NBA: Ayton to Lakers, Turner to Bucks and more in free agency 2025-26

NBA Free Agency Shakes Up the Market: Analysis and Grades of the Signings

The NBA free agency has started strong, and teams are reinforcing their rosters for the 2025-26 season. Below, we analyze the most impactful moves so far.

• Myles Turner leaves the Indiana Pacers, Eastern Conference finalists, to join the Milwaukee Bucks.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaren Jackson Jr. sign maximum extensions.
• James Harden agrees to a new two-year contract with the LA Clippers.
• LeBron James exercises his player option for $52.6 million with the Los Angeles Lakers.

As more agreements are confirmed, at Alofoke Deportes we evaluate each move and its impact on the 2025-26 season and beyond.

Deandre Ayton Joins the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement with center Deandre Ayton for a two-year contract.

Grade: B+

After reaching an agreement for the termination of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton seems to fit well with the Lakers. At almost 27 years old, Ayton is significantly younger than other center options on the team, which could make him a long-term option. Ayton could be a pick-and-roll threat for Doncic in the Lakers’ offense, providing powerful vertical spacing.

The Hornets Secure Mann and Add Depth with Dinwiddie

The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to re-sign guard Tre Mann to a three-year, $24 million contract, and have reached a one-year agreement with guard Spencer Dinwiddie.

Qualifications

Mann: B- Dinwiddie: B After acquiring Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz, the Hornets seem determined to ensure that playmaking is not a problem. Mann’s injury in November was a major factor in that weakness. Dinwiddie, as the fifth guard in Charlotte, is insurance against injuries. His incorporation creates a logjam on the roster for the Hornets.

Myles Turner Joins the Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have reached a four-year, $107 million agreement with center Myles Turner.

Grade: B-

This is perhaps the most surprising move in NBA free agency. Turner seemed destined to re-sign with the Indiana Pacers, but now joins the Bucks, who aspire to compete for the championship. Turner is a younger version of Brook Lopez, capable of protecting the rim and opening the court for Antetokounmpo. Turner is in the best three-point shooting season of his career, averaging 2.2 per game with 40% accuracy. Turner’s arrival could be key to the Bucks’ aspirations.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs supermax extension with OKC

The Oklahoma City Thunder have reached an agreement with point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for a four-year supermax extension.

Rating: Passed

The Thunder benefits from the supermax extension, with Gilgeous-Alexander, deserving of every penny, securing his future with the team. Oklahoma City has planned ahead, giving it flexibility to maintain competitiveness.

Bucks Sign Harris and Sims

The Milwaukee Bucks have reached a two-year agreement with guard Gary Harris and center Jericho Sims.

Qualifications

Harris: C Sims: B- Following the surprising moves of the week, the Bucks continue to reinforce their roster. Harris could take minutes off the bench in a 3-and-D role. Sims, acquired mid-season, offers valuable minutes as a third center. The Bucks have signed several player options, which could cause problems in the future.

Knicks sign Yabusele

The New York Knicks have reached a two-year, $12 million agreement with forward/center Guerschon Yabusele.

Rating: B

Yabusele was a bright spot in the lost season of the Philadelphia 76ers. In the Knicks, Yabusele fits better in the rotation, which could be beneficial for the team.