NBA Swing: Eastern Conference New Years Resolutions for 2026

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As the calendar turns to 2026, the Eastern Conference has been defined by unexpected surges, heartbreaking injuries, and looming blockbuster trades. From the surprising dominance in Detroit to the superstar stalemate in Milwaukee, here is what every East team must prioritize to navigate the second half of the season.

Detroit Pistons: Find Defensive Discipline

Detroit has been the league’s biggest revelation with a blistering 25–8 start, but their progress is being hamstrung by a lack of discipline. The Pistons currently lead the NBA in personal fouls, averaging over 23 per game.

The impact is measurable: of their eight losses, six were decided by five points or fewer. For a young roster with championship aspirations, the resolution is simple: stop gifting opponents free points at the charity stripe. If they can’t reduce the whistling, their high potential will be neutralized by foul trouble in the postseason.

Indiana Pacers: Endure the “Silver Lining” Season

At 6–27, the Pacers are mired in a nightmare campaign. Much of this collapse is the direct result of Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles tear in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals—an injury that has sidelined their engine until next year.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. According to Tankathon, Indiana currently holds the best odds for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 Draft. While this was supposed to be a retooling year, the reality is a full-scale gap year. The mission now is to develop their secondary youth and secure a top-three pick to pair with a healthy Haliburton for a 2026-27 redemption tour.

Miami Heat: Hunt the Big Whale

Sitting at 18–15 and 7th in the East, the Heat are the definition of “stuck in the middle.” While Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell have been stellar, and Tyler Herro has shown flashes of brilliance, this roster lacks the elite gravity of a true title contender.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zion Williamson circling the trade block, Miami is the logical destination. Pat Riley must decide if he’s willing to part with vets like Herro and Andrew Wiggins, along with promising pieces like Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Kel’el Ware. To win a wide-open East, Miami needs to stop “competing” and start “contending” via a blockbuster move.

Milwaukee Bucks: Resolve the Giannis Paradox

The situation in Milwaukee has reached a breaking point. While Giannis Antetokounmpo maintains his public loyalty, the team is stuck in a stagnant rebuild with no control over their first-round picks for the rest of the decade.

Interest in Kings guard Zach LaVine isn’t enough to move the needle for a roster devoid of depth. The Bucks are no longer a championship threat in their current form. The hardest, but most necessary, resolution is to trade Giannis to a contender, recouping a haul of assets to jumpstart an inevitable and much-needed rebuild.

New York Knicks: Maintain the Status Quo (and Health)

Entering 2026 at 23–10, the Knicks are arguably the most complete team in the conference. The Jalen Brunson/Karl-Anthony Towns duo is firing on all cylinders, and new head coach Mike Brown has successfully unlocked a high-energy bench unit.

For New York, the only enemy is the injury report. They have the depth to lock in a top-two seed and the talent to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. If they can stay healthy through April, there’s no reason they won’t be playing for a ring in June.

Orlando Magic: Secure a Perimeter Threat

Orlando’s defense remains elite, but their offense is spacing-starved. The Magic are among the league’s worst from deep, making just 34% of their 33 attempts per game. Even more concerning is Desmond Bane, who is shooting a career-low 34% from three.

With the team set to cross the first apron next season, the front office needs to get creative. Shedding salary to acquire a specialist on a team-friendly contract is the only way to open up the paint for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to operate effectively.

Philadelphia 76ers: Settle the Supermax Dilemma

The Sixers’ season has been a tale of two backcourts. While Tyrese Maxey and rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe have been spectacular, the looming contracts of Joel Embiid and Paul George cast a shadow over the franchise.

The duo is set to earn over $100 million combined over the next two seasons, yet their availability remains a massive question mark. If Philadelphia wants to maximize the Maxey/Edgecombe window, they must determine if Embiid and George are still championship pillars—or if they are the most unmovable obstacles to a title.

Toronto Raptors: Move Assets for a Starting Center

The Raptors have outperformed expectations, but their lack of interior depth is a ticking time bomb. With Jakob Poeltl struggling with recurring back issues and Mo Bamba failing to crack the rotation, Toronto is vulnerable in the paint.

To land a defensive anchor like Anthony Davis or Domantas Sabonis, Toronto will have to make a painful choice. Moving a young core piece like RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley is likely the price of admission. If they want to sustain this hot start, they must flip a perimeter asset for a legitimate All-Star big man.

Washington Wizards: Liquidate Veteran Assets

At 8–24, the Wizards are firmly in the cellar, but they hold valuable cards. CJ McCollum (18.6 PPG) and Khris Middleton are both productive veterans on expiring contracts who could swing a playoff series for a contender.

Washington’s resolution is simple: don’t let them walk for nothing in July. Every day they remain on the roster is a missed opportunity to gain young talent or draft capital. The fire sale should begin immediately to fuel the long-term rebuild.