New East tiers: How injuries, offseason movement reshaped the conference

The 2025 NBA postseason saw devastating Achilles injuries to stars Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton, drastically altering the Eastern Conference landscape before the offseason. With the fallout settled, the conference—aiming to challenge the dominant West—now features a reshuffled hierarchy assessed through six tiers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, coming off a 64-win season and top seed status, face challenges including Darius Garland's extended absence due to toe surgery and the loss of backup Ty Jerome to Memphis. However, the acquisition of Lonzo Ball (traded for Isaac Okoro) offsets Jerome's departure. Despite roster adjustments reducing luxury-tax burdens, Cleveland remains a top contender with stars Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, alongside role players like Max Strus and De'Andre Hunter under coach Kenny Atkinson.

The New York Knicks, fresh off their first conference finals appearance in 25 years, fired their coach while declaring a championship mandate. Enhanced depth with additions Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele addresses weaknesses exposed by Indiana in the playoffs. With rivals weakened—Indiana losing Haliburton and Myles Turner (to Milwaukee), and Boston without Tatum, Porzingis (traded), Holiday (traded), and Kornet (to Spurs)—New York, under new coach Mike Brown, faces "Finals or bust" pressure in an open contention lane.

The Orlando Magic capitalized on the East's upheaval by trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round picks to Memphis for star Desmond Bane. This aggressive move aims to elevate a team that showed promise last season with elite defense but struggled with perimeter shooting. Bane's arrival provides spacing and a clear top-four core alongside Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. If healthy, Orlando is poised for 50+ wins.

The Atlanta Hawks made the most significant offseason leap, acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to bolster defense, plus sharpshooter Luke Kennard. They also secured New Orleans' unprotected 2026 first-round pick while minimally sacrificing draft position. Building on last season's success pairing Dyson Daniels with Trae Young, Atlanta now boasts an elite defensive scheme and deep rotation, positioning them as serious contenders in the wide-open East.