Key Moves in NBA Free Agency: Detailed Analysis for the 2025-26 Season
The NBA free agency is underway, and teams are reinforcing for the 2025-26 season. Alofoke Deportes brings you an in-depth analysis of the most impactful signings so far, evaluating their impact on the league.
Among the most notable moves, we find Myles Turner, who leaves the Pacers, current champions of the Eastern Conference, to join the Milwaukee Bucks. In addition, maximum extensions have been finalized for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaren Jackson Jr. James Harden signed a new two-year contract with the LA Clippers, and LeBron James opted to exercise his player option for $52.6 million with the Los Angeles Lakers.
As more agreements are reported, at Alofoke Deportes we will keep you informed, evaluating the implications of each move for the next season and beyond.
Analysis of Key Signings and Extensions
Bulls and Giddey agree on terms: The Chicago Bulls have re-signed Josh Giddey to a four-year, $100 million contract. This decision ends a months-long stalemate between both parties. The rating for this agreement is B-.
Giddey, the second of the four key restricted free agents whose negotiations extended into the offseason, has signed with his team. Unlike Cam Thomas, Giddey had more leverage. Chicago traded for Alex Caruso to get Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder last summer. Giddey showed progress in his first season with the Bulls, shooting 38% from three-pointers and nearly a triple-double after the All-Star break. This contract takes Giddey into his prime years, which could be beneficial for the Bulls.
Mavericks and Washington agree on extension: The Dallas Mavericks agreed to a four-year, $90 million extension with P.J. Washington. Rating: Approved.
Extending Washington completes an offseason in which Dallas’ decisions make more sense individually than as a collective plan. Washington has established himself as one of the most versatile forwards in the NBA. He can defend in the post or on the wing, shot 38% from three last season, and is a threat when opponents close out too hard on the three-point line. The only question is that some of that versatility is wasted in Dallas’ overloaded frontcourt. Washington’s extension means that all 12 Mavericks earning at least $5 million this season are under contract through 2026-27.
Bucks and Coffey agree to one-year contract: The Milwaukee Bucks reached a one-year agreement with Amir Coffey. Grade: B+.
The Bucks struggled to get production from their wings in last season’s first-round playoff loss. Coffey is a cheap option for the Bucks to improve their depth. The odd man out here could be Andre Jackson Jr.
Celtics trade Georges Niang and sign Chris Boucher: The Boston Celtics agreed to a one-year minimum contract with Chris Boucher. Grade: A.
The Celtics made a couple of related deals, sending Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz in exchange for RJ Luis Jr. Boucher replaces Niang on the roster, a move that saves around $6 million in salary and over $30 million in luxury tax. Boucher could be an upgrade over Niang. In Boston, Boucher is expected to play as a power forward.
Fox and Spurs agree to maximum extension: The San Antonio Spurs agreed to a four-year, $229 million maximum extension with De’Aaron Fox. Rating: Approved.
The arrival of Dylan Harper clouds Fox’s future with the Spurs. Extending Fox is probably preferable to trying to trade him now with an expiring contract. For the moment, this was probably an extension worth it for the Spurs, even if Fox is more likely to be their point guard now than in the long term. Fox will enter training camp with the ball in his hands and time to develop chemistry with Wembanyama.
Doncic and Lakers agree to maximum extension: Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a three-year, $165 million extension. Rating: Approved.
Doncic is the only player under contract for more than $15 million beyond this season. Bringing that salary flexibility to the summer of 2027 would require significant sacrifices beyond LeBron James. In Doncic, the Lakers have their superstar for the future.
Knicks and Bridges agree on extension: Mikal Bridges agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the New York Knicks. Rating: Approved.
Bridges was not the player New York expected when they gave up five first-round picks and a swap to get him from the Brooklyn Nets. With Bridges’ extension, New York now has around $206 million committed to nine players for 2026-27. Given New York’s financial situation, Bridges would have been nearly impossible to replace with similar talent had he left as an unrestricted free agent. Taking Brunson’s deal in particular, this was likely a worthwhile deal for New York.
CP3 reunites with the Clippers: The LA Clippers agreed to a contract with Chris Paul.
