The Earvin Edit

Three days into NBA Free Agency, some teams have thrived while others have faltered. Let’s examine both sides.

Written by Earvin Adjei

Whether it’s swinging a trade for a future Hall of Famer or handing out a massive deal to a steady veteran, every team has its own definition of a successful offseason. Some franchises have made moves that elevate them to contender status. Others? Not so much. Either way, the NBA landscape is shifting fast, and there’s plenty to unpack.

Winners:

The Houston Rockets

Key Additions: Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela

Resigned: Steven Adams, Jabari Smith Jr., Aaron Holiday, Jeff Green, Jae’Sean Tate, Fred VanVleet 

Key Losses: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks

The Rockets came out swinging this offseason, headlining free agency with a blockbuster trade for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. For a team that lacked a reliable late-game scorer, Durant brings instant offensive credibility to last year’s two-seed. Houston followed up the Durant trade by re-signing key veterans Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet, maintaining continuity. They also strengthened their wing depth by prying Dorian Finney-Smith away from the Lakers — a savvy move that adds defensive versatility. And just to put the West on notice, the Rockets locked up Clint Capela on a two-year deal, doubling down on their frontcourt depth. All in all, it’s been an aggressive, calculated, and highly successful free agency for Houston.

The Denver Nuggets

Key Additions: Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Jonas Valančiūnas, Tim Hardaway Jr.

Resigned: N/A

Key Losses: Michael Porter Jr., Dario Šarić 

Adding depth was Denver’s clear priority heading into the offseason, and so far, they’ve checked every box. Their first major move was shedding Michael Porter Jr.’s hefty contract by sending him to Brooklyn in exchange for Cam Johnson. Johnson is not only on a friendlier deal, but also offers more consistent offensive production and is less of a defensive liability. Denver finally addressed its long-standing need for a reliable backup to Nikola Jokić by signing Jonas Valančiūnas — a move years in the making. In a nod to their previous championship run, the Nuggets brought back Bruce Brown, a key contributor to their 2023 title roster. They capped things off by adding bench shooting with the signing of Tim Hardaway Jr. With these moves, the Nuggets have further improved a roster that was a game away from defeating the world champion Thunder. They’ll be right back in the title hunt in 2025–26.

The New York Knicks

Key Additions: Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele

Resigned: N/A

Key Losses: N/A

After a shocking Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Pacers, the Knicks made the bold decision to part ways with Head Coach Tom Thibodeau. What followed was a lengthy and dramatic coaching search that ultimately ended with the hiring of Mike Brown, a two-time Coach of the Year and respected locker room presence. Brown brings playoff experience and defensive discipline, two qualities the Knicks hope will push them over the hump. But coaching wasn’t the only focus this offseason. One of New York’s biggest weaknesses was its lack of bench production. Their bench was exposed during their playoff run, and the front office responded. The team began by signing former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson, recently waived by Utah, and adding Guerschon Yabusele, who impressed with both Team France and the 76ers last season. Even better: the Knicks retained all key contributors from their most successful season in over a decade. With improved leadership and newfound depth, New York looks ready to take the next step in the East.

The Atlanta Hawks

Key Additions: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, Kristaps Porziņģis

Resigned: N/A

Key Losses: Clint Capela, Caris LeVert, Larry Nance Jr., Georges Niang, Terance Mann

With injuries weakening several contenders in the East, the Atlanta Hawks see a golden opportunity — and they’ve responded with a series of calculated moves to support franchise player Trae Young. Their offseason began with a high-risk, high-reward trade for Kristaps Porziņģis, acquired from the Celtics. While Porziņģis’ injury history is a concern, his shot-blocking, floor-spacing, and lob-finishing potential make him a strong fit next to Young. Atlanta then added Nickeil Alexander-Walker, fresh off an impressive two-year stint with the Timberwolves. His 3-and-D skill set will certainly help improve the Hawks’ defense, which struggled last season. To cap things off, they signed sharpshooter Luke Kennard, who provides much-needed floor spacing and bench scoring. Altogether, these additions bolster a young core that already includes Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels, positioning the Hawks to climb the Eastern Conference ranks in 2025–26.

Damian Lillard

While the Bucks’ decision to waive Damian Lillard sparked backlash and raised eyebrows about the cold, business side of the NBA, things might be working out in Dame’s favor. For the first time in his career, Lillard will enter free agency with the freedom to choose his next destination — and he’ll do so while still receiving a $22.5 million payout from Milwaukee, reportedly stretched over five years. He’ll also have the opportunity to rehab his torn Achilles in Portland, close to his family — something the Bucks were allegedly unhappy with during his recovery. Despite being expected to miss most of next season, Lillard reportedly has multiple contenders interested in his services. Whether he chooses to wait it out or sign with a team immediately, it’s a bittersweet twist that offers him both peace of mind and a fresh start.

Losers:

The Los Angeles Lakers

Key Additions: Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton

Resigned: N/A

Key Losses: Dorian-Finney-Smith 

For the first two days of free agency, it felt like GM Rob Pelinka had missed the memo. More than 48 hours into the negotiating period, the Lakers’ most notable signing was 23-year-old Jake LaRavia — a developmental wing with potential, but far from the win-now piece L.A. needs. The team’s glaring hole at center went unaddressed until day three, when the Lakers stumbled into DeAndre Ayton after Portland unexpectedly waived him. While Ayton is a solid pickup, he doesn’t solve all their problems. The Lakers are a franchise with constant championship aspirations but their start to the offseason would make you think otherwise. L.A. also lost Dorian Finney-Smith to Houston, only adding to the damage. They now lack a versatile 3-and-D presence, which they greatly need. Making matters worse, LeBron James’ future in purple and gold remains unclear. Will he request a trade? It’s possible — and with Luka Dončić eligible for an extension on August 2nd, the timing couldn’t be worse. For a team trying to stay relevant in a loaded Western Conference, it’s been a shaky and uninspiring start to the offseason.

The Milwaukee Bucks

Key Additions: Vasilije Micić, Myles Turner, Gary Harris

Resigned: Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Jericho Sims, Gary Trent Jr.

Key Losses: Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, Pat Connaughton,

The Bucks’ 2025 offseason revolves around one thing: convincing Giannis Antetokounmpo that they can still build a championship roster around him. Their first move toward that goal? Waiving Damian Lillard and stretching his contract to sign Myles Turner — a bold decision. Only time will tell if this decision will be enough to keep Giannis happy. On paper, it doesn’t seem like a signing that moves the needle. While Turner is a quality big man, he doesn’t represent a major upgrade over Brook Lopez, who left for the Clippers. If anything, the move feels more lateral than transformative. Beyond the Turner signing, Milwaukee added Vasilije Micić and Gary Harris, solid depth pieces but not game-changers. The front office also re-signed a host of players from last year — including Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Jericho Sims, and Gary Trent Jr. — yet none of them do much to scare opponents in the Eastern Conference. If the goal is to convince Giannis that the Bucks can still contend, this offseason hasn’t done the trick.

The Boston Celtics

Key Additions: Georges Niang, Luka Garza, Josh Minott, Anfernee Simons

Resigned: N/A

Key Losses: Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, Luke Kornet 

Every move Boston has made this offseason suggests that the 2025–26 campaign will be a reset year, and that might not be a bad thing. With Jayson Tatum sidelined after rupturing his Achilles in May, the Celtics turned their focus to financial flexibility, working to get under the dreaded second apron. In doing so, they gutted much of the roster that won them the 2024 title. Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Luke Kornet are all gone — each of them key pieces in their aforementioned championship run. Their departure leaves the Celtics without a starting-caliber center and significantly weaker on the perimeter, especially after swapping Holiday for the less defensively sound Anfernee Simons. Still, a reset could benefit Boston in the long run. After years of fielding one of the league’s most expensive rosters, the Celtics may be wise to regroup, save money, and build for the future.

The Miami Heat

Key Additions: Simone Fontecchio

Resigned: Davion Mitchell

Key Losses: Duncan Robinson

Every offseason, it feels like the Miami Heat are on the verge of landing a star, and every offseason, those dreams fall apart. That trend continued this summer, as Miami was once again linked to Kevin Durant but failed to close the deal. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Heat made multiple offers for the future Hall of Famer, but refused to include Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović, Haywood Highsmith, or the 20th overall pick. While those are intriguing pieces, landing one of the greatest scorers of all time — without giving up either Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro — should’ve been a no-brainer. Outside of that missed opportunity, Miami’s offseason has been quiet. They added Simone Fontecchio, retained Davion Mitchell, and lost Duncan Robinson. After Bam Adebayo hinted at “major changes” in his end-of-season presser, this underwhelming summer doesn’t inspire much confidence. Pat Riley once joked that he might be washed. Based on this offseason, he might’ve been more right than he realized.

The Golden State Warriors

Key Additions: N/A

Resigned: N/A

Key Losses: Kevon Looney

Like Miami and the Lakers, Golden State has opened free agency with a whimper. While blockbuster moves aren’t a requirement, it’s surprising to see a franchise looking to maximize the final years of Stephen Curry’s prime take such a passive approach. The Warriors haven’t signed a single free agent and continue to let the unresolved Jonathan Kuminga contract situation linger. Though there are reported suitors for Kuminga, any return in a potential sign-and-trade is expected to be underwhelming. And if your primary free-agent target is 39-year-old Al Horford, it might be time to question the direction of the front office. For a team that once set the standard for smart roster building, the Warriors now look stuck in limbo.