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Welcome to NBA Free Agency, a time when fans from almost every team are filled with hope and anticipation for the upcoming season. However, not all fans have reason to be optimistic; some teams faced setbacks, while for others, the path to championship contention remains uncertain.
Early winners and losers have emerged from this hectic period.
Winner: Houston Rockets
The Rockets made a major splash by acquiring 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant on June 22nd and boosted their squad with numerous smart moves. They signed Dorian Finney-Smith from the Los Angeles Lakers to a four-year, $53 million deal and re-signed Fred VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million contract. Additionally, they extended Jabari Smith Jr. for five years at $122 million and brought back Clint Capela on a three-year, $21.5 million deal. After a strong playoff showing last season, the Rockets look like serious championship contenders with a deeper roster on both ends of the floor.
Loser: Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option but suggested via his agent, Rich Paul, that the Lakers need to improve their roster. Their biggest acquisition was Jake LaRavia, which fans see as underwhelming. The Lakers lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Rockets and saw Brook Lopez sign with the LA Clippers. James’ large salary restricts the team’s ability to build around young star Luka Dončić, while GM Rob Pelinka faces increased pressure to address roster gaps, especially at center.
Loser: Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks decided to part ways with Damian Lillard, who suffered a torn Achilles, and used his remaining $113 million salary to sign center Myles Turner. The Bucks appear committed to keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, with GM Jon Horst known for making big moves to satisfy him, like acquiring Jrue Holiday and signing expensive contracts. Turner, a younger three-point shooting and shot-blocking center, may not be enough to convince Antetokounmpo to stay, especially after losing Lopez and not building a substantial supporting cast. The Bucks might regret letting Lillard, a two-time All-Star with the team, walk away.
Winner: Damian Lillard
Despite his Achilles injury, Lillard benefits from being paid his full salary and can rehabilitate near his Portland home, close to family. After a challenging couple of seasons marked by his trade request and dissatisfaction, Lillard now regains control over his future and career choices.
Winner: Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks boosted their roster by acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis via a three-team trade involving a 2026 first-round pick. They also gained unprotected 2026 draft picks from Milwaukee or New Orleans, signed shooter Luke Kennard, and added defensive player Nickeil Alexander-Walker. With Trae Young’s scoring and Dyson Daniels’ defense, the Hawks may become a much stronger team.
Loser: Indiana Pacers
Following an astonishing NBA Finals run, the Pacers face a tough next season. Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury sidelines him for 2025-26, and the Pacers offered a low salary to Myles Turner, who preferred to join Milwaukee. This setback marks a disappointing shift for a franchise that came very close to winning their first title.
Winner: Denver Nuggets
Denver traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson’s 2032 unprotected first-round pick and signed Bruce Brown, a strong defender from their 2023 championship team. They also swapped Dario Šarić for Jonas Valančiūnas and added Tim Hardaway Jr., making their roster deeper and more balanced with decisive front-office moves.
Loser: Miami Heat
Despite President Pat Riley’s promises of change after a first-round playoff exit, the Heat have made few impactful moves. They acquired Simone Fontecchio from Detroit in a sign-and-trade and drafted Kasparas Jakucionis, but more aggressive free-agent moves are needed if Miami wants to remain competitive.
Melissa Rohlin is a Fox Sports NBA writer, formerly covering the league for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, Bay Area News Group, and San Antonio Express-News. Follow her on Twitter @melissarohlin.
Fan Take:
This free agency period has dramatically shifted the NBA landscape, with some teams positioning themselves as new powerhouses while others face tough rebuilding challenges. Basketball fans should watch closely how these roster changes impact team chemistry and competition, as the upcoming season promises fresh rivalries and unexpected breakthroughs.
