Cavs improve with Peyton Watson, Nuggets drop in updated NBA power rankings

The NBA released updated power rankings on August 21, 2026, following the trade of Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers hope Watson will enhance their ability to compete, adding wing defense and shooting. Meanwhile, the Nuggets appear to take a step back but acquired an unprotected first-round pick for 2031, a significant future asset. The rankings now place the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks at the top, while the Nuggets dropped to tenth and the Cavaliers rose to eleventh. The offseason adjustments are indicative of both teams' aspirations for the upcoming season.

• 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — NBA Power Rankings updated after Peyton Watson trade with Cavs up, Nuggets down