NBA 2025 free agency continued its fast-paced action on July 1st, delivering a day packed with major news across the league. While the initial free agency frenzy saw many top names sign quickly, Tuesday, July 1st brought its own set of headline-grabbing developments. The Milwaukee Bucks, in particular, were at the center of a complex series of moves. These transactions reshaped rosters and signaled clear intentions for the season ahead. Here’s a breakdown of the pivotal moments from this significant day in the NBA offseason.
The Milwaukee Bucks Dominate Headlines
The Milwaukee Bucks made a series of high-impact moves that sent shockwaves through the NBA. Their decisions were bold and aimed directly at enhancing their title contention window alongside superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The strategy involved complex salary cap maneuvers to bring in a key player. It also included parting ways with a recent acquisition.
A Major Frontcourt Acquisition: Myles Turner Joins the Bucks
Milwaukee significantly upgraded their center position on July 1st. They reportedly reached an agreement with Myles Turner. The longtime Indiana Pacers starting center signed a four-year contract. The deal is reportedly worth $107 million. This move brought a key division rival player to the Bucks’ roster. It immediately raised questions about how an over-the-cap team could afford such a substantial contract.
The Shocking Waiver of Damian Lillard
The answer to the salary cap puzzle arrived shortly after the Turner news broke. The Bucks reportedly made a stunning decision regarding Damian Lillard. They decided to waive the injured All-Star guard. Lillard had two years remaining on his substantial contract. The remaining $112.6 million owed to him will be stretched across the next five seasons. This maneuver creates roughly $22.5 million in dead cap space annually. This move represents the largest cap stretch in NBA history. It provided the necessary financial flexibility to sign Myles Turner.
Reports indicated varying reactions to Lillard’s departure. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was reportedly “not pleased” by the decision. This came just over two months after Lillard suffered an Achilles tear. However, Damian Lillard himself was described in another report as “elated.” He reportedly welcomed having control over his future. Importantly, he will still receive the salary owed by the Bucks.
Additional Bucks Roster Adjustments
Beyond the monumental Turner and Lillard news, the Bucks completed other important roster moves. They agreed to terms on two-year deals with two depth players. Center Jericho Sims reportedly signed a two-year deal to remain with the team. Veteran wing Gary Harris also reportedly joined on a two-year contract. Milwaukee also reportedly executed a trade. They sent swingman Pat Connaughton and two second-round picks (2031 and 2032) to the Charlotte Hornets. In return, they acquired guard Vasilije Micić. This particular trade was seen partly as a cost-saving measure. These collective moves fundamentally altered Milwaukee’s depth and financial outlook.
Key Signings and Extensions Across the League
While the Bucks dominated headlines, July 1st saw several other significant transactions. Stars agreed to major extensions. Important free agents found new homes or returned to their previous teams. The NBA 2025 free agency period remained incredibly active beyond Milwaukee.
Superstars Lock In Long-Term Deals
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their franchise cornerstone for the foreseeable future. Reigning MVP and NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly agreed to a four-year, super-max extension. This adds onto his existing contract. The new deal is reportedly worth a staggering $285 million. This is noted as the richest contract by average annual value in NBA history. It was viewed as a “no-brainer” decision for the Thunder after SGA’s dominant performance. The Thunder also faced questions about other young stars. Wing Jalen Williams is reportedly set to undergo wrist surgery. He is expected back for training camp. He is also extension-eligible this summer. Center Chet Holmgren is also eligible for an extension.
In Toronto, the Raptors reportedly agreed to an extension with their defensive anchor. Center Jakob Poeltl signed a deal adding $84 million over three new years. This extension will reportedly begin after his 2026/27 opt-in. This secures a key big man for the Raptors moving forward.
Memphis locked up their talented frontcourt cornerstone. Jaren Jackson Jr. reportedly agreed to a five-year, $240 million maximum renegotiation-and-extension. This deal was widely considered fair value for a player who serves as a key offensive and defensive anchor. However, shortly after the extension was reported, news broke about an injury. Jackson Jr. requires surgery for turf toe. He is likely to miss training camp and the start of the season. A full recovery is expected.
Notable Free Agent Agreements on July 1st
Several other free agents finalized agreements on July 1st. Shooters, guards, and big men all reportedly found new teams or re-signed.
Duncan Robinson: The sharpshooting wing reportedly agreed to a three-year, $48 million contract with the Detroit Pistons. This move is expected to be completed as a sign-and-trade deal. It will send Simone Fontecchio to the Miami Heat. This transaction helped Miami get under the luxury tax line.
Dennis Schröder: The veteran guard reportedly agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with the Sacramento Kings.
Tre Mann: The guard is reportedly returning to the Charlotte Hornets. He agreed to a three-year deal worth $24 million.
Guerschon Yabusele: The big man reportedly agreed to a two-year, $11.7 million contract with the New York Knicks. This marked a return to the NBA for Yabusele after playing overseas.
Sandro Mamukelashvili: The forward-center reportedly agreed to a two-year, minimum-salary contract with the Toronto Raptors. The deal is reportedly worth $5.5 million.
Josh Minott: The forward reportedly joined the Boston Celtics. He agreed to a two-year, minimum-salary deal worth $5 million. He previously played for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Celtics also saw Luke Kornet depart for San Antonio and reportedly signed Luka Garza on a two-year deal around this time. Minott and Garza were former teammates. Following these initial moves, the Celtics reportedly found themselves slightly over the second luxury tax apron. This could necessitate further cost-cutting measures.
Eric Gordon: The veteran sharpshooter reportedly finalized a one-year, minimum-salary contract to re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Tim Hardaway Jr.: The sharpshooter reportedly agreed to a one-year, minimum-salary contract with the Denver Nuggets.
- Larry Nance Jr.: The forward/center reportedly agreed to a one-year, minimum-salary contract to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He previously played four seasons with the team.
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Trades and Other Significant Offseason News
Beyond signings and extensions, July 1st also featured important trades and coaching updates. Teams continued to fine-tune their rosters through swaps. Coaching positions remained a topic of discussion for several franchises.
Notable Player Trades
The Denver Nuggets made a move to bolster their frontcourt depth. They reportedly acquired center Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings. In return, the Kings received forward Dario Saric. This trade was seen as a good move for Denver. Valanciunas is considered potentially the best backup center Nikola Jokic has ever had. For Sacramento, the move reportedly saved approximately $15 million over two years. It also gave Saric a greater opportunity.
The Sacramento Kings also reportedly added waived players. The LA Clippers reportedly waived center Drew Eubanks. He is expected to sign with the Kings on a one-year deal after clearing waivers.
As mentioned, the Milwaukee Bucks also traded Pat Connaughton and draft picks to Charlotte for Vasilije Micić.
Coaching News and Updates
Several teams had coaching news on July 1st. The New York Knicks’ head coaching situation remained a key story. Mike Brown was reportedly considered the frontrunner for the job. This comes despite Tom Thibodeau having led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals. Reports suggested owner James Dolan was pushing for Brown. A second interview for Brown was confirmed. Meanwhile, Jason Kidd is reportedly close to a contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks. The Knicks were previously denied permission to interview him. The Denver Nuggets also reportedly added to their coaching staff. They are hiring J.J. Barea as an assistant coach.
Injury Updates for Key Players
Injury news continued to impact team planning. As noted, Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. reportedly requires surgery for turf toe. This will likely sideline him for the start of the season. Similarly, Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams is scheduled for wrist surgery to repair torn ligaments. He is expected to be ready for the start of the next season. These injuries could affect team dynamics early on.
What This Day Means for the League
July 1st demonstrated that the NBA offseason remains unpredictable and exciting. The Bucks’ aggressive, albeit risky, approach highlights a commitment to winning now. Waiving a star player like Lillard to facilitate another major signing is an unprecedented move. It creates short-term opportunity but significant long-term cap challenges. Teams like Oklahoma City and Toronto focused on securing their existing young core and key contributors with massive extensions. Other teams utilized the day for smaller but strategic signings and trades. These transactions addressed specific needs and managed salary cap sheets. The full impact of these moves won’t be clear until the season begins. However, July 1st, 2025, undoubtedly added another dramatic chapter to the 2025 NBA free agency narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the most significant moves made by the Milwaukee Bucks on July 1, 2025?
The Milwaukee Bucks made the day’s biggest headlines with a series of impactful transactions. Their most significant move was reportedly agreeing to a four-year, $107 million contract with center Myles Turner. To create the necessary salary cap space for Turner, the Bucks reportedly waived injured star Damian Lillard. They stretched the remaining $112.6 million owed to him over five future seasons. This complex maneuver was the largest cap stretch ever. Milwaukee also reportedly acquired guard Vasilije Micic from Charlotte for Pat Connaughton and picks.
Beyond the Bucks, which other prominent players signed extensions or deals on July 1, 2025?
Several other notable players agreed to contracts or extensions on July 1st. Oklahoma City’s MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly agreed to a massive four-year, $285 million super-max extension. In Toronto, Jakob Poeltl reportedly finalized an extension adding $84 million over three years after his opt-in. Memphis star Jaren Jackson Jr. reportedly signed a five-year, $240 million max extension, though news of a significant injury followed shortly after. Other significant reported free agent signings included Duncan Robinson (Pistons), Dennis Schröder (Kings), and Tre Mann (Hornets).
How did the July 1st transactions impact teams’ salary cap situations and future roster building?
The July 1st moves had significant financial implications for several teams. The Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to waive Damian Lillard and stretch his salary creates substantial dead cap space for the next five years. This complicates their long-term financial flexibility. However, it allowed them to add Myles Turner immediately. The Boston Celtics reportedly moved slightly over the second luxury tax apron after adding Josh Minott and Luka Garza. This could lead to further cost-cutting moves. The Sacramento Kings reportedly saved about $15 million over two years by trading Jonas Valanciunas for Dario Saric. These examples show teams strategically maneuvering under the league’s salary constraints during free agency.
Conclusion
July 1st, 2025, proved to be anything but quiet in the 2025 NBA free agency landscape. Fueled by the Milwaukee Bucks’ audacious moves involving Myles Turner and Damian Lillard, the day delivered major signings, extensions, and trades. Teams across the league continued to reshape their rosters and commit significant financial resources. The flurry of activity set the stage for an intriguing remainder of the offseason and the highly anticipated upcoming season.
