The 2026 NBA offseason saw several of the league’s top stars find new homes both through free agency and the trade market. With that in mind, the league’s landscape could look drastically different as the 2026-27 regular season gets underway.
The Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat were two teams that made huge splashes this past summer. Meanwhile, a few teams in the Western Conference also made high-profile trades, including the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Below, we’ll break down our five best NBA offseason acquisitions, including potential projection payouts for players from PrizePicks.
Make your NBA picks for the 2026-27 season on PrizePicks now!
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5 Best NBA Offseason Acquisitions
Let's dive into the top moves of the NBA offseason, headlined by a pair of stars joining the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat attempting to insert their name in the contender conversation.
This hoops season, you can make your NBA picks on PrizePicks for player stats, game winners, futures, and more!
Jaylen Brown Traded to Philadelphia 76ers
No team had a busier offseason than the Philadelphia 76ers. New president of basketball operations Mike Gansey was extremely aggressive after Philadelphia had another early postseason exit.
Gansey landed SG/SF Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics. Brown is a former NBA Finals MVP and one of the most talented two-way players the NBA has to offer.
The talented wing joins a loaded Philadelphia starting five that already includes PG Tyrese Maxey, SG VJ Edgecombe, C Joel Embiid, and F LeBron James.
Jaylen Brown PrizePicks NBASZN Projections: 23.9 PPG & 5.9 RPG
LeBron James' Big Free Agent Decision Ends With Philadelphia
Landing Brown was a motivating factor for James considering the 76ers this offseason. It was the cherry on top of a phenomenal offseason for Philadelphia as the franchise attempts to win its first NBA title since 1983.
Even at 41, LeBron James is still an extremely versatile forward who can affect the game in many ways. He may not be the league’s top player like he once was, but he offers tremendous upside as a crafty scorer and above-average facilitator.
The future Hall of Famer likely won’t be the 76ers’ top scoring option, although he won’t need to be with the stockpile of talent Philadelphia's put together.
LeBron James PrizePicks NBASZN Projections: 19.3 PPG, 7.4 APG, & 6.4 RPG
Pat Riley Lands Another Superstar in Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade With Milwaukee Bucks
It was no secret that Giannis Antetokounmpo would be traded at some point, and the Heat were the team to take the plunge. Antetokounmpo previously helped lead the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title and rose from obscurity to one of the league’s top players.
Miami now has one of the more talented frontcourts across the NBA with Antetokounmpo and C/PF Bam Adebayo. Antetokounmpo should drastically improve the team defensively while serving as the Heat’s top scorer.
Opponents should think twice about attacking the paint with Adebayo and Antetokounmpo occupying space. If the Heat get enough perimeter shooting, Antetokounmpo may turn them into one of the top clubs in the East.
Giannis Antetokounmpo PrizePicks NBASZN Projections: 30.5 PPG, 11.4 RPG, & 6.2 APG
Minnesota Timberwolves Go All-In on LaMelo Ball Trade With Charlotte Hornets
The Timberwolves have reached the Western Conference Finals in two of the last three seasons but have yet to break through. As a result, Minnesota made a clear effort to improve its backcourt by landing PG LaMelo Ball in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets.
Ball is one of the league’s more dangerous young guards and helped the Hornets reach the Play-In Tournament in 2025-26. Now, the former Rookie of the Year will form one of the more intriguing duos in the league alongside SG Anthony Edwards.
Ball is never afraid to shoot the ball after compiling 31.9 true shot attempts per 100 possessions in 2025-26, per databallr. His scoring numbers may take a bit of a hit playing alongside Edwards, but he'll be a spectacular facilitator throughout the season.
LaMelo Ball PrizePicks NBASZN Projections: 22.8 PPG, 8.2 APG, & 5.4 RPG
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Ja Morant Gets a Change of Scenery From Memphis Grizzlies to Portland Trail Blazers
The most underrated move of the 2026 offseason may be the Portland Trail Blazers landing PG Ja Morant in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant needed a change of scenery, and now he joins a young but talented Trail Blazers roster and gets exactly that.
Morant offers elite athleticism on top of being a terrific passer. He’ll join a Portland backcourt that will also includes G Damian Lillard after Lillard sat out the 2025-26 season rehabbing a torn Achilles.
Morant has no fear when it comes to attacking the rim, and he won’t even need to be the top option with SF Deni Avdija in the fold as well. It’s quite possible that Morant could find a comfortable home in Portland.
Ja Morant PrizePicks NBASZN Projections: 20.5 PPG & 6.8 APG
NBA Best Offseason Acquisitions: Honorable Mentions
These two pickups didn't quite make the cut but could be impactful nonetheless in the upcoming campaign.
Toronto Raptors Reunite With Kawhi Leonard
Who doesn’t love a reunion? F Kawhi Leonard returned to the Raptors after the team acquired him in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason.
The talented vet led the Raptors to an NBA title in 2018-19, and the franchise hopes Leonard will help the core take the next step in a loaded Eastern Conference.
Kawhi Leonard PrizePicks NBASZN Projections: 20.5 PPG & 6.8 APG
Los Angeles Lakers Start New Era With Walker Kessler Trade
The Los Angeles Lakers may have lost James, but they still made a move to help stabilize their frontcourt. Los Angeles landed Walker Kessler in a trade with the Utah Jazz, and he should be an upgrade over C Deandre Ayton.
Kessler was limited to just five games last season due to a torn labrum but should thrive as the Lakers’ marquee frontcourt scoring option alongside PG Luka Doncic and SG Austin Reaves.
Walker Kessler PrizePicks NBASZN Projections: 11.4 PPG & 11.5 RPG
Make 2026-27 NBA Predictions on PrizePicks
Many high-profile NBA stars have changed addresses this offseason. With players like Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo finding new homes, the NBA could look very different this season. Be sure to make your 2026 NBA predictions on PrizePicks!
When the games begin, simply select NBA players, predict More or Less on their stats, and if you’re right, you cash in. With Team Picks, you can make predictions on NBA game winners, over/unders, spreads, and award futures, live in 36 states.
Keep it locked on Playbook for NBA predictions, picks, and news every day until the 2027 NBA Finals.
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