Jimmy Butler lands at No. 40 in NBA 2K26 with an 87 overall rating, his lowest since NBA 2K16 and a notable dip from the 90s he had in recent years. The Warriors’ late-season acquisition of Butler is reflected in a 35-game sample last season, where he averaged about 17.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. Butler shares the 87 rating with Amen Thompson, Derrick White, Ivica Zubac, Zion Williamson, Darius Garland, LaMelo Ball, Alperen Sengun and Domantas Sabonis at a slate of 87s, highlighting a crowded mid-80s tier among top stars. The countdown emphasizes the shifting value of veteran scorers and the evolving fantasy landscape as 2K26 climbs toward September’s release date.

The piece situates Butler’s rating in a broader context: a historic stretch of 90+ ratings earlier in his career, the impact of a midseason trade, and the way 2K26’s top 100 framing positions a mix of established veterans and rising talent. For fantasy managers, Butler’s rating suggests cautious optimism—elite scoring with questions about durability and health-driven minute volatility—and underscores the importance of roster construction around a player whose role could swing with the Warriors’ mix of veterans and younger contributors.

Kevin Durant’s move to the Houston Rockets redefines the Southwest. Houston, fresh off a 52-win surprise and a playoff flirtation, adds elite scoring and high-level playmaking in Durant, pairing him with Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun. The frontcourt depth arrives with Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith, while Josh Okogie helps the wings. The offense should surge from 114.3 points per game, and the Rockets look like the team to beat in the division, with a real shot to challenge the West’s top-tier teams.

Dallas reloads around Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg after a controversial season, with Irving’s ACL trajectory a major x-factor. Flagg, taken No. 1 in 2025, joins a lineup that could feature Irving, Klay Thompson, Flagg, Davis and Dereck Lively at full strength—defensive length and offensive load rise accordingly. San Antonio stays on its rebuild path with Victor Wembanyama returning, Dylan Harper added at No. 2, and depth bolstered by Olynyk and Kornet, aiming for a Play-In push rather than a quick turnaround. Memphis contends with life after Desmond Bane, leaning on Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. for defensive cohesion and scoring, while New Orleans faces health uncertainties with Zion Williamson as the hinge for postseason hopes.

Overall, the division’s balance tilts toward the Rockets at the top if Durant stays healthy, with the Mavericks quietly reloading and the Spurs emphasizing development. The Grizzlies and Pelicans carry questions about ceiling and health, but the Southwest remains densely competitive heading into 2025-26.

Highlighting the premier basketball talent from the Carolinas, the landscape boasts names like Zion Williamson and A'ja Wilson. Williamson, a standout from Spartanburg Day School, led his team to three state titles and excelled at Duke before being selected first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. His NBA career has been marked by impressive averages and All-Star honors. Brandon Ingram, another top name, captured four consecutive state championships at Kinston High and has made a name for himself with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Similarly, A'ja Wilson from Heathwood Hall Episcopal School claimed state honors in her senior season before a legendary college career at South Carolina, culminating in a No. 1 WNBA draft pick by the Las Vegas Aces. Other notable mentions include Stephen Curry, who grew from a local high school star to a four-time NBA champion, and Chris Paul, whose prolific high school scoring translated into a long and successful professional career. The Carolinas continue to shape the future of basketball with these exceptional athletes.

Joe Dumars, the newly appointed president of the New Orleans Pelicans, is making bold moves to reshape the team's roster. After a contentious draft night, Dumars chose Jeremiah Fears with the seventh pick and traded up for Maryland's Derick Queen at thirteenth, giving up an unprotected first-round pick for a highly anticipated 2026 draft. In a significant trade, he exchanged veteran CJ McCollum for Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey. The biggest question looms over Zion Williamson's future as he struggles with injuries, yet Dumars remains optimistic about his potential, emphasizing accountability and growth.

Despite his injury history, Williamson showcased impressive stats when healthy this past season, averaging 24.6 points and nearly 8 rebounds. The Pelicans faced a disappointing season finishing 21-61, largely due to Williamson’s ongoing health challenges. Dumars is keen on developing chemistry within the current roster while keeping one slot open for flexibility, focusing on continuity and the internal growth of the team.

The New Orleans Pelicans have strengthened their roster this offseason, acquiring Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney to support stars Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray. However, Williamson's injury history raises questions about his future with the team, fueling trade rumors. A suggested trade would send him to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, Nick Smith Jr., and two first-round picks, which could help both teams reshape their futures.

Williamson's dynamic pairing with LaMelo Ball could create an explosive offense for the Hornets if they manage to maintain their health. Williamson averaged 24.6 points last season, while Ball contributed 25.2 points and 7.4 assists. Their contrasting playing styles may allow for a more balanced offensive strategy for Charlotte.

The Pelicans, on the other hand, would acquire young talents in Bridges and Williams, bolstering team depth, though Williamson's scoring and rebounding will be tough to replicate. Meanwhile, the health concerns surrounding Williamson present a risk for Charlotte, as they already have injury-prone players like Ball. Overall, while the trade benefits the Pelicans more, it's an intriguing possibility that could reshape both franchises.