The 2025-26 NBA season is rapidly approaching, sparking widespread anticipation for what is expected to be another year of significant shifts and thrilling competition. ESPN's Summer Forecast panel, comprising NBA insiders, has delved into the league's biggest questions, offering predictions on team turnarounds, potential player exits, major award winners, and championship contenders. The season is poised to see the ripple effect of stars like Kevin Durant, Myles Turner, and Kristaps Porzingis joining new teams, while others, such as the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers, face the challenge of competing without their injured key players, raising questions about whether an unexpected champion could emerge.

The forecast highlights several teams projected to make a significant leap. The San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks tied for the top spot, both amassing 55 points in the turnaround poll. The Spurs, after four consecutive years of drafting in the top 10, are seen as ready to end their six-year postseason drought, banking on the health and development of young talents like back-to-back NBA Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, along with No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and veteran additions Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk. The Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, executed a transformative offseason, acquiring scorers Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard, and reliable defender Nickeil Alexander-Walker to complement Trae Young. The Philadelphia 76ers, largely dependent on the health of Joel Embiid and Paul George, and the continued growth of Tyrese Maxey, also ranked high in projected improvements. The Orlando Magic, young and hungry, aim to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2009-10.

Conversely, some teams are predicted to face turmoil. The Milwaukee Bucks top this list due to mounting uncertainty, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo remaining a top player. The team's move to acquire Myles Turner by waiving Damian Lillard and stretching his contract is viewed by rivals as a desperate attempt to capitalize on Antetokounmpo's prime, potentially leaving him to shoulder a herculean effort without a clear second star. The Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Phoenix Suns also anticipate challenges. The Celtics, in particular, suffered a significant blow with Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, leading to an aggressive selloff of core players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, significantly impacting their championship-caliber depth and pushing their title window to next season.

In terms of player movement, Zion Williamson is most likely to be the next superstar to request a trade, followed by Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. Williamson's situation in New Orleans, despite a front office change, seems ripe for a midseason divorce if he doesn't start strong and avoid injuries. LeBron James's potential trade is complicated by his age, salary, and contractual veto rights, making it less probable. Speculation around Antetokounmpo leaving Milwaukee has persisted for years, but a midseason request is considered unlikely given his decision to stay this summer.

The question of whether the NBA will crown a different champion for the eighth straight season generated a split decision, with 15 votes for