NBA Free Agency: Summary of Key Signings and Moves for the 2025-26 Season
The NBA free agency is underway, and teams are bolstering their rosters for the 2025-26 season. Here’s a summary of the most impactful moves so far, with analysis and ratings.
Among the most relevant signings, the following stand out:
- Myles Turner’s transfer from the Indiana Pacers to the Milwaukee Bucks.
- Maximum extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaren Jackson Jr.
- James Harden’s new contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.
- LeBron James’ $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.
As more deals are reported, we evaluate the moves and analyze their impact on the upcoming season and beyond.
Detailed Analysis of the Signings
Celtics Strengthen with Chris Boucher
The Boston Celtics have agreed to a one-year minimum contract with forward Chris Boucher. Rating: A.
The Celtics made two related moves on Tuesday, including trading Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz in exchange for RJ Luis Jr. Boucher replaces Niang on the roster, saving about $6 million in salary and over $30 million in luxury tax.
Boucher, a promising substitute, could be an improvement over Niang. Last season, Boucher demonstrated great efficiency, with 36% on three-pointers and 63% on two-point shots, as well as being able to defend at the forward position in large second-unit lineups.
Boucher is expected to play as a power forward in Boston, helping to open the court for the Celtics’ non-shooting centers and providing rim protection.
De’Aaron Fox Secures His Future with the Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs and De’Aaron Fox agreed to a maximum four-year, $229 million extension. Rating: Not approved.
Much has changed since the Spurs acquired Fox. The arrival of Dylan Harper, selected in the draft, complicates Fox’s future with the Spurs. Extending Fox is probably preferable to trying to trade him now with a contract about to expire. However, Fox’s value could decrease due to this contract. Fox is expected to be an average starting point guard, rather than an elite one.
Luka Doncic and the Lakers: A Strategic Agreement
Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a three-year, $165 million extension. Rating: Not approved.
The Lakers were in a perfect position to sign Doncic. The extension positions Doncic to make up for lost money, and he could reach a salary of 35% of the salary cap in 2026-27. The Lakers have their superstar for the future in Doncic.
Mikal Bridges Stays with the Knicks
Mikal Bridges agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the New York Knicks. Rating: Not approved.
The Bridges extension raises a key question: Would he have received a similar offer as an unrestricted free agent next summer? The answer lies somewhere between yes and no. The contract will take effect when Bridges is 30 and resembles more the third or fourth best player on a good team than a top-two option. The Knicks face risks by entering into this agreement a year in advance.
Chris Paul Returns to the Clippers
The LA Clippers reached an agreement with Chris Paul. Grade: A.
This reunion, which brings Paul back to where he shined for six seasons from 2011 to 2017, will work for both parties as long as he knows what to expect. Paul will likely join the Clippers as a substitute for James Harden. Adding Paul is the most recent example of the Clippers managing Kawhi Leonard’s age and injury history. Paul’s arrival could lead to some disgruntled players in the playoffs if the Clippers arrive healthy, but absences throughout the regular season should mean enough minutes for everyone.
Marcus Smart Joins Lakers After a Buyout Agreement
Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract with point guard Marcus Smart. Grade: B.
Smart will replace Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton. Smart has a better chance of earning Redick’s trust and improving the team’s insecure perimeter depth. The big question is what Smart the Lakers are getting. Smart struggled during the first half of last season with the Memphis Grizzlies. Adding Smart will reduce the Lakers’ flexibility to add salary during the season.
Damian Lillard Returns to the Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with point guard Damian Lillard. Grade: A-.
Lillard’s return to Portland is a happy ending. Lillard chose to return to where he shined during his first 11 years in the NBA and where his family and children reside. Lillard will be an interesting fit for a Blazers team that found a new identity without him during the second half of last season. Given the timing of his left Achilles tendon rupture in late April, it is unlikely that Lillard will play a significant role for the Blazers this season. This deal is really about having Lillard back for 2026-27.
