The NBA Offseason Changes You Need to Know
Over the last decade, the NBA has become synonymous with player movement, driven by both team decisions and player preferences. The concept of loyalty, either from franchises or players, has become increasingly rare. Fans who followed the league during the 1980s and 1990s often find the current landscape dizzying, with rosters changing wildly from one season to the next. While some may blame the players’ financial ambitions for these rapid shifts, the NBA’s structure is designed specifically (by the owners) to keep the drama alive year-round. Changes to the salary cap and luxury tax rules have made it impossible to keep an elite roster intact without significant financial penalties, forcing teams to make tough decisions.
The league’s aim is to create parity, which has contributed to the lack of back-to-back champions since the Golden State Warriors (2017-2018). That’s also why the league shakes up like the start of a Boggle match every year. The aim of the NBA is constant roster movement, ensuring that each offseason and trade deadline remains captivating to fans, with constant speculation and analysis dominating headlines.
To help fans keep up with the roster changes, here’s a detailed look at some of the most significant transactions this offseason, including contract details for key players.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks entered the offseason with significant changes, starting with the No. 1 overall draft pick, selecting Zaccharie Risacher. Atlanta’s biggest splash came from trading away Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans, receiving young guard Dyson Daniels and veteran Larry Nance Jr. in return. They also signed David Roddy but lost Saddiq Bey and AJ Griffin.
Key Additions: Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels (4 years, $26 million), Cody Zeller
Key Departures: Dejounte Murray (traded to Pelicans), Saddiq Bey (signed with Pistons, 4 years, $72 million), AJ Griffin (traded to Thunder)
Notable Draft Pick: Zaccharie Risacher
Boston Celtics
After winning the NBA title, the Celtics focused on retaining their core. Jayson Tatum signed a massive extension worth 5 years, $318 million, solidifying his future in Boston. They also extended Derrick White for 4 years, $84 million, ensuring backcourt stability. The team added Lonnie Walker IV for depth and awaits Kristaps Porzingis’s return after surgery.
Key Re-signings: Jayson Tatum (5 years, $318 million), Derrick White (4 years, $84 million)
Key Additions: Lonnie Walker IV (1 year, $3.5 million)
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets had an active offseason, acquiring sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic and Ziaire Williams. Their most important move was re-signing Nic Claxton, their defensive anchor, to a 4-year, $100 million deal. However, the loss of Mikal Bridges to the Knicks marks a significant hit to their lineup.
Key Additions: Bojan Bogdanovic (3 years, $51 million), Ziaire Williams
Key Re-signings: Nic Claxton (4 years, $100 million)
Key Departures: Mikal Bridges (traded to Knicks)
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets added veteran leadership by signing Taj Gibson and Harry Giles. However, the re-signing of woman-beater and child abuser Miles Bridges drew controversy, over-paying him with a 4-year, $128 million contract - way more than other teams were rumored to offer him. Seth Curry also re-signed, while Davis Bertans and Reggie Jackson were waived to make room for the young players on the roster.
Key Additions: Taj Gibson (1 year, $2.9 million), Harry Giles (1 year, $2.7 million)
Key Re-signings: Miles Bridges (4 years, $128 million), Seth Curry (2 years, $8 million)
Key Departures: Davis Bertans, Reggie Jackson
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls underwent significant roster changes, trading for Josh Giddey and Chris Duarte. On the downside, they lost DeMar DeRozan to the Kings and Alex Caruso to the Thunder. Patrick Williams was re-signed to a 5-year, $90 million deal to maintain some continuity.
Key Additions: Josh Giddey, Chris Duarte
Key Re-signings: Patrick Williams (5 years, $90 million)
Key Departures: DeMar DeRozan (signed with Kings, 3 years, $81 million), Alex Caruso (traded to Thunder)
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland focused on securing its core with long-term extensions for Donovan Mitchell (3 years, $150.3 million), Evan Mobley (5 years, $224 million), and Jarrett Allen (5 years, $100 million). Their only notable new addition was JT Thor on a two-way contract.
Key Re-signings: Donovan Mitchell (3 years, $150.3 million), Evan Mobley (5 years, $224 million), Jarrett Allen (5 years, $100 million)
Key Additions: JT Thor
Key Departures: None
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks made headlines by acquiring Klay Thompson via sign-and-trade from the Warriors in exchange for key assets. They also signed Spencer Dinwiddie to bolster their guard rotation. However, losing Josh Green to the Hornets and Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Pistons could alter their overall team balance.
Key Additions: Klay Thompson (3 years, $120 million), Spencer Dinwiddie (2 years, $40 million)
Key Departures: Josh Green, Tim Hardaway Jr. (signed with Pistons, 3 years, $48 million)
Denver Nuggets
Denver added depth to their bench by signing Dario Saric and Russell Westbrook. Jamal Murray was re-signed to a 5-year, $150 million deal, keeping their championship core intact. However, they lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson.
Key Additions: Dario Saric (2 years, $10 million), Russell Westbrook (1 year, $4.5 million)
Key Re-signings: Jamal Murray (5 years, $150 million)
Key Departures: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Reggie Jackson
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors made a difficult but necessary move by trading away Klay Thompson. They signed Buddy Hield to a 4-year, $86 million deal to boost their shooting. The departures of Chris Paul and Klay signal the end of an era.
Key Additions: Buddy Hield (4 years, $86 million), Lindy Waters III
Key Departures: Klay Thompson, Chris Paul
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James extended his contract for an additional two years, worth $97.1 million, solidifying his place in LA. They also added Christian Koloko on a two-way deal but lost Spencer Dinwiddie to the Mavericks.
Key Re-signings: LeBron James (2 years, $97.1 million)
Key Additions: Christian Koloko
Key Departures: Spencer Dinwiddie
Miami Heat
Miami kept their core intact by re-signing Bam Adebayo and Kevin Love. They brought in Alec Burks to add some offensive firepower. Caleb Martin’s departure to the 76ers represents a notable loss.
Key Re-signings: Bam Adebayo (5 years, $163 million), Kevin Love (2 years, $8 million)
Key Additions: Alec Burks
Key Departures: Caleb Martin
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves experienced a dramatic shift this offseason, trading away franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. In return, Minnesota added Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, who will be vital pieces moving forward. The Timberwolves are putting their faith in Anthony Edwards as the new face of the franchise, with the additions aiming to provide him with the necessary support.
Key Additions: Julius Randle (4 years, $117 million), Donte DiVincenzo (4 years, $50 million), Rob Dillingham (draft pick)
Key Departures: Karl-Anthony Towns (traded to Knicks), Kyle Anderson (signed with Warriors, 2 years, $18 million)
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans made a major splash by acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, with the hope that he can pair effectively with CJ McCollum in the backcourt. Murray’s arrival came at the cost of sending Larry Nance Jr. and Jonas Valančiūnas to other teams, signaling a new direction for the team. The Pelicans also added depth with Javonte Green and Jamal Cain on shorter deals.
Key Additions: Dejounte Murray (4 years, $128 million), Javonte Green (2 years, $9 million)
Key Departures: Larry Nance Jr., Jonas Valančiūnas (traded to Wizards)
New York Knicks
The Knicks were among the most active teams this offseason, pulling off a blockbuster trade to bring in Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, making them instant contenders in the Eastern Conference. Towns comes with a massive 4-year, $224 million contract extension, while Bridges adds elite defense and shooting. These additions came at a cost, however, with New York parting ways with Bojan Bogdanović and Alec Burks.
Key Additions: Karl-Anthony Towns (4 years, $224 million), Mikal Bridges (5 years, $90 million)
Key Re-signings: Jalen Brunson (4 years, $104 million), OG Anunoby (4 years, $72 million)
Key Departures: Bojan Bogdanović (traded to Nets), Alec Burks (signed with Heat, 3 years, $30 million)
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder continued to build their young and exciting roster, acquiring defensive standout Alex Caruso from the Bulls and signing Isaiah Hartenstein to a 4-year, $36 million deal to bolster their frontcourt. Despite losing young star Josh Giddey in a trade with the Bulls and veteran Gordon Hayward to retirement, OKC is focused on developing their core around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Key Additions: Alex Caruso (3 years, $27 million), Isaiah Hartenstein (4 years, $36 million)
Key Re-signings: Isaiah Joe (3 years, $22 million), Aaron Wiggins (2 years, $8 million)
Key Departures: Josh Giddey, Gordon Hayward (retired)
Orlando Magic
The Magic took a step forward by bringing in veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to enhance their perimeter defense and shooting. Re-signing Wendell Carter Jr. (4 years, $60 million), Franz Wagner (5 years, $128 million), and Jonathan Isaac (3 years, $55 million) solidifies their core for the future. The loss of Joe Ingles, however, removes a key veteran presence.
Key Additions: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3 years, $40 million)
Key Re-signings: Wendell Carter Jr. (4 years, $60 million), Franz Wagner (5 years, $128 million), Jonathan Isaac (3 years, $55 million)
Key Departures: Joe Ingles (signed with Timberwolves, 2 years, $14 million)
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers made one of the most high-profile signings of the offseason, bringing in Paul George on a 3-year, $128 million deal. They also added Andre Drummond to shore up their frontcourt. However, the loss of Buddy Hield to the Warriors will hurt their perimeter shooting.
Key Additions: Paul George (3 years, $128 million), Andre Drummond (2 years, $12 million)
Key Re-signings: Joel Embiid (4 years, $196 million)
Key Departures: Buddy Hield
Phoenix Suns
The Suns made notable moves, including the acquisition of Tyus Jones and Mason Plumlee, both of whom bring depth to a roster already centered around Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. They also signed E.J. Liddell from the Hawks to add versatility in the frontcourt. However, the departures of veterans like Eric Gordon and David Roddy will test their rotation as they move forward.
Key Additions: Tyus Jones (2 years, $24 million), Mason Plumlee (1 year, $7 million), E.J. Liddell
Key Re-signings: Royce O’Neale (2 years, $20 million)
Key Departures: Eric Gordon, David Roddy
Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers had a relatively quiet offseason, though they did add Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards and signed Devonte’ Graham to provide depth in the backcourt. The departure of Malcolm Brogdon to Washington raises questions about the team’s direction as they enter the season in a period of transition.
Key Additions: Deni Avdija (3 years, $40 million), Devonte’ Graham (2 years, $12 million)
Key Departures: Malcolm Brogdon (traded to Wizards)
Sacramento Kings
The Kings shook things up by adding DeMar DeRozan through a sign-and-trade deal, providing the team with a veteran scorer and leader. Sacramento also brought in Jalen McDaniels and Orlando Robinson for depth. The departures of Harrison Barnes and Chris Duarte will undoubtedly affect the team’s performance on both ends of the court, but DeRozan’s presence is expected to keep them competitive.
Key Additions: DeMar DeRozan (3 years, $81 million), Jalen McDaniels (2 years, $10 million), Orlando Robinson
Key Re-signings: Malik Monk (3 years, $45 million)
Key Departures: Harrison Barnes (signed with Mavericks, 3 years, $51 million), Chris Duarte (traded to Bulls)
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio made one of the most surprising moves of the offseason by signing Chris Paul to a 1-year, $18 million deal. Paul’s veteran leadership will be crucial as the Spurs continue to develop their young talent, particularly around Victor Wembanyama. The addition of Harrison Barnes in a trade adds a solid two-way player, but the losses of Dominick Barlow and Devonte’ Graham leave holes in their depth.
Key Additions: Chris Paul (1 year, $18 million), Harrison Barnes (4 years, $80 million)
Key Departures: Dominick Barlow, Devonte’ Graham (traded to Blazers)
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors focused on retaining their young core this offseason, highlighted by re-signing Scottie Barnes to a 5-year, $198 million extension and Immanuel Quickley to a 4-year, $84 million deal. The addition of defensive specialist Davion Mitchell through a trade will bolster their backcourt, though the departures of Gary Trent Jr. and Jalen McDaniels will thin their depth.
Key Additions: Davion Mitchell (3 years, $27 million), Bruno Fernando
Key Re-signings: Scottie Barnes (5 years, $198 million), Immanuel Quickley (4 years, $84 million)
Key Departures: Gary Trent Jr., Jalen McDaniels
Utah Jazz
The Jazz made strategic moves this offseason, bringing in Drew Eubanks and veteran guard Patty Mills to provide veteran presence and depth. The biggest move, however, was re-signing Lauri Markkanen to a 5-year, $160 million deal, keeping their All-Star forward as the centerpiece of their future plans. The team also waived Russell Westbrook, ending his brief stint with the franchise.
Key Additions: Drew Eubanks (2 years, $10 million), Patty Mills (1 year, $5 million)
Key Re-signings: Lauri Markkanen (5 years, $160 million)
Key Departures: Russell Westbrook (waived), Kris Dunn (traded to Hornets)
Washington Wizards
The Wizards were one of the busiest teams this offseason, bringing in Saddiq Bey, Malcolm Brogdon, and Jonas Valančiūnas. These additions provide a mix of scoring, playmaking, and interior defense, positioning Washington for a potential playoff run. The departures of Deni Avdija and Tyus Jones could affect their depth, but the influx of new talent should more than compensate.
Key Additions: Saddiq Bey (3 years, $45 million), Malcolm Brogdon (2 years, $40 million), Jonas Valančiūnas (2 years, $30 million)
Key Re-signings: Richaun Holmes (3 years, $28 million)
Key Departures: Deni Avdija (traded to Blazers), Tyus Jones (traded to Suns)
This offseason was packed with high-profile trades, big-money extensions, and strategic signings that have reshaped the NBA landscape. Teams that doubled down on their cores are eyeing championship contention, while others, in rebuild mode, acquired promising young talent to lay the foundation for the future. As the season approaches, the impact of these offseason moves will start to reveal itself, setting the stage for another dramatic and unpredictable NBA season. Stay tuned as these changes begin to take shape on the court!
