NBA Free Agency Did the Rockets Just Steal Kevin Durant?

2025 NBA Free Agency: Early Winners and Losers, Including the Rockets, Lakers, and a Pair of Former MVPs

The opening of the 2025 NBA free agency period was a mixed bag, with some teams making bold moves and others left scratching their heads. Let's dive into the early winners and losers from a night that, while not as explosive as some hoped, still provided plenty to talk about.

Houston Rockets: Soaring High After a Bold Offseason

The Houston Rockets have undoubtedly emerged as early winners. Their aggressive moves, starting with the trade for Kevin Durant on June 22nd, have signaled their intent to compete at the highest level.

• Acquisition of Kevin Durant: Traded Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and four second-round picks for the 15-time All-Star. Durant, despite turning 37 in September, averaged an impressive 27-6-4 on 53/43/84 shooting splits last season.
• Key Re-signings and Signings: Secured Jabari Smith Jr. for $122 million over five years, Steven Adams for $39 million over three years, and added Jeff Green, Aaron Holiday, and Jae'Sean Tate.
• Stealing Dorian Finney-Smith: Snagged Finney-Smith from the Lakers for $53 million over four years, adding a valuable 3-and-D wing.

The Rockets' moves aim to transform them from a team that lost in the first round of the playoffs to a legitimate championship contender. The acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, who shot over 40% from three-point range for the first time in his career, further bolsters their roster.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

The Milwaukee Bucks experienced a tumultuous start to free agency. The franchise initially seemed to falter, but managed to recover.

• Initial Concerns: The loss of Brook Lopez to the Clippers raised concerns about the team's frontcourt depth and Giannis's contentment.
• Redemption with Myles Turner: Signing Myles Turner from the Pacers was a game-changer. Turner, a stretch big and rim protector, provides a younger and dynamic replacement for Lopez.
• Damian Lillard's Departure: Waiving Damian Lillard due to injury and stretching his contract was a tough decision but necessary to create cap space for Turner.

While the departure of a future Hall of Famer like Damian Lillard is never easy, the Bucks have positioned themselves to remain competitive in a relatively weak Eastern Conference. The pairing of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner creates a formidable frontcourt that should excite Bucks fans.

Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets: Reloading for Another Run

The Denver Nuggets, led by the ever-dominant Nikola Jokić, are looking to bounce back after a second-round exit in the playoffs. Their moves in free agency suggest they are serious about contending again.

• Acquiring Cameron Johnson: Traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson, hoping to add consistency to their scoring and shooting.
• Bringing Back Bruce Brown: Adding Bruce Brown, a key contributor to their 2023 championship team, provides a boost to the second unit and an active cutter for Jokić.

Anytime Nikola Jokić gets new weapons, it's a win for the Nuggets. The addition of Johnson and the return of Brown provide Jokić with the support he needs to lead Denver on another deep playoff run.

Memphis Grizzlies: A Team in Transition

The Memphis Grizzlies made a flurry of moves, signaling a potential shift in their roster construction. They certainly did a lot of stuff!

• Extending Jaren Jackson Jr.: Agreed to renegotiate and extend Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract for five years and $240 million.
• Trading Desmond Bane: Sent Desmond Bane to Orlando for a pick-heavy return..
• Re-signing Santi Aldama and Signing Ty Jerome: Secured Santi Aldama and Ty Jerome, adding depth to their roster.

The Grizzlies' moves suggest they are preparing for a quick reconstruction of their roster. With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. as centerpieces, they could be a tough out in the Western Conference, provided they stay healthy.

Los Angeles Lakers: A Disappointing Start

The Los Angeles Lakers had a quiet and concerning start to free agency. Losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Rockets was a significant blow, and their biggest addition was Jake LaRavia.

Furthermore, LeBron James's agent, Rich Paul, made some interesting statements about LeBron's desire to compete for a championship while acknowledging the Lakers' focus on the future. This raises questions about LeBron's long-term commitment to the team and the Lakers' ability to build a contender around him.

The Lakers face an uphill battle to improve their roster and compete for a championship, especially with limited cap space and uncertainty surrounding LeBron's future.

Atlanta Hawks: Building a Fun and Competitive Team

The Atlanta Hawks continued their positive offseason by adding Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard. With Trae Young, Kristaps Porziņģis, and a host of talented wings, the Hawks are poised to be a fun and competitive team in the Eastern Conference.

The NBA: Is Free Agency Losing Its Luster?

The opening night of free agency was once a highly anticipated event, but it has lost some of its excitement in recent years. With limited cap space for most teams and the ability to negotiate with their own free agents before the official start of free agency, the breaking news stories have become fewer and farther between.

Dallas Mavericks: A Questionable Start to a New Era

The Dallas Mavericks' decision to sign D'Angelo Russell raises questions about their long-term vision, especially after drafting Cooper Flagg. It remains to be seen if Russell is the right fit alongside Flagg and the rest of the Mavericks' roster.

Good Dudes Get Paid: A Heartwarming Trend

It's always great to see players who are known for their hard work, dedication, and positive attitudes get rewarded with lucrative contracts. Shoutout to Luke Kornet and Kevon Looney, who have earned their success through hard work and perseverance.

Overall, the opening of 2025 NBA free agency provided a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the league. Some teams made bold moves, while others took a more cautious approach. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see which teams can build the rosters they need to compete for a championship.

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/2025-nba-free-agency-early-winners-and-losers-including-the-rockets-lakers-and-a-pair-of-former-mvps-040225004.html