The Movement in the NBA: Analysis of Free Agency and the Teams’ Next Steps
The NBA season is at its peak! After the 2025 draft, all 30 teams are immersed in intense strategies. Who’s moving? Who’s staying? We’ve already seen two major trades from the champion team, the Boston Celtics, with Jrue Holiday heading to the Portland Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. LeBron James plans to exercise his option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, while Kevin Durant joins the Houston Rockets. In addition, the Timberwolves are about to close deals with Naz Reid and Julius Randle, who are free agents. The rumors don’t stop, and here we bring you what our experts report on 20 teams in the league.Boston Celtics
After getting rid of more than $200 million in salaries and luxury tax with the trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, Boston is in a more favorable position. The injury of Jayson Tatum, who will probably be out after an operation on the Achilles tendon, is a key factor. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White could be traded, but a very attractive offer would be needed. The main doubts revolve around Al Horford and Luke Kornet, who generate interest in the league.Brooklyn NetsWith five first-round picks in the last draft, Brooklyn is betting on youth. After a good start to the season, the team will seek to improve and avoid repeating mistakes. Cameron Johnson, with the highest transfer value, could be traded. The Nets have more cap space than any other NBA team and will pursue restricted free agents like Jonathan Kuminga and Quentin Grimes. They will also try to re-sign Cam Thomas, who led the team in scoring.Chicago BullsDespite two seasons with the same record, the Bulls plan to rebuild around their young players without falling to the bottom of the standings. Their priority is to re-sign Josh Giddey, who could cost around $30 million annually. The question is what results are expected from these decisions after years of remaining in mediocrity.Cleveland CavaliersWith extensions for Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers have entered the second level of the luxury tax. Retaining Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill was a challenge. Trading Issac Okoro for Lonzo Ball opens opportunities for Jaylon Tyson, and the selection of Tyrese Proctor suggests the need to reinforce the point guard position.Dallas MavericksKyrie Irving accepted a three-year, $119 million contract, which allowed the Mavericks to have access to the $5.7 million mid-level exception. The plan is to sign a starting point guard to replace Irving, who is recovering from an injury. D’Angelo Russell, Malcolm Brogdon, Chris Paul, and Tyus Jones are candidates.Denver NuggetsThe Nuggets must decide whether to replace Russell Westbrook. They have the mid-level exception available, but they face the repeater tax. They need to assess how much they will trust young players, like Jalen Pickett.Golden State WarriorsThe Warriors offered Jonathan Kuminga a qualifying offer of $7.9 million. They will wait to see Kuminga’s market, with the possibility of matching offers or exploring trade options. They need reinforcements at the center position, more shooting, and “3-and-D” wings. Brook Lopez, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Bruce Brown, and Malcolm Brogdon could help Curry and Butler.Houston Rockets
After the playoff failure, the Rockets sought a key offensive player. They acquired Kevin Durant, sending Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, in addition to the number 10 pick in the draft. Rafael Stone still has the mid-level exception and hopes that young players like Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard and Alperen Sengun will reach a new level.
The Rockets have already re-signed Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, and Jeff Green. Their next goals are Tari Eason and possibly a “3-and-D” wing.Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are looking to re-sign Myles Turner, a key player for the team. The question is how much it will cost, considering Naz Reid’s contract. Retaining the rest of the team, including Bennedict Mathurin, is another challenge.LA ClippersThe Clippers agreed to a new contract with James Harden for two years and $81.5 million. This gives them financial flexibility and access to the mid-level exception. They could look for another playmaker, a backup center, and defensive wings. Norman Powell is eligible for an extension.Los Angeles LakersLeBron James exercised his option with the Lakers and Dorian Finney-Smith chose not to exercise his. James will evaluate what’s best for his career and will closely follow the team’s improvements. The Lakers will have the mid-level exception available if Finney-Smith leaves.Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves only had room for two of their three free agents. Naz Reid was re-signed to a five-year, $125 million contract. Julius Randle was also re-signed for three years and $100 million, but Nickeil Alexander-Walker is likely to leave for another team.Memphis GrizzliesThe Memphis team, led by General Manager Zach Kleiman, has made a significant change in its strategy, sending Desmond Bane to Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and draft picks. This move represents a restructuring around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., with the intention of generating salary space and creating a more competitive team.Milwaukee BucksThe Bucks are looking to rebuild their team around Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Damian Lillard out with an injury. Antetokounmpo has expressed his interest in playing as a point guard-forward. The Bucks will try to re-sign Kevin Porter Jr. and Bobby Portis.New York KnicksThe Knicks, with a roster of key players, need depth. They have the mid-level exception for signings and are looking at Luke Kennard. They could also trade one of their starters, such as Mikal Bridges or Karl-Anthony Towns.Oklahoma City ThunderThe Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million contract. Their priority is to commit long-term to their core. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is eligible for a supermax extension, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren can sign rookie contract extensions.Philadelphia 76ersThe 76ers are focused on retaining Guerschon Yabusele and Quentin Grimes. They have the mid-level exception for Yabusele and are seeking a deal with Grimes.Phoenix SunsPhoenix has transformed its team with the trade of Kevin Durant to Houston, the selection of Khaman Maluach in the draft, and the acquisition of Mark Williams. They need a point guard, with Tyus Jones and Collin Gillespie as free agents. Most of the summer moves have already been made.San Antonio SpursThe Spurs will exercise caution in free agency, despite being in a good position to sign an All-Star player. The team will seek a measured approach, evaluating the development of young talents around Victor Wembanyama.
