A new NBA season brings a fresh wave of ambition across all 30 teams. Some are chasing titles. Others just want to make it through the end of the season. But everyone has a goal, and for the 2025-26 season, the expectations are as layered as ever.
From Oklahoma City’s dynasty in the making to rebuilding projects in Utah and Washington, here’s what every team should be aiming for as the season tips off.
The True Contenders: Title or Bust
Oklahoma City Thunder – Goal: Win the NBA Championship (Repeat)
The Thunder are officially the standard. After capturing their first championship of the new era, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams now have the most dangerous word in sports attached to them: expectations.
The goal is simple, go back-to-back.
With roster continuity and elite defense, anything less than another Finals appearance would be a disappointment in Oklahoma City.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Goal: Get to the NBA Championship
Cleveland has arrived as a true powerhouse. The Mitchell/Mobley/Garland core has matured, and this year’s goal is to finally break through to the Finals. The Cavs have depth, chemistry, and star power, but now it’s about execution when the lights are brightest.
With the Eastern Conference being as down as it is, on paper at least, this is a prime opportunity for the Cavs to set themselves up as the standard in the East.
Denver Nuggets – Goal: Get Back To The NBA Championship
Even with a new coach in David Adelman, the Jokic/Murray duo keeps Denver in title contention. Their mission is to adapt seamlessly to new leadership while keeping their offensive rhythm intact. A deep playoff run, ideally ending with another Finals appearance, is the bar.
They took the eventual NBA Champions to 7 games and they improved their roster. With the return of Bruce Brown, replacing Michael Porter Jr. with Cam Johnson, and the additions of Jonas Valanciunas and Tim Hardaway Jr., they should be in prime position to get back to the top.
Health will be a factor but the added depth that they didn’t possess last season plus still having the best player in the league can get them over the Thunder hump.
New York Knicks – Goal: Get to the NBA Championship
The Knicks have built a deep, rugged, and playoff tested team. With Jalen Brunson at the helm and a front office all in on contending, the goal is crystal clear: win the East and compete for a title.
Anything less will feel like a missed opportunity in the Garden.
They have added more depth with the additions of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele plus positive health being on their side, the Knicks are set up pretty well. This is their year to get back to the top to give themselves a shot at their first championship since 1973.
Houston Rockets – Goal: Get to the NBA Championship
With Kevin Durant now in the mix, expectations in Houston are sky high. Ime Udoka’s system demands discipline and defense, and the team’s goal is to take a huge step and get to the Finals. Prove that this young core, even without Fred VanVleet, belongs in the conversation.
It would be a major step for them to take. Going from losing in the first round one year to getting to the Finals the next year rarely happens. This Rockets team could do it though.
They have everything a team needs to win: great coaching, a legit star, complimentary pieces, depth, and complimentary play on both sides of the ball. It’s now a matter of if they will/can go out their night to night and let it be known they’re a legit contender.
The Serious Playoff Aspirants: Win a Series and Make Noise
Los Angeles Lakers – Goal: Get to the WCF
As long as LeBron James is lacing them up, the Lakers are chasing postseason relevance. Add in the fact that he is now playing with prime Luka Doncic and those expectations rise.
The realistic goal this year is a playoff series win and establishing a path forward in the post LeBron future. However, they should be aiming higher than just a playoff series.
In my opinion, they are being a little underrated. They aren’t one of the five best teams in the league but they should be in that next mix of teams. Doncic, James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and the additions of Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia should be able to make a lot of noise. Having two of the best playoff performers ever who got a full offseason and will have a full season together is a very dangerous mix.
Milwaukee Bucks – Goal: Win a Playoff Series
The Bucks still have Giannis Antetokounmpo in his prime and that means A LOT. Depth and chemistry issues have stalled them in recent years though. This might have to be a season from Giannis similar to the one we saw from Lebron James in 2018 where he did a lot of the heavy lifting.
Milwaukee’s target this season is to advance past the first round and reassert themselves as contenders in the East.
One could argue their sights should be higher given the fact that the Bucks haven’t won a single series since 2022 and with Giannis’ recent trade interest from many teams. Meaning the Bucks will need to prove they’re going to show they’re going to be on of the true elite teams in the league.
However, they might not have the talent for that so getting past the first round would at least be a positive step in the right direction and that might not even be enough.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Goal: Get to NBA Championship
The Wolves should be in a class with the Nuggets, Thunder, and Rockets but with back to back flame outs in the Western Conference Finals, it’s hard to put them there.
Anthony Edwards is ready for superstardom, and the Wolves believe they’re ready for the next step. Their defense can dominate any series, and their goal this season is to break through to the Finals and show that last two year’s success was no fluke.
They’re a team we have to see it to believe it though. They have ran out of grace. Either get to the finals this season or it will be time to make some decisions about the roster.
Atlanta Hawks – Goal: Get back to ECF
After years of inconsistency, it’s time for results. Trae Young’s leadership and the team’s revamped roster put Atlanta in position to win a playoff series and show that their rebuild is finally bearing fruit.
It seems like the Hawks front office finally figured out how to build a roster around Trae Young. The growth of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher, plus the additions of Nickiel Alexander Walker, Luke Kennard, Kristaps Porzingis, and rookie Asa Newell, the Hawks are primed to make a lot of noise in the East.
Orlando Magic – Goal: Win a Playoff Series
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner headline one of the NBA’s most exciting young rosters. The Magic’s next logical step is winning a playoff series, a clear sign that the rebuild is turning into a contender’s rise.
Health will be a big factor as they got off to a pretty good start last season and injuries halted their momentum. Adding Desmond Bane should certainly help them take the next step but it needs to happen this season.
Memphis Grizzlies – Goal: Get Back to the Top of the West
Ja Morant is back and focused, and Memphis wants to reclaim its spot among the West’s elite. Once the NBA’s young darlings, it’s been a while since the Grizzlies have made any kind of real noise throughout the league.
Their mission: get out of the first round and prove that the Grizzlies’ competitive edge hasn’t dulled. If they don’t make real noise this season, it might be time to have some real discussions around the duo of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant.
San Antonio Spurs – Goal: Get to the Playoffs
With Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox forming an intriguing duo, the Spurs’ goal is to make the playoffs and take that next step as a young team. This season is about experience, growth, and proving that their young stars can win right now.
They have one of the most intriguing players in NBA history with Wemby who seems ready to lead a team to higher heights but they are really inexperienced in that department. It’s important to not waste these years with Wemby playing this well this early.
Let Wemby lead and everyone else should fall into place and help the Spurs take the next level.
Miami Heat – Goal: Position Themselves as an East Standard
Never underestimate Erik Spoelstra. Miami’s goal this season is to get back to being a standard in the East. Spo is a magician with rosters and one of the best at getting the most out of his teams.
It’s not nearly the best roster in the East and Spo will have his work cut out for him but with the conference being down, it’s a great opportunity to get back to being the cream of the crop.
Golden State Warriors – Goal: Make Noise in the West or Move on From the Core
Golden State’s window isn’t closed yet. With Jimmy Butler joining Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors are chasing one last ring before the curtain falls. The goal: manage minutes, stay healthy, and make one more Finals push.
It isn’t going to be easy though. Their age combined with the West being a gauntlet, they will need to be extremely locked in every single night. If they cant get back to their standard, it should be time to call it with their main core of Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
Los Angeles Clippers – Goal: Finally Get to the NBA Championship
The Clippers have all the pieces, which will be the oldest roster in the league, now they need the consistency and health. If Kawhi Leonard and James Harden can stay on the court, this team can contend.
The organization’s mindset should be clear: it’s title or bust in what might be the final year for this core.
Clippers likely wont have to worry about any possible punishment for the alleged cap circumvention for Kawhi Leonard so that should be a little bit of a weight off of their shoulders, They still have the expectations though. Everyone was brought in to win a championship.
If that doesn’t happen it’s time to pivot elsewhere.
Philadelphia 76ers – Goal: Get Back to the Top of the East
Joel Embiid keeps the Sixers in contention, but their path forward hinges on health and cohesion. The goal is get to the playoffs, show that they’re back to being the cream of the crop in the East, and avoid another early flameout.
That’s easier said than done given the health of not just Embiid but Paul George and Jared McCain also. On paper, they should make a lot of noise in the East. The problem with that is, we have spent the last few years saying what they should be able to do on paper and nothing has come from it.
It’s time to get back to the top and show why Embiid is still one of the best players in the league.
Dallas Mavericks – Goal: Make the Playoffs
The Mavs could be a very dangerous team come playoff time. The problem is though, will they get there?
On paper, it seems like it could be an easy yes but it’s not that simple.
No one knows when Kyrie Irving will return and their second best player is likely going to be a rookie. The Mavs still have plenty of talent to make it to the playoffs in any other normal year but this season, the West isn’t normal.
It’s deeper than ever and the margin of error is going to be slim. The Mavs will need to find a groove sooner than later. If they do, they will be a very dangerous team come playoff time.
The Middle Class: Show Signs of Life & Push for the Playoffs
Sacramento Kings – Goal: Figure Out How To Be Consistent
The Kings shouldn’t be as bad as they were last season. Once a NBA fan favorite when everyone was excited to see them light the beam and end their very long playoff drought, Sacramento has fallen from grace. They started to take plenty of steps forward then never got better after that.
Sacramento’s offensive chemistry remains elite, but the defense needs work. Their goal is to return to the postseason and solidify themselves as a consistent playoff team. The main word is consistent though.
Something they have struggled with the last couple of years. If they can match their defense to their offense they can be a sneaky good team.
Phoenix Suns – Goal: Move Forward or Move Devin Booker
After a chaotic offseason, Phoenix’s aim is to stabilize, get back to the playoffs, and reestablish identity. Devin Booker leads a retooled group trying to prove they’re still relevant.
A few years removed from a NBA Championship appearance, it seems like the Suns have gotten worse every year since then. It’s time to try and get back to that spot.
It’s going to be a tall task and take time to get back to those heights so just taking a step in a positive direction should suffice. If they take another step back, it will be time to do Devin Booker a service and trade him to a team that wants to win.
Chicago Bulls – Goal: GET OUT OF THE PLAY-IN GROUP
If there was a picture representing the NBA Play-In, the Chicago Bulls logo would be there.
The Bulls are in the worst spot a team can be in; caught between competing and rebuilding. They are too good to really tank but not nearly good enough to really compete. Their realistic aim is to grab a playoff spot, outside of the Play-In, and show that the current core can compete together.
Indiana Pacers – Goal: Tread Water
The Pacers shouldn’t be here in this tier. The only reason they are is because Tyrese Haliburton was injured in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and will likely miss the entier season.
Hali’s rise has brought optimism back to Indiana and it was all taken away with a slip in the Finals. Letting Myles Turner walk in free agency doesn’t really help either. At a time where the Pacers were supposed to catch steam and try to improve, they hit a wall and now their future is a little shaky.
The target should be to just stay afloat until Hali gets back and not create bad habits for when he returns causing a setback.
Toronto Raptors – Goal: Make the Playoffs
The Raptors are a very intriguing team. On paper, they seem like a team that should make some legit noise in the East. The addition of what should be a consistent first option in Brandon Ingram should be major. They have plenty of talent but they haven’t really been able to figure things out yet.
They’re kind of stuck in that development spot with the youth but have enough guys with experience to take a real positive step. Health and consistency are key.
The Raptors could be a team that finds their groove and surprise a lot of teams in the East. Either way, the main goal should be to get to the playoffs and get those young guys some experience.
Rebuild Mode: Development Over Wins
Utah Jazz – Goal: Just Trade and Tank
Utah isn’t (or shouldn’t be) chasing wins, they’re chasing progress. Or are they?
The Jazz are clearly way too talented of a team to be as bad as they were/are. That makes it very clear that they don’t really want to win. They cannot be in the same position they have been in the last few years. Sitting healthy guys just to lose but also making it clear they are way too good to really tank.
It also seems clear they want to put themselves in position to draft BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa. If that is the case, they should put guys like Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen on the trade block, seriously, and go from there. No more of this back and forth.
Washington Wizards – Goal: Develop Youth & Build for the Future
The Wizards have hit reset. Their focus this season is developing young players, improving internally, and setting up for the years to come.
They have some decent young talent but might not have a true future star. They could but we really don’t know. This could be the year to figure that out.
Whatever they do, it needs to be different than the last few years of staying stagnically (made up word) bad.
New Orleans Pelicans – Goal: Keep Zion Healthy & Go From There
If Zion Williamson stays on the court, New Orleans could surprise. But health remains the story. They have a really intriguing roster around Zion.
They still have young players with a lot of promise in Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Yves Missi, and Jordan Hawkins. Drafted two promising young players in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Brought in guys like Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney and Saddiq Bey. Plus still having Dejounte Murray.
That seems like a lot of talent but the problem is keeping Zion healthy. Everything hinges on that. If he can’t stay healthy this season, it might be time to mutually part ways.
Charlotte Hornets – Goal: Build Culture & Show Progress
The talent on the Hornets isn’t bad at all. Very young. Very inexperienced but not bad.
For LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, this is a growth year. The Hornets’ goal is to establish a winning identity and make visible progress, even if the playoffs are out of reach.
Another year of mediocrity is the worst thing that can happen for everyone on the roster. It could create bad habits that stay with these guys for years. They need discipline also and that’s one thing that will be a little tough for head coach Charles Lee. Young teams tend to lack that aspect of the game and it takes a strong voice to get them to understand.
If he can get these young guys to buy in they could sneak up on teams and make show they’re ready to move forward.
The Bottom Line
Every NBA season tells 30 different stories, and 2025-26 promises one of the most unpredictable narratives yet. From the Thunder quest for a repeat to Orlando’s rise, from Houston’s bold new era to the rebuilds quietly taking shape, everyone has something to chase.
For the contenders, it’s about legacy. For the middle class, it’s about validation. And for the rebuilding teams, it’s about patience and purpose.
One way or another, by the time this season ends, every franchise will have a clearer sense of who they really are, and how far they still have to go.
