Analysis of Key Moves in the NBA: Success or Failure?
The summer of 2024 didn’t see major superstar transfers, but the 2025 season left us with an exciting race for the title. Of the four teams that reached the conference finals, only the Indiana Pacers maintained their starting five. We analyze the most important market decisions and how they have impacted the game. The Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks, after a trade involving Julius Randle and Karl-Anthony Towns, reached the conference finals. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the addition of Alex Caruso and the signing of Isaiah Hartenstein, completed a championship team. However, not all moves were successful. The Philadelphia 76ers, who added Paul George to play with Joel Embiid, saw their project affected by injuries. We reviewed 10 of the most important transfers and signings, evaluating how they were rated at the time and what has changed in the last 12 months.Knicks trade Randle for Towns
In a three-team agreement, the New York Knicks acquired Karl-Anthony Towns. The Minnesota Timberwolves received Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, Keita Bates-Diop, and a first-round pick in 2025. The Charlotte Hornets received in return Duane Washington Jr., Charlie Brown Jr., DaQuan Jeffries, two second-round picks in 2025, 2026, and 2031, as well as $7.2 million in cash. Initial assessment: Minnesota B+, New York B. Current assessment: Minnesota B+, New York B+.Although both teams reached the conference finals, this deal needs more time to be fully evaluated. The Timberwolves improved their perimeter game with DiVincenzo and achieved financial stability, allowing them to keep Naz Reid. Towns, for his part, covered a crucial need for the Knicks, helping to improve their offense and achieving a spot on the third All-NBA team.
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Bridges to the Knicks
The Brooklyn Nets sent Mikal Bridges to the Knicks in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic, five first-round picks, a swap option, and a second-round pick. Initial assessment: Brooklyn A, New York B. Current assessment: Brooklyn A, New York C+. The Nets greatly benefited from trading Bridges at his peak, obtaining multiple first-round picks. Bridges, for his part, had a more discreet performance, although his moderate salary facilitated the transfer of Towns. His arrival may have also influenced the extension of Jalen Brunson.Thunder Adds Caruso and Hartenstein
The Chicago Bulls sent Josh Giddey to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Alex Caruso. In addition, the Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein. Initial assessment: Chicago C-, Oklahoma City A. Current assessment: Chicago C+, Oklahoma City A. The arrival of Caruso made the Thunder favorites and contributed to their championship. Hartenstein, for his part, was key in defense and in playmaking. His favorable contract gives the Thunder flexibility for the future.
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George joins the Sixers
Paul George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers for four years and $212 million. Initial assessment: A. Current assessment: D. Injuries affected George’s performance, and his scoring average was the lowest since 2011-12. The lack of production in his first year makes it almost impossible for the 76ers to justify this contract.Murray to the Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans received Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. In return, the Hawks obtained Larry Nance Jr., E.J. Liddell, Dyson Daniels, a 2025 first-round pick and another one in 2027. Initial assessment: Atlanta B+, New Orleans B+. Current assessment: Atlanta A, New Orleans F. Murray’s injury in January complicated the outlook for the Pelicans. The Hawks, for their part, got Daniels and a first-round pick, which gives them a better perspective.Westbrook to the Nuggets
Russell Westbrook signed with the Nuggets for two years and $6.8 million. Initial evaluation: D. Current evaluation: D+. Although Westbrook performed well in some games, his problems in the playoffs and lack of interest in a renewal suggest that his time in Denver was not beneficial.Thompson to the Mavericks
Klay Thompson went to the Dallas Mavericks. The Charlotte Hornets received Josh Green. The Golden State Warriors obtained a second-round pick in 2025 and another in 2031. Initial evaluation: Charlotte B+, Dallas B-, Golden State B. Current evaluation: Charlotte B, Dallas B, Golden State B. Thompson performed well in Dallas, although injuries limited his impact. Green fulfilled his role in the Hornets, while the Warriors expanded the deal to add Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson.
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