Oklahoma City Thunder top early NBA power rankings after Knicks’ title win
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been ranked as the top team heading into the 2026-27 NBA season following the New York Knicks’ recent championship triumph.
The Knicks recently secured their first title in 53 years by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in a five-game series.
However, early projections for the upcoming campaign place the defending champions below both the Thunder and the Texan runners-up.
General manager Sam Presti has meticulously prepared his perennial contenders for a highly expensive luxury tax era.
Thunder face soaring wage bill
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently collected his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award following a dominant 64-win season.
His franchise must now navigate lucrative contract extensions for rising stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
These new deals are expected to push the organisation’s salary cap footprint toward the $250m mark.
This massive financial commitment drags the Western Conference heavyweights deep into the league’s punitive second apron.
An untimely injury to Williams hampered their recent playoff run, ultimately contributing to their conference finals exit against San Antonio.
Wembanyama leads rising Spurs
The Texas-based franchise smashed expectations last year by accelerating their rebuilding timeline straight into championship contention.
Victor Wembanyama anchored their defensive efforts, claiming the Defensive Player of the Year award in the process.
The towering Frenchman is now eligible to negotiate a historic five-year rookie extension worth a reported $251m.
He forms a formidable young core alongside Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, supplemented by veteran guard De’Aaron Fox.
Antetokounmpo evaluates Bucks future
Away from the leading contenders, significant roster movement is anticipated across the broader basketball landscape.
Milwaukee Bucks talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly considering taking his elite talents elsewhere this off-season.
Such a high-profile departure would trigger a seismic shift in the balance of power across the Eastern Conference.