NBA Free Agency Shakes Up the Market: Key Moves for the 2025-26 Season
The NBA free agency is in full swing, with teams adding stars and making moves to shape their rosters for the 2025-26 season. The most impactful signings so far include the trade of Myles Turner from the current Eastern Conference champions, the Indiana Pacers, to the Milwaukee Bucks; max extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaren Jackson Jr.; James Harden’s new two-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers; and LeBron James’ $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.
As more deals are reported, we analyze the moves and assess their impact on the upcoming season and beyond.
Analysis of the Most Outstanding Movements
- Marcus Smart to the Lakers: The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract with point guard Marcus Smart.
- Damian Lillard returns to the Trail Blazers: Portland Trail Blazers agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with point guard Damian Lillard.
- Bradley Beal to the Clippers: The Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract with shooting guard Bradley Beal.
- Jalen Williams receives an extension with the Thunder: Oklahoma City Thunder agreed to a maximum five-year extension with forward Jalen Williams.
- Devin Booker signs maximum extension with the Suns: Phoenix Suns agreed to a maximum two-year extension with shooting guard Devin Booker.
- Chet Holmgren signs maximum extension with the Thunder: Oklahoma City Thunder agreed to a maximum five-year extension with center Chet Holmgren.
- Paolo Banchero signs maximum extension with the Magic: Orlando Magic agreed to a maximum five-year extension with forward Paolo Banchero.
Details of the Agreements
Marcus Smart to the Lakers: The Lakers, after dividing their mid-level exception between Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, were able to offer Smart more than the veteran’s minimum as part of a buyout agreement that will release him from the last year of his contract with the Washington Wizards. Smart will essentially replace Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton, two Lakers point guards with non-guaranteed contracts who will have to be waived to make room for Smart.
Damian Lillard returns to the Trail Blazers: Lillard’s return to Portland is a happy ending to an unhappy chapter with the Milwaukee Bucks, which culminated in an Achilles tendon injury and Lillard’s termination with two years remaining on his contract. Lillard chose to return to where he shined during his first 11 seasons in the NBA and where his family and children still reside.
Bradley Beal to the Clippers: The Clippers completed the second step in the plan we anticipated when they traded starting guard Norman Powell to the Miami Heat. With an open spot in their lineup alongside James Harden in the guard area, the Clippers became an obvious destination for Beal.
Jalen Williams gets an extension with the Thunder: The Thunder now have Holmgren and Williams under contract until 2030-31 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed until 2029-30 after he completed his own supermax extension. The size of those contracts will present challenges for Oklahoma City to maintain its depth.
Devin Booker signs maximum extension with the Suns: This extension adds two years to Booker’s contract, which already extends to 2027-28. It’s understandable that Phoenix values a star player who wants to be there after the Suns traded for Kevin Durant. Booker has played his entire career in Phoenix and was the most important catalyst when the Suns went from 10 consecutive seasons in the lottery to the 2021 NBA Finals.
Chet Holmgren signs maximum extension with the Thunder: From a performance perspective, Holmgren has met expectations. However, durability remains a concern with Holmgren, who has missed extended periods due to a series of serious injuries.
Paolo Banchero signs maximum extension with the Magic: Banchero became the first player to get an option in a maximum rookie extension since Luka Doncic and Trae Young did it in 2021. Banchero also received this in his new contract.
The NBA free agency continues to generate expectations, and Alofoke Deportes will continue to report on the movements and their implications.
