In NBA 2K26 MyTeam, building a competitive squad doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player looking for value, there are excellent cards under 25,000 MT that can make a real impact on the court, especially if you choose to buy NBA 2K26 MT to expand your roster efficiently. Today, we’re breaking down the top five budget-friendly cards, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and how to best use them to maximize your team’s performance.

5. Diamond Aaron Nissmith – Shooting Guard
Starting at number five is Diamond Aaron Nissmith, a versatile shooting guard who offers solid all-around production for just under 25,000 MT. Nissmith boasts a 97 offensive rating and 94 defensive rating, making him a reliable contributor on both ends of the floor. At 6’5”, he is slightly undersized, but his athleticism compensates for his height, featuring 88 speed, 88 agility, 92 vertical, and 95 stamina.

On offense, Nissmith excels with a smooth jumper and badges such as Deadeye, Challenger, and Half Bailout, giving him the ability to knock down shots consistently. He also benefits from Physical Finisher and Slippery badges, allowing him to drive to the basket effectively. Defensively, he can contest shots, steal the ball, and guard multiple positions thanks to 82 block, 88 perimeter defense, and 88 interior defense. Overall, Nissmith is a well-rounded card that fills the shooting guard role efficiently without requiring extensive badge customization.

4. Larry Nance Jr. – Power Forward
Next up is Larry Nance Jr., a budget power forward priced around 24,000 MT. Despite being slightly undersized at 6’8”, Nance’s athleticism and versatility make him a strong addition to any team. His 96 offensive and defensive ratings, combined with a 90 mid-range shot and 84 three-point rating, make him a reliable scoring option. His pick-and-roll potential is particularly valuable due to his 95 standing dunk, 97 driving dunk, and strong finishing badges like Posterizer and Physical Finisher.

Defensively, Nance is switchable with 89 perimeter defense, 92 block, and 89 interior defense. His badges-High Flying Denier, Interceptor, and Rebound Chaser-allow him to disrupt opponents both on the perimeter and inside. While his stamina is slightly low at 85, careful rotation can mitigate fatigue. Nance is ideal for players who want a dynamic forward capable of scoring, defending, and running the floor effectively.

3. Ryan Cochrane – Center
For just under 10,000 MT, Ryan Cochrane offers incredible value as a 7’1” stretch big. With 90 offense and 93 defense, Cochrane provides solid interior defense, rebounding, and pick-and-pop scoring. His finishing is reliable, with 94 close shot and 85 dunks, while his defensive ratings-97 block and 90 interior-make him a formidable rim protector.

Cochrane’s badges, including Paint Patroller, Half Post Lockdown, and Pick & Popper, maximize his utility in the paint and on pick-and-roll plays. While his perimeter defense isn’t elite, his size, wingspan, and agility allow him to remain effective against most opponents. For budget teams, Cochrane is a steal that can anchor your frontcourt without sacrificing defensive presence.

2. Io Dunumo – Point Guard
At 6’5”, Io Dunumo is an underappreciated point guard option under 7,000 MT. With 94 offense and 92 defense, Dunumo excels at both shooting and ball-handling. His 85 three-ball with a quick release, combined with 80 driving dunk, makes him a dual-threat offensive weapon.

Dunumo’s badges, including Deadeye, Layup Mixmaster, and Hoff, improve his scoring efficiency, while his defensive stats-82 perimeter defense, 85 steal, 82 interior-make him reliable against opposing guards. Additionally, his speed, agility, and stamina make him a solid playmaker who can run the offense and keep up with faster guards on defense.

1. Maxim Rain – Center
Topping our list is Maxim Rain, an Amethyst big man who combines size and shooting ability. At 7’1”, Rain is a pick-and-pop specialist, offering elite jumper potential despite 79 speed and 79 agility. His interior defense is solid, with 86 interior rating and 82 block, while his stamina of 95 ensures he can stay effective throughout the game.

Rain’s badges like Paint Controller, Pogo Stick, and Pick & Popper make him an offensive threat who can stretch the floor and contribute defensively. While he may not have the flashy finishing of some centers, his size, rebounding, and shooting ability make him an excellent budget-friendly centerpiece for your frontcourt.

Conclusion
Building a competitive MyTeam squad doesn’t require premium MT. Cards like Aaron Nissmith, Larry Nance Jr., Ryan Cochrane, Io Dunumo, and Maxim Rain provide exceptional value under 25,000 MT, making them ideal options for players looking to acquire Cheap NBA 2K26 MT. They are versatile, well-rounded, and capable of filling key roles across the court, perfect for newcomers or anyone aiming to strengthen their roster without overspending.