2025 NBA Offseason Highlights: 20 Key Developments You Must Know
The NBA offseason of 2025 has delivered significant changes across the league, impacting teams and players alike. Here are 20 key developments you must know.
1. Mavericks Draft Duke Star Cooper Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks started a new chapter by selecting Cooper Flagg as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This noteworthy choice came after they remarkably secured a 1.8% chance of winning the lottery. Flagg is the fifth Duke player to be selected first overall.
2. Kevin Durant Joins the Houston Rockets
In a landmark trade, Kevin Durant is heading to the Houston Rockets for his 18th season. This trade marks the first-ever seven-team swap in NBA history. The Rockets acquired Durant from the Phoenix Suns, giving up several players, including Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, along with future draft picks.
3. Thunder Retain Their Championship Core
Fresh off their 2025 NBA championship win, the Oklahoma City Thunder reinforced their roster. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year supermax contract, while teammates Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren each secured five-year rookie max extensions.
4. Significant Re-signings and Player Options
Luka Dončić extended his stay in Los Angeles through at least 2028, six months after his trade from Dallas. LeBron James also picked up his player option, embarking on his 23rd season in the NBA.
5. Desmond Bane Moves to Orlando Magic
As part of the offseason player movement, Desmond Bane was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Orlando Magic. Bane, a proficient three-point shooter, will help address the Magic’s scoring challenges.
6. Young Stars and Veterans Signing Extensions
Many young stars chose to secure their futures with their current teams. Notable agreements included:
- Paolo Banchero (Magic)
- De’Aaron Fox (Spurs)
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)
- Mikal Bridges (Knicks)
- Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets)
- Devin Booker (Suns)
Veterans like James Harden, Julius Randle, and Fred VanVleet also opted to continue with their respective teams.
7. Victor Wembanyama Cleared for Training Camp
After a challenging second season, Victor Wembanyama is set to participate fully in the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp. The former first overall pick missed significant time last season due to a blood clot.
8. Familiar Faces Return to Old Teams
Chris Paul and Damian Lillard are both back in familiar territory. Paul signed a one-year deal with the LA Clippers, while Lillard returned to Portland after a contract buyout from the Milwaukee Bucks.
9. Hornets Claim Summer League Title
The 2025 NBA Draft class showcased their talent during the NBA 2K26 Summer League, with the Charlotte Hornets emerging as champions. This marked the franchise’s first title in the summer league, drawing attention to standout performances from the rookies.
10. New Shooting Rules Introduced
The NBA has introduced a new rule affecting end-of-quarter heave shots. Now, shots launched from 36 feet in the last three seconds of the first three quarters will count as team attempts rather than individual player attempts.
11. Veteran Moves to Los Angeles
This offseason saw a migration of veteran talent to Los Angeles. Bradley Beal joined the LA Clippers, while Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart signed with the Lakers following buyouts from their previous teams.
12. Myles Turner Heads to Milwaukee Bucks
Myles Turner has signed a four-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks after a successful stint with the Indiana Pacers. His addition aims to bolster the Bucks as they pursue another deep playoff run.
13. Celtics Shake Up Roster
In response to injuries, the Boston Celtics traded Kristaps Porziņģis to the Atlanta Hawks and Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, bringing in Anfernee Simons to Boston.
14. Mike Brown Hired by the New York Knicks
The Knicks have hired two-time NBA Coach of the Year, Mike Brown, to lead the team following their disappointing playoff exit. Brown replaces Tom Thibodeau in an effort to push the franchise forward.
15. Notable Veteran Trades
Several veterans have switched teams through trades. CJ McCollum moved to Washington, while Norman Powell went to Miami in a three-team deal. Pat Connaughton’s time in Milwaukee has ended, and Lonzo Ball was traded to Cleveland.
16. Denver Nuggets’ Busy Offseason
The Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn, acquiring Cam Johnson and Jonas Valančiūnas, and welcoming back Bruce Brown to enhance their title aspirations.
17. Germany Wins EuroBasket Championship
Germany triumphed at EuroBasket, marking their first title since 1993. Dennis Schröder and Franz Wagner led the charge, with Schröder named MVP.
18. Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed notable inductees, including Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, highlighting the 2008 Redeem Team and several WNBA legends.
19. Coaching Extensions Across the League
This offseason saw several coaches sign extensions. Rick Carlisle, Joe Mazzulla, Billy Donovan, and JJ Redick will continue to lead their teams for the foreseeable future.
20. Injuries Impacting the Upcoming Season
Injuries are a notable concern for the upcoming season. Stars like Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton are set to miss the entire season, while others are recovering from various setbacks.
The 2025 NBA offseason has set the stage for an exciting new season, with player movements and strategic changes reshaping the landscape of professional basketball.
