Top NBA Free Agency Moves Summer 2025

The 2025 NBA free agency period has delivered one of the most eventful and unpredictable offseasons in recent memory. From blockbuster trades involving future Hall of Famers to franchise-altering signings and strategic re-signings, front offices across the league have been active in reshaping their rosters. With contenders loading up for title runs and rebuilding teams locking in young stars, the early moves this summer have already shifted the balance of power across both conferences. Below, we break down the most significant transactions so far and what they signal for the NBA landscape heading into the 2025–26 season.

Houston Rockets: A Championship-Level Shake-up

The Rockets made the loudest noise this summer by acquiring Kevin Durant in a historic seven-team trade, the most complex in NBA history. The deal also brought back Clint Capela via sign-and-trade to fortify the frontcourt. They signed Dorian Finney-Smith to a 4-year, $53 million deal and retained key contributors like Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. With a title-contending core now in place, Houston’s payroll could hit $195 million.source

Oklahoma City Thunder: Locked in the MVP

The Thunder secured their future by re-signing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a 4-year, $285 million supermax extension. By doing so, they keep the reigning Finals MVP in OKC and ensure the team’s trajectory remains upward. They avoided overspending in free agency and retained future cap flexibility.source

Memphis Grizzlies: Big Blue Wall

Memphis extended defensive cornerstone Jaren Jackson Jr. to a 5-year, $240 million deal. The move keeps one of the NBA’s top interior defenders in place and signals a commitment to continuity and defensive identity.source

Milwaukee Bucks: Bold Caps & Tough Calls

In a major move, the Bucks waived Damian Lillard to clear salary space, then quickly signed Myles Turner to a 4-year, $107 million contract. They also added key veterans like Gary Harris, Gary Trent Jr., Bobby Portis, Jericho Sims, and Taurean Prince to maintain competitive depth.source

New York Knicks: Measured Depth Buys

The Knicks added Jordan Clarkson through a buyout and signed Guerschon Yabusele on a 2-year, $12 million deal. These calculated moves improve bench scoring without committing long-term dollars, helping maintain roster flexibility after an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. And of course they are hoping the signing of Coach Brown to big money may have an impact as well.source

Golden State Warriors: Strategic Decisions

Golden State remains undecided on restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, fielding sign-and-trade offers from teams like Miami and Chicago. The team is also courting Al Horford as a veteran big man but hasn’t locked in a deal yet.source

Atlanta Hawks: Veteran Boost

The Hawks signed Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a 4-year, $62 million deal and added Luke Kennard on a 1-year, $11 million contract. Combined with other role-player additions, they’re aiming to add firepower around their core.source

Denver Nuggets: Targeted Rotation Moves

Denver traded for Jonas Valan?i?nas to serve as Nikola Jokic’s backup and added Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown to provide shooting and experience to their bench unit.source

Winners & Outlook Summary

Houston Rockets were this summer’s biggest winners, creating a legitimate title-contending roster. OKC and Memphis locked in core stars with smart cap planning. The Bucks made aggressive but risky changes, while the Knicks and Nuggets stayed measured and cost-efficient.source