NBA free agency and trade discussions are in full swing, delivering unexpected twists and potentially record-breaking transactions that are reshaping the league landscape. While some experts note a fundamental shift in player movement towards the trade deadline, the initial days of July 2025 still brought major headlines, particularly concerning star players and cornerstone franchises.
One of the most significant early agreements saw the Los Angeles Lakers add center Deandre Ayton, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick, on a two-year deal. This move follows Ayton negotiating a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, reportedly surrendering $10 million in salary. Sources indicate his first-year salary with the Lakers will be around $8.1 million. Pairing Ayton with Luka Dončić provides the Lakers with a highly anticipated “lob threat” and starting center after initially considering other options like Brook Lopez (who signed with the Clippers). The Lakers’ situation is further complicated by LeBron James picking up his $52.6 million player option, a decision some interpret as signaling uncertainty and positioning the team as “Luka Dončić’s team now.”
Bucks Make Shocking Move to Land Turner
Perhaps the biggest surprise involved the Milwaukee Bucks and nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard. In a dramatic move aimed at creating cap space, the Bucks plan to waive the injured Lillard and stretch his substantial $112.6 million salary over five seasons. This maneuver, the largest stretch-waive in NBA history, allowed them to agree to a four-year, $107 million contract with center Myles Turner, formerly of the Indiana Pacers. Facilitating Turner’s contract under the salary cap required point guard Vasilije Micić to give back salary via a buyout. While Lillard is recovering from an Achilles tear, league sources suggest he was “elated” by the decision, as it grants him significant freedom as a star player to potentially join a contending team of his choice, with teams like the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers reportedly interested. The salary offset rules mean Lillard could sign for a minimum salary elsewhere and still receive his full amount from the Bucks.
Potential Record-Breaking Seven-Team Trade Under Discussion
Beyond individual signings, the league is buzzing about discussions for a potentially unprecedented seven-team trade. This expansive transaction could involve the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. While not finalized, the core concept centers on sending superstar Kevin Durant to Houston. The Suns would receive a package including Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green as previously reported. Integrating existing draft-night trades and navigating salary matching makes this deal incredibly complex. If completed, it would surpass the current NBA record of a six-team trade. The Atlanta Hawks are also involved, potentially sending Clint Capela to the Rockets via a sign-and-trade.
Other Notable Signings, Trades, and Offseason Moves
Player movement isn’t limited to the biggest names. Several other key transactions are shaping team rosters across the league:
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to sign a four-year contract extension worth an estimated $285 million, solidifying their young core.
The Denver Nuggets traded forward Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick. This move provides salary relief for the Nuggets while representing a significant change to their roster and future draft capital.
Guard Dennis Schröder is heading to the Sacramento Kings from the Detroit Pistons via a sign-and-trade. The Kings will utilize a trade exception from the Kevin Huerter deal to absorb his salary.
sharpshooter Duncan Robinson is also involved in a sign-and-trade, moving from the Miami Heat to the Detroit Pistons for Simone Fontecchio. Robinson’s three-year, $48 million deal includes non-guaranteed years and is expected to provide much-needed spacing for Detroit.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves prioritized continuity, re-signing key forwards Julius Randle (three years, $100 million) and Naz Reid (five years, $125 million). Reid’s journey from undrafted to a nine-figure contract is particularly notable.
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Free Agency Landscape and Emerging Trends
NBA free agency in 2025 is notably different from previous years, with a relative lack of top-tier unrestricted free agents available and limited cap space for most teams. Experts observe that the Collective Bargaining Agreement’s generous extension terms incentivize stars to stay put, shifting the primary mechanism for significant player movement to the trade deadline, creating a “February league.”
Despite this shift, teams are actively using trades and available exceptions to improve. The Atlanta Hawks are highlighted as early winners under new GM Onsi Saleh, acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis via trade, securing an unprotected 2026 first-round pick, and adding Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard in free agency. These moves aim to improve shooting, playmaking, and defense around Trae Young.
The Charlotte Hornets also had a solid start to their offseason, trading Jusuf Nurkić for Collin Sexton and adding Spencer Dinwiddie. They strategically moved Mark Williams for a future first and gained assets from a Vasilije Micić buyout.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are praised for retaining their core and securing extensions for SGA and others, positioning them well for future contention, though financial challenges loom later. The LA Clippers made a strong addition by signing Brook Lopez on a value contract, significantly upgrading their center depth.
Conversely, the Boston Celtics are seen as taking a step back after their championship, needing to shed salary to avoid luxury tax penalties by 2025-26, losing players like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Luke Kornet. The Indiana Pacers are viewed as losers, as financial constraints reportedly made it difficult to retain Myles Turner.
Teams like the Bucks, Lakers, and Nuggets are categorized as “Somewhere In Between.” While the Bucks landed Turner, the cost (stretching Lillard, future picks) is questioned. The Lakers added Ayton but face uncertainty with LeBron and are potentially focused on 2026 cap space, a strategy some argue is less effective now. The Nuggets are criticized for trading draft capital (MPJ for Johnson and a 2032 pick swap) primarily for salary relief rather than solely improving the roster around Nikola Jokić.
Coaching Carousel and Injury Updates
The coaching landscape is also seeing changes. Mike Brown is expected to finalize a deal to become the next head coach of the New York Knicks. After a patient search, the Knicks reportedly chose Brown for his extensive résumé, leadership, experience with stars, and success turning around the Sacramento Kings. His defensive principles are noted, drawing comparisons to former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, though with differences in offensive pace.
In Dallas, Frank Vogel, a championship-winning coach, will join Jason Kidd’s staff as the top assistant, reversing their previous roles with the Lakers. Former Maverick Jared Dudley is heading to Denver as the Nuggets’ lead assistant.
Injury news is also impacting teams. Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a turf toe injury requiring surgery, shortly after agreeing to a five-year extension. This adds to their injury concerns, including center Zach Edey’s ankle surgery. Lakers second-round pick Adou Thiero is also recovering from a knee injury and won’t play in Summer League.
First-round draft pick Cooper Flagg has officially signed with the Dallas Mavericks and is slated to participate in Summer League. Guard Tyrese Proctor fell to the Cavaliers in the second round but secured a four-year deal with guaranteed years, providing him stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the biggest player moves early in NBA Free Agency 2025?
Major early moves included the Los Angeles Lakers agreeing to a two-year deal with former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, who secured a buyout from Portland. The Milwaukee Bucks made a shocking move by waiving Damian Lillard via a stretch provision to create cap space to sign center Myles Turner away from the Indiana Pacers on a four-year, $107 million contract. Discussions are also ongoing for a potential record-breaking seven-team trade that could send Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets.
Why did the Bucks waive Damian Lillard and what does it mean for his future?
The Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard and stretched his salary over five seasons primarily to create enough salary cap space to sign Myles Turner. This financial maneuver was necessary given their cap constraints. While injured, the waiver grants Lillard unprecedented freedom. Receiving his full salary from the Bucks, he can potentially sign with any team, even for a minimum contract, allowing him to prioritize joining a championship contender like the Warriors, Celtics, or Lakers over financial considerations.
How is NBA free agency changing according to recent analysis?
According to analysis based on early 2025 activity, NBA free agency is fundamentally changing. The trend is moving away from prolonged star negotiations in July towards player movement primarily happening at the February trade deadline. This shift is attributed to the CBA’s generous extension terms that incentivize stars to stay with their current teams and limited cap space across the league. Consequently, teams are focusing on building rosters with assets and flexibility for potential mid-season trades rather than planning for major July free-agent splashes.
In sum, while the structure of the NBA offseason continues to evolve, the initial days of free agency and trade talks in 2025 have delivered plenty of drama, significant roster changes, and foundational shifts for several teams.
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