rebuild" and an expectation for "future possibilities".

Jazz: C! The Qing Dynasty veterans have freed up space, and Kessler's contract renewal has become the key. This wave of operation is "scattered". The idea of sending Clarkson, Collins, Sexton away and making room for young players is correct. But the problem is that they waited too long to trade these veterans, and finally got a second round of signing. Now the team's contract renewal of center Kessler (which can be renewed in advance before 10 months) has become the key - if the contract is signed, the reconstruction will be accelerated; if it is not signed properly, it may be ruined again. This C score is an evaluation of "the direction is correct but the treading is performed".

Trailblazers: C! Lillard made a comeback and squeezed in the backcourt, and Grant's "where to go" became a problem

Trail Blazers' operation was very "lively but without focus". The deal comes to Holiday, choosing Chinese center Yang Hansen, Lillard returns from injury, and may squeeze into a "four-man turn" next season. What's even more troublesome is Jerami Grant - his rotation was squeezed by younger players last season and he hasn't found his next home yet. This C score gives "there is more lively and insufficient planning".

Pelicans: F! The most unbalanced trade + bet on Poole, this wave of operations is too risky

If you want to say that the worst this summer is the Pelicans. The draft night deal with the Hawks was rated as "the most imbalanced", betting on Poole as the starting defender, and traded to lose the first round of 2026 (now only three Western Conference teams have a higher probability of signing No. 1 pick than them). This wave of operations is like a novice player betting on the cards, making the first round of the future, but the cards you draw may not be able to play. F points are well deserved.

Warriors: Not completed! Kumingga will decide life and death if he stays, can Horford + Melton save the situation?

The Warriors' operation is still "opening a blind box". I only chose two second round picks, and the operation points are all based on Kumingga's stay or stay. If Horford can really sign Horford and sign Melton back, plus the strong ending after trading Butler last season, this operation will be considered successful; if Kumingga can't keep it and Horford doesn't come, it would be a disaster. This "unfinished" rating is very similar to the suspense of the Warriors next season - whether it is "return to the peak" or "continue to struggle", it depends on these last few moves.

Offseason is the starting point, and the arena is the offseason operation of the exam, just like the "layout" when playing chess - some make great moves, some make slow moves, and even make stupid moves. But the charm of basketball is that paper strength is just the starting point, and the real victory or defeat depends on the tacit understanding on the field, the experience of veterans, and the explosion of rookies. In the West next season, who can win the championship with the Rockets, Nuggets, Thunder and Clippers? Should the Lakers, Grizzlies and Mavericks take steady steps or lose their chains? Will the Pelicans' F-level operation backfire? Let’s move the small stool and wait until the competition starts to see the truth!