Greg Swartz
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NBA Writer, @BleacherReport since 2010. Ohio native. University of Akron alum.
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Articles by Greg Swartz
1 Overreaction to Every NBA Team's First Game
Welcome back, NBA. We missed you more than you know. The 2026-27 season is officially underway, with everyone outside of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets playing their first game by Wednesday night.
LeBron, Giannis and the NBA's 10 Most Fascinating Players This Season
The NBA is a star-driven league, where talent plus storylines equal entertainment. We've got our eyes on a number of players this season, especially stars in new places, high draft picks beginning their careers or future Hall of Famers continuing to build their legacies. There's also a lot of talent coming back from an injured 2025-26 campaign, ready to make their mark on the league once again. Now heading into the 2026-27 season, these are the NBA's 10 most fascinating players to watch.
5 Trades That Should've Happened During 2026 NBA Offseason
De'Aron Fox to Rockets, Dylan Harper Era Begins in San Antonio The San Antonio Spurs didn't know they were going to have the opportunity to draft a guard like Dylan Harper when they originally traded for De'Aaron Fox. No one would blame them for wanting to move on from him now. Fox was an All-Star last year and is still a really good player at age 28. Unfortunately for him, Harper and Stephon Castle are the backcourt of the future in San Antonio.
Predicting the NBA's 5 Best and 5 Worst Contracts This Season
Worst No. 4: Jordan Poole, SG, New Orleans Pelicans 2026-27 Salary: $34 million Salary Rank/Cap Percentage: No. 52 overall, 20.6 percent Few contracts have aged as poorly as Jordan Poole's, who's finally entering the final season of a four-year, $128 million deal signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2022. Now playing on his third team since signing the deal, Poole's production has fallen off a cliff.
Every NBA Team's Top Breakout Candidate In 2026-27
One of the best parts of every NBA season is seeing young players make a major leap in their overall play. We witnessed this last year with players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker (winner of the NBA's Most Improved Player award), Ryan Rollins, Neemias Queta, Deni Avdija, and others. This could mean blossoming into an All-Star or simply a major jump in individual statistics as a rotational player in a bigger role. The good news? All 30 teams possess at least one breakout candidate, to varying degrees.
5 NBA teams that got better this offseason, and 5 that got worse
The late stages of the NBA offseason continue to bring us some excitement and have helped decipher which teams truly got better or worse. In the last few weeks we've seen Peyton Watson become a Cleveland Cavalier, DeMar DeRozan sign with the Denver Nuggets, Jonathan Kuminga team up with Anthony Edwards with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Klay Thompson agree to leave the Dallas Mavericks for the sunny beaches of Miami, Florida. Oh, and Ben Simmons is back in the NBA.
5 NBA Teams That Got Better This Offseason, and 5 That Got Worse
The late stages of the NBA offseason continue to bring us some excitement and have helped decipher which teams truly got better or worse. In the last few weeks we've seen Peyton Watson become a Cleveland Cavalier, DeMar DeRozan sign with the Denver Nuggets, Jonathan Kuminga team up with Anthony Edwards with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Klay Thompson agree to leave the Dallas Mavericks for the sunny beaches of Miami, Florida. Oh, and Ben Simmons is back in the NBA.
5 NBA Trade Candidates Nobody Is Talking About
Scoot Henderson, G, Portland Trail Blazers Scoot Henderson already faced an uncertain role with the Portland Trail Blazers this season given the return of Damian Lillard from a torn Achilles. The trade for Ja Morant only further complicates things. Morant, Lillard and veteran Jrue Holiday are all going to be ahead of Henderson on the depth chart. Portland also has to find minutes for wing Shaedon Sharpe, who averaged a career-high 20.8 points per game last season.
5 NBA trade candidates nobody is talking about
This offseason's list of trade candidates was well known. Giannis Antetokounmpo. Ja Morant. Kawhi Leonard. All have since been moved. Well, in Leonard's case, kind of. We're still roughly a month away from training camps opening up, however, giving us time for some more potential trades.
Will every NBA team be better or worse next season?
The 2026-27 NBA schedule has officially been released, meaning it's the most optimistic time of the year for basketball fans. Can the Detroit Pistons reach 60 wins again? Will the Los Angeles Lakers actually be better without LeBron James? Can the defending champion New York Knicks improve on their 53 wins, or will the loss of Mitchell Robinson and regular season fatigue hurt them?
Will Every NBA Team Be Better or Worse Next Season?
The 2026-27 NBA schedule has officially been released, meaning it's the most optimistic time of the year for basketball fans. Can the Detroit Pistons reach 60 wins again? Will the Los Angeles Lakers actually be better without LeBron James? Can the defending champion New York Knicks improve on their 53 wins, or will the loss of Mitchell Robinson and regular season fatigue hurt them?
1 Major Question for Every Team After 2026 NBA Offseason
Miami Heat: Is There Enough Shooting? The Miami Heat ranked in the middle of the NBA in three-point makes and accuracy last season and have now lost their two leaders outside shooters to free agency (Norman Powell) and the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade (Tyler Herro). In total, five of the Heat's 11 top three-point shooters were either traded in the blockbuster to acquire the two-time MVP or left in free agency, meaning there could be real spacing concerns around this frontcourt.
Predicting the 5 Biggest Regrets From the 2026 NBA Offseason
Lakers Investing $130 Million Plus 4 1st-Round Picks and Swaps in Walker Kessler Walker Kessler is a strong basketball fit alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. The Los Angeles Lakers also paid far too great a price for the 7'2" center and as a result are now locked into a mediocre roster in the West. The Lakers and Utah Jazz agreed to a sign-and-trade that sent Kessler to LA, with the 25-year-old inking a four-year, $129.5 million contract.
Every NBA Team's Most Disrespected Hidden Gem
Watching young NBA players make the leap to rotation contributor, starter or even star is one of the best parts every season. We saw this last year from players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Deni Avdija, Neemias Queta, Ryan Rollins, Collin Gillespie and others, most of whom have now become household names. Who are the players we should be watching heading into the 2026-27 season? The young (or young-ish) role players who deserve more minutes, shots and a bigger role in general?
Grading Every NBA Team's Rookie Class at 2026 Summer League So Far
Atlanta Hawks No. 8 overall pick Kingston Flemings has been one of the better passers in Las Vegas, averaging 6.5 assists in his pair of games ( tied for fourth-most overall). He's struggled shooting the ball (33.3 percent overall) and needs to cut down on turnovers (3.5) if he wants to lock down a spot in the Atlanta Hawks' rotation. Atlanta should be mostly pleased with what it's seen from its big men as well.
5 Sneaky Landing Spots for LeBron James In 2026 NBA Free Agency
As you may have heard, LeBron James is a free agent and looking for a home outside of Los Angeles. At least, not with the Lakers. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors are the leaders to sign the four-time MVP. The Denver Nuggets have expressed interest as well. What if James shocked us all and chose a team no one saw coming?
Grading Every Team's 2026 NBA Draft and Trades
The 2026 NBA draft is officially complete.
Underrated NBA Trade Targets Nobody Is Talking About
Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, G's, Oklahoma City Thunder 3 of 7 Playoff injuries were the first wave of adversity to hit the Oklahoma City Thunder after their 2025 championship. Payroll will be the second. After avoiding the luxury tax altogether in 2025-26, the Thunder roster is expected to jump by roughly $70 million with two max extensions kicking in. This puts them at a projected $39 million over the second apron if they bring everyone back.
Ranking Top Trade Packages and Landing Spots for Miami Heat Guard Tyler Herro
The future of Tyler Herro and the Miami Heat is very much in question. The 26-year-old former All-Star and Sixth Man of the Year is entering the final season of his contract. The two sides failed to come to an extension agreement last fall but will be able to negotiate again the day after the NBA Finals ends. Miami can extend Herro for up to four years and $207 million per ESPN's Bobby Marks. Teams who need offensive help should call on Herro.
Every Team's Biggest Need In the 2026 NBA Draft
Atlanta Hawks: Isolation Scoring 1 of 30 The Atlanta Hawks are in a great position to take an elite guard in the lottery with the use of the New Orleans Pelicans' first-round pick, as players like Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr., Mikel Brown Jr. and Brayden Burries are all expected to go in the 5-to-10 range.
Ranking Top Donovan Mitchell Trade Packages and Landing Spots
Before the Cleveland Cavaliers start debating about potential runs at Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James or others, they'll need to decide what Donovan Mitchell's future looks like. Mitchell, 29, is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract. The seven-time All-Star will be eligible to sign a four-year, $272 million extension on July 7, pushing his next five years to $322 million ($64.4 million per season).
The Blockbuster NBA Trade Idea That Would Change Everything
Why the Houston Rockets Do It 4 of 5 The Kevin Durant experience did not go well for the Houston Rockets, as well chronicled by ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon. They reported that Durant's moodiness and alleged burner account criticizing teammates were just some of the issues that popped up throughout the year. If the Rockets want out of the Durant business but still crave a veteran star who can bring some much-needed ball-handling to the team, Jimmy Butler would be a strong fit.
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers Need Each Other for Final Curtain Call
By most accounts, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers had a good season without each other. James, even at age 41, made the All-Star team (his record-setting 22nd) while averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. The Cavs finally broke through to the Eastern Conference Finals in the Donovan Mitchell era. So why should both parties feel awful about the way their years ended?
Bold Predictions for the Rest of the 2026 NBA Playoffs
Donovan Mitchell OR Evan Mobley Play Last Game As a Cleveland Cavalier 5 of 7 The Cleveland Cavaliers are headed towards a crossroads this summer, no matter how their 2026 playoff run ends. Losing in the second round to the Detroit Pistons or a short series in the East Finals against the New York Knicks could cause Donovan Mitchell to consider other options as a free agent in 2027.
Every NBA Team's Most Untouchable Trade Asset
The NBA offseason has already begun for 22 of the league's 30 teams, moving us ever closer to the summer trade period. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo finally be dealt? What does Donovan Mitchell's future look like if the Cleveland Cavaliers once again fall in the second round? Do the Orlando Magic shake up their roster following a third-straight, first-round exit? Before we can ask who's available we must first consider who, and which draft picks, are completely untouchable.
3 Trade Assets Every NBA GM Will Be Secretly Shopping This Offseason
It doesn't matter if your favorite NBA team is in the playoffs or watching from home right now, you can bet that the general manager (president, vice president of basketball operations, etc.) is already planning their summer trade ideas. This includes players likely to hit the market (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, Michael Porter Jr., etc.) but also some stars and role players that will raise some eyebrows.
Final Grades for Every NBA Team's 2025-26 Rookie Class
The final numbers are in for the 2025 rookie class. In total, 103 total rookies made their NBA debuts this season. Twenty of these averaged at least 10.0 points per game while players like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel made NBA history. With lots of young players getting extended time during the final few months of the season, it's time to put a final grade on all 30* teams' rookie class. Note: The Houston Rockets were the only team not to play a rookie this season.
Bold NBA Trades That Should Happen This Offseason
There's a lot of uncomfortable player-team situations bubbling in the NBA that need to be settled via trade this offseason. Giannis Antetokounmpo reigns above all. While the New York Knicks have been the hottest team attached in rumors, why not join the East team that's most recently reached the NBA Finals instead? There's a franchise out West that should explore a Ja Morant trade to reunite him with a former teammate, and Anthony Edwards is still looking for an answer beside him at point guard.
New NBA Playoff Bracket Prediction With 2 Weeks To Go
The best part of the NBA calendar is nearly here. Apologies to fans of the draft, free agency and trade deadline, but there's nothing like the NBA playoffs. With just a week left of regular season action to go before the play-in tournament begins, we have a better picture than ever of what every first-round matchup will look like.
1 Player On Every NBA Team Most Likely To Hit the Trade Block Next
Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant 15 of 30 The trade market for Ja Morant was obviously cold leading up to the deadline and the two-time All-Star has done nothing to improve his value since. Morant has officially been ruled out for the season with an elbow injury and last played on Jan. 21st, two weeks before the deadline. That doesn't mean that the needs of other teams won't change, however. An early playoff exit could have the Miami Heat or Orlando Magic weighing their point guard options.
Panic Meter for Every 2026 NBA Play-In Contender
Extreme Panic: Phoenix Suns 5 of 5 Time is quickly running out for the Phoenix Suns to escape the play-in tournament. Currently three-and-a-half games behind the Houston Rockets with just eight contests remaining, the Suns will have to play close to perfect basketball over the next two weeks. This is a team still missing a pair of starters as forward Dillon Brooks (broken hand) and center Mark Williams (stress reaction in foot) have only recently begun playing five-on-five again.
Every NBA Team's Biggest Fear Right Now
Brooklyn Nets: Did They Miss Selling High on Michael Porter Jr? 3 of 30 Michael Porter Jr. looked like one of the hottest names at the trade deadline, as the 27-year-old was enjoying the best season of his career as a No. 1 option. Now sidelined with a hamstring injury, it's fair to wonder if the Brooklyn Nets made a mistake by not selling high on Porter when they had the chance.
New Goals for Every NBA Team Down the Stretch
Believe it or not, we're down to just 10-ish games left in the 2025-26 NBA regular season. While some fan bases (looking at you, Indiana Pacers) have been wanting to fast forward through this entire year, there's still a lot that can be accomplished for all 30 teams. Whether it be player, team, skill or draft related, these are the goals every NBA team should be striving for with just a few weeks remaining.
The Perfect 2026 Offseason Trade for Every NBA Team
NBA trade season is never over, as teams continue to evaluate their needs and restock their assets with every new league year. The 2026 offseason brings a whole new wave of trade opportunities thanks to increased cap space, 2026 draft picks that can be agreed upon and later traded as prospects and the 2033 first and second-round selections that become unlocked. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo finally be moved? Do the Los Angeles Clippers decide to sell high on Kawhi Leonard?
The Glaring Weakness Haunting Every NBA Team Down the Stretch
Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron-Luka Dynamic 14 of 30 It very much appears that the LeBron James-Los Angeles Lakers era will be coming to an end soon. The on-court success with James and Luka Dončić just hasn't developed, as evidenced by their net rating together and the Lakers' record without the four-time MVP.
Young NBA Players Who Need a Trade During 2026 Offseason
Scoot Henderson, PG, Portland Trail Blazers 5 of 5 Selected at No. 3 overall in 2023 to be the heir to Damian Lillard with the Portland Trail Blazers, Scoot Henderson still has yet to earn the role of a full-time starter. Injuries and poor shooting efficiency have held the 22-year-old back from becoming a franchise point guard, as he's averaged just 13.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and shot 40.0 percent overall in 138 games over three years.
New 2026 NBA Playoff Bracket Predictions
We're in for a wild month-and-a-half in the NBA, as nearly every playoff seed has yet to be locked in. The Detroit Pistons look comfortable as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, although the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are locked in a close battle for No. 2. Victor Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs are closer than they appear in the Oklahoma City Thunder's mirror out West, while seeds Nos. 3 through 5 are separated by just one game.
Ranking the Most Underrated NBA Players Right Now
After taking a look at the most overrated players in the NBA right now, it's time to examine the opposite side of the association. These are players who are outplaying their contracts by stuffing the stat sheet while contributing to winning, all while staying (mostly) out of the national spotlight. We're not talking hidden gems here, but rather players most NBA fans should be familiar with yet don't realize just how good they really are.
Every NBA Team's Hidden Gem Who Needs More Respect
Los Angeles Clippers: Jordan Miller, G/F 13 of 30 Jordan Miller has been a steady contributor to the Los Angeles Clippers all season and was recently rewarded with a two-year standard deal after previously playing on a two-way contract. The 26-year-old wing is averaging 9.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 19.8 minutes while making 59.5 percent of his twos and 35.7 percent of his threes.
Ranking the Most Overrated NBA Players Right Now
The way the NBA values its players is evolving. Small (albeit talented) guards making a lot of money are being traded for pennies on the dollar, as evidenced by the returns for Trae Young (CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert and zero draft picks), Darius Garland (along with a second-round pick for 36-year-old James Harden) and Ja Morant, who no team " made a serious offer for".
Report Card Grades for Every NBA Team's Rookie Class
By Greg Swartz The Milwaukee Bucks waived Mark Sears a few weeks ago, leaving Alex Antetokounmpo as the only rookie on a roster that desperately needs young talent. To put it nicely, Antetokounmpo isn't anywhere close to being an NBA player, and he hasn't logged a minute of action yet this season. The 24-year-old is averaging 3.3 points on 28.6 percent shooting overall in the G League for the Wisconsin Herd.
Bold NBA Predictions After the 2026 Trade Deadline
The Giannis Antetokounmpo Era in Milwaukee Finally Ends 5 of 5 The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade really looked like it was going to happen. The Milwaukee Bucks are lottery-bound in a year where they actually have their first-round pick. Antetokounmpo has done everything in his power (when healthy) to lead this team, although there's simply a lack of star power around him to make any sort of championship push. Both Antetokounmpo and the Bucks don't want to be the bad guy here, and neither has to be.
Grading Every Team's 2026 NBA Trade Deadline
The 2026 NBA trade deadline was full of fireworks, just not the ones we all thought were going to be set off. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant stayed in their respective homes while James Harden, Darius Garland, Jaren Jackson Jr., Anthony Davis and others found new ones. We saw players get traded multiple times as rosters were shuffled around, and only now can everyone catch their breath for a few months.
Grading Every Team's 2026 NBA Trade Deadline
Hate the team, love their game, the Super Bowl winner will be the New England Patriots The Worst Super Bowl Predictor In America is on a hot streak. I got one right. Last year, remember? How could I let you forget? As the Philadelphia Eagles were in the process of demolishing the favored Kansas City Chiefs by 18 points, I was screaming in front of the stunned and somewhat embarrassed …
Ranking the NBA's Most Disappointing Teams Since the Trade Deadline
1. Denver Nuggets 5 of 5 The Denver Nuggets appeared to be separating themselves along with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs as the elite teams in the Western Conference. Their play since the trade deadline now has us thinking otherwise. Denver's 9-9 record since Feb. 5 has meant a fall from the No. 3 seed in the West now to No. 6, just 2.5 games away from dropping into the play-in tournament.
The Cleveland Cavaliers Just Fell For the James Harden Trap
James Harden will go down as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. He's recently climbed to No. 9 overall on the all-time scoring list, and he has a trophy case full of regular-season awards, ranging from scoring and assist titles to Sixth Man of the Year and MVP. He's also become one of the greatest NBA actors and con men of this generation.
A LeBron James-Cleveland Cavaliers Trade that Actually Makes Sense
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers Do It 2 of 4 The Cleveland Cavaliers no longer need LeBron James to ride in on a white horse and save the franchise, although they could use a little boost in what's been a lackluster season thus far. A 27-20 record is only good enough for fifth place in a wide-open East, a conference many thought the Cavs would be running away with by now.
Why Trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo Isn't the No-Brainer You Think It Is
The eyes of the NBA world remain fixed on Milwaukee as we await the fate of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now officially a 10-time All-Star, his future with the Bucks remains as cloudy as ever, especially with the team outside of both the playoff and play-in pictures even in a weak East. Should he become available, he would easily be the best player on the trade market. Contending teams looking to go all-in for his services should be wary, though.
A 3-Team De'Andre Hunter, Jonathan Kuminga Trade Idea Where Everyone Wins
2 days ago The Cavaliers defeated the 76ers, 117-115 tonight in Philadelphia. Jaylon Tyson finished with a team-high 39 points along with 7 three pointers and 5 rebounds for the Cavaliers, while De'Andre Hunter tallied 16 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds in the game. Joel Embiid recorded 33 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. The Cavaliers improve their record to 24-19 with the win, while the 76ers fall to 22-18 for the season.
A 3-Team De'Andre Hunter, Jonathan Kuminga Trade Idea Where Everyone Wins
Why the Golden State Warriors Do It 2 of 4 Jonathan Kuminga has demanded a trade from the Golden State Warriors, according to Anthony Slater and Shams Charania of ESPN, a move that's hardly been unexpected.
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