NBA Free Agency 2025 roared back to life on Day 2, delivering unexpected twists and pivotal agreements after a comparatively slow start to the negotiating period. While Day 1 focused more on trades and navigating the league’s restrictive financial landscape, Day 2 brought the kind of headline-grabbing personnel decisions fans anticipate. A weak overall free agent class and teams prioritizing flexibility for 2026 had tempered expectations, but some clubs still made significant splashes. Let’s break down the major moves, surprising developments, and expert analysis from another busy day reshaping rosters across the league.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Stunning Gamble
Easily the most seismic news of NBA Free Agency Day 2 came out of Milwaukee. In a move that sent shockwaves through the league, the Bucks reportedly agreed to a four-year, $107 million deal with versatile center Myles turner, luring him away from the Indiana Pacers. This was highly unexpected. The Pacers had openly stated keeping Turner was a top priority after their deep playoff run, which was tragically cut short by a Tyrese Haliburton injury. The contract value seemed reasonable enough for Indiana to match or exceed. Yet, Turner is heading to Milwaukee.
How Could Milwaukee Afford Myles Turner?
The financial gymnastics required for the Bucks to pull off the Turner signing were immediately baffling, given their tight salary cap situation. The second shoe dropped dramatically: Milwaukee reportedly plans to waive superstar guard Damian Lillard. They will then stretch the remaining $113 million on his contract over the next five seasons. This is an extreme, risky financial maneuver. However, it reflects the “extreme situation” the Bucks face. Speculation persists that Giannis Antetokounmpo might re-evaluate his future with the franchise. Tying up a third of their salary cap in a player recovering from a severe Achilles injury became untenable for a team knocked out in the first round for two consecutive seasons.
The Bucks desperately needed to improve their roster but had limited flexibility. A previous attempt to upgrade saw them trade Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma, which hasn’t panned out as hoped; Kuzma was deemed a “dud” and needs a major resurgence. They also lack natural playmaking guards. They’re hoping Kevin Porter Jr. can finally deliver consistent production from his immense talent.
Roster Adjustments and Turner’s Fit
To fit Turner’s salary, the Bucks made several smaller, complementary moves. They reportedly agreed to bring back key rotation players like Bobby Portis and Gary Trent Jr., along with Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims. Gary Harris was also added on an affordable deal, providing potential 3-and-D depth. Pat Connaughton was reportedly traded to Charlotte along with two second-round picks for Vasilije Micić to create further cap space. The core strategic shift for Milwaukee, however, is effectively replacing Brook Lopez (who signed with the LA Clippers) with Turner.
This personnel change allows the Bucks to employ a more adaptable defensive scheme. With Lopez, they were largely limited to drop coverage. Turner offers significantly more defensive versatility. However, Turner has limitations; he’s not known as a strong playmaker, his scoring can be inconsistent, and he’s a poor rebounder for his position. He can stretch the floor, which helps Milwaukee’s spacing. Despite his contributions, he isn’t considered a dynamite All-NBA level player.
Evaluating the Bucks’ Day 2
The Turner acquisition is undeniably a bigger move than many thought the financially constrained Bucks could manage this summer. But does it elevate them into the top tier of Eastern Conference contenders? Expert analysis suggests likely not, at least not yet putting them alongside teams like the Cavaliers, Knicks, Magic, or Celtics. They still appear heavily reliant on Giannis Antetokounmpo playing at an MVP level nightly to carry them.
The financial cost is substantial. While Turner’s annual salary averages around $27 million, the added burden of Lillard’s stretched $22.5 million in dead cap space brings the effective annual cost associated with this roster reconfiguration to roughly $50 million for the next five years. That’s about 15 percent of their salary cap dedicated to a player no longer on the team. Despite the risks, the Bucks are taking a swing to pair Turner with Giannis. The primary analyst graded this series of moves a B, acknowledging the risk and uncertainty, particularly regarding how long the Giannis/Turner pairing might actually last in Milwaukee.
Other High-Impact Day 2 Signings
Beyond the Bucks’ dramatic moves, Day 2 featured other significant deals that will shape the league landscape.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Historic Extension
As expected, the Oklahoma City Thunder and reigning MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly agreed on a supermax extension. The projected four-year, $285 million deal represents a historic financial commitment, averaging around $71.25 million annually and potentially reaching $80 million in the final year. This was a necessary move for the Thunder, and SGA is widely considered one of the few players truly worth this figure. While locking him into one of the league’s smallest markets through at least 2031 is a major win, this massive contract will force tough roster decisions for the Thunder down the line. Managing the cap hit alongside young stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, or potentially having a revolving door of role players via draft picks, becomes a challenge. Despite future complexities, the deal was graded an A.
Toronto Secures Their Center
The Toronto Raptors reportedly secured starting center Jakob Poeltl with a four-year, $104 million extension. This move alleviates concerns about his free agency next year, which some thought might influence their draft plans. Locking Poeltl into this role provides stability at a “very reasonable rate” for a center of his caliber, notably receiving a similar annual salary to Myles Turner. Poeltl is considered excellent on both ends of the floor, filling a crucial need for Toronto. This extension earned an A- grade.
Expected Re-Signings and Value Deals
Several other notable signings on Day 2 were less surprising but still impactful for team rosters.
Tre Mann is reportedly returning to the Charlotte Hornets on a three-year, $24 million deal. Mann showed potential last season before a back injury sidelined him. Getting him at this price is considered solid value, provided his health holds up. He could become a valuable sixth-man weapon. This signing received a B+.
Veteran guard Eric Gordon is reportedly returning to the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year deal. After his least productive season, his market wasn’t clear. He returns primarily for perimeter depth, which is bolstered by internal development and draft picks. The move was graded a B.
Multiple veteran minimum or affordable deals were highlighted as providing great value. Gary Harris joining the Bucks (two years, $7.5 million) is a cheap signing with upside as a 3-and-D role player, graded a B+. Sandro Mamukelashvili staying with the Raptors (two years, $5.5 million) was called a “great play” for their backup center spot, earning an A. Tim Hardaway Jr. reportedly signed a veteran minimum deal with the Nuggets, adding needed shooting depth for Nikola Jokić, resulting in an A grade. Larry Nance Jr. returning to the Cavaliers on a veteran minimum provides solid depth in case of emergency, also graded an A.
Questionable Fits and Head-Scratchers
Not every deal was met with universal praise. Some Day 2 agreements raised eyebrows or were seen as potentially overpays.
French forward Guerschon Yabusele reportedly signed with the Knicks for two years and $12 million. While he performed well in the Paris Olympics, some doubt his impact as more than bench depth or a “mascot type” in the NBA. His improved 3-point shot makes him more palatable, but the move was graded a C+.
The Detroit Pistons reportedly signed shooter Duncan Robinson to a three-year, $48 million contract. This was viewed as significant money for a player primarily known for shooting, who offers little defensive stability. While he’s a great shooter (hitting 39.4% from three over the last two seasons), his overall impact led to a C+ grade, with the preference being for a more complete 3-and-D player at that price point.
The Dennis Schröder signing with the Sacramento Kings on a three-year, $45 million deal at the midlevel exception felt like a “head-scratcher” to some analysts. Questions arose about the value at that price point and his fit as a primary ball-handler alongside DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, potentially creating competition for shots. The third year is partially guaranteed, but the overall fit was debated, earning a C+.
Notable Trades on Day 2
Day 2 also featured important trades that addressed team needs and financial situations.
Nuggets Acquire Valančiūnas
The Sacramento Kings reportedly traded Jonas Valančiūnas to the Denver Nuggets for Dario Šarić. This was hailed as a “phenomenal” trade for Denver, receiving an A. It directly addresses their biggest past weakness: significant drop-off during non-Nikola Jokić minutes. Valančiūnas provides a capable backup center. All they gave up was Šarić, who reportedly didn’t fit with the team last season and wasn’t wanted back. The Nuggets also remained under the luxury tax line with the move. For the Kings, the trade saves roughly $5 million, helping facilitate the Schröder signing. Šarić could potentially serve as backup depth, but his performance last season was poor, leading to a C+ grade for Sacramento’s side of the deal.
Bucks Create Cap Space
The trade sending Pat Connaughton and two second-round picks from the Bucks to the Charlotte Hornets for Vasilije Micić was primarily a financial maneuver for Milwaukee. It was necessary to create the cap space required to sign Myles Turner, as stretching Lillard’s contract alone wasn’t enough. Connaughton was likely a cap casualty for the Bucks regardless, as they had reportedly found replacements for his role. Charlotte adds wing depth, although their draft picks also address this area, earning them a B. Milwaukee gains a potential playmaking guard in Micić, a needed skill after rescinding their qualifying offer to Ryan Rollins, but the move’s primary purpose and the overall return led to a C+ grade.
Depth Moves and Remaining Free Agents
Several other minor depth signings occurred on Day 2, mostly met positively. Jericho Sims reportedly returned to the Bucks, Josh Minott reportedly joined the Celtics (seen as a good development option), and Drew Eubanks reportedly signed with the Kings (a decent backup option).
Looking ahead, a significant number of notable players remain available in free agency. This includes established stars like Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Al Horford, as well as a mix of restricted free agents (Cam Thomas, Jonathan Kuminga, etc.), veteran lead guards (Malcolm Brogdon, Spencer Dinwiddie), key role players (Gary Payton II, Trey Lyles), intriguing young talents (Bol Bol, Bones Hyland), and various other big men, forwards, and wings. Teams still have opportunities to bolster their rosters in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the biggest surprise of NBA Free Agency Day 2?
The most shocking development was undoubtedly the Milwaukee Bucks’ complex maneuvering. They reportedly agreed to sign coveted center Myles Turner away from the Indiana Pacers for $107 million. To create the necessary cap space, they plan to waive superstar Damian Lillard and stretch his remaining $113 million salary over five years, a drastic financial measure made necessary by their salary cap constraints and team performance.
How does Myles Turner fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks?
Myles Turner replaces Brook Lopez, offering different defensive capabilities. Turner allows the Bucks to play a more versatile defensive system than Lopez’s mandatory drop coverage. While he can stretch the floor offensively, analysts note his limitations as a playmaker, his inconsistent scoring, and poor rebounding compared to traditional centers. The fit hinges on how well his shot-blocking and defensive range complement Giannis’s strengths, balancing Turner’s offensive limitations.
Which NBA teams made the smartest moves on Day 2 based on analysis?
According to expert grades, several teams made excellent value or crucial strategic moves. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s A grade for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s supermax extension was seen as necessary and justified for their franchise player. The Toronto Raptors received an A- for securing Jakob Poeltl at a reasonable rate. Deals graded A or A+ for value included the Rockets signing Dorian Finney-Smith, the Raptors keeping Sandro Mamukelashvili, the Nuggets adding Tim Hardaway Jr. and Larry Nance Jr. on minimum deals, and especially the Nuggets acquiring Jonas Valančiūnas via trade.
Conclusion
Day 2 of NBA Free Agency Day 2 delivered the unexpected drama often associated with this period. The Milwaukee Bucks’ bold, complex, and financially risky strategy to acquire Myles Turner by waiving Damian Lillard dominated headlines and sparked intense debate about their immediate future and long-term financial health. While this move garnered the most attention, other significant agreements like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic extension and Jakob Poeltl’s deal provided stability for contenders and rebuilding teams alike. With numerous valuable players still on the market, the days ahead will likely bring more signings and trades as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season, all while keeping an eye on the potential opportunities in 2026.
