NBA’s Western Conference Outlook for the 2024-2025 Season

With Summer League approaching, let’s take a look at the Western Conference a week after free agency. Denver lost Kentavious Caldwell Pope to the Orlando Magic. The one-seeded Oklahoma City signed two defensive studs in Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. Dallas signed four-time champion Klay Thompson. San Antonio added Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. 

Sacramento acquired Demar DeRozan via trade as well as New Orleans trading for Dejounte Murray. Both of these teams played each other for the eighth seed and now added an all-star-level player to their roster. Memphis is getting Ja Morant back. Minnesota, Phoenix, Houston, Portland, Utah, and the Los Angeles Lakers stayed pat without any significant moves. The Los Angeles Clippers lost Paul George. Outside of the Clippers, the top seven seeds retained their three best players. 

The eighth and ninth seeds from this past season each added an all-star caliber player. Golden State lost Thompson, but one can never count out Stephen Curry. Looking at the bottom five from last year, Houston’s young core led by Alperen Sengun, should take another leap and beat their mark of 41 wins last year. As stated earlier, Memphis is getting not only Morant back, but also Desmond Bane, who missed half of last season. It’s likely that San Antonio, Portland, and Utah remain out of the Play-In as they are either rebuilding or looking for a franchise cornerstone to rebuild around.

Oklahoma City, Denver, Minnesota, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans, Sacramento, and Memphis should all be in the playoff mix. Golden State, the Los Angeles Clippers, and Houston should be in the Play-In mix. This leaves San Antonio, Portland, and Utah looking to get out of the bottom. Who will lead the Western Conference this upcoming season?