The NBA offseason this year unfolded rapidly, starting even before the NBA Finals concluded, marked by Kevin Durant’s trade. Numerous transactions surrounded the draft, followed by potential signees like LeBron James re-signing alongside stars such as James Harden and Kyrie Irving. The free agency period kicked off with swift moves, including T. abandoning Damian Lillard to clear space for signing Myles Turner. Although some roster changes continue, the major shifts are mostly settled. Let’s analyze who came out on top and who lagged behind in this offseason and free agency.
Top Performer: Houston Rockets
The Rockets made a significant splash by acquiring Kevin Durant, trading Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks for a valuable first-round pick and five seconds. Observers of their playoff performance understood the team needed both veteran expertise and additional offensive firepower. Durant brings unparalleled skill in pressuring defenses. Beyond that, Houston also secured Dorian Finney-Smith on a four-year, $53 million deal, a strong defender and more reliable than Brooks. They signed Clint Capela as a backup center, re-signed Fred VanVleet, extended Jabari Smith Jr., and retained Jeenah, Aaron Holiday, and Jeff Green. The Rockets now appear as legitimate championship contenders, capable of challenging teams like Oklahoma City—an ideal outcome of an offseason.
Top Performer: Atlanta Hawks
Kudos to new GM Onsi Saleh, who orchestrated a remarkable offseason for the Hawks, though fans may now anxiously hope for ownership support. Building around a defensively limited small point guard is tricky, but they cleverly added an elite rim protector, Kristaps Porziņģis, via a smart Boston fire sale. The Hawks also brought in Minnesota’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker, plus Dyson Daniels for a formidable defensive wing combination and boosted shooting with Luke Kennard. During the draft, they traded down from 13th to 23rd, gaining an unprotected first-round pick in 2026—potentially very valuable. This sets the Hawks on a promising path to rise into the Eastern Conference’s top four teams, a clear offseason win.
Biggest Disappointment: New Orleans Pelicans
What is the Pelicans’ actual plan? They deserve credit for retaining Zion Williamson, avoiding lowball trade offers, and drafting promising players like Jaden Ivey at No. 7 and Derrick Queen at No. 13. However, the franchise struggles with direction under Joe Dumars, and their gamble by trading away a 2026 unprotected first-round pick feels costly given their 21-61 record and the deep talent pool in the Western Conference. This loss leaves questions hanging over their future.
Top Performer: Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets, who pushed Oklahoma City to seven games in the playoffs, were closer to reclaiming the title than many supposed. They needed more depth, shooting, and defense, and addressed this by trading Michael Porter Jr. for Brooklyn’s Cameron Johnson, known for strong defense and smarter play. Denver re-signed Bruce Brown Jr. and acquired Jonas Valanciunas as a backup center, although his future with the team is uncertain as he may return to Europe. If Valanciunas stays, adding better shooters and defenders around joker Julian Strasuer could transform Denver from a contender to a true title threat.
Biggest Disappointment: Indiana Pacers
After Tyrese Halliburton’s Achilles injury in Game 7, the Pacers faced setbacks. Ownership made things worse by letting go of Myles Turner when they thought about paying luxury taxes to retain him. Turner left without compensation after the team offered a lowball contract, reducing Indiana’s roster strength. Though the team still has time to rebuild during Halliburton’s recovery, the season risks becoming an outlier flop.
Top Performer: Orlando Magic
Orlando made a shrewd move by acquiring Desmond Bane, boosting their offense with a sharpshooting guard to complement their defensive core and star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Bane’s 41% three-point shooting and playmaking skills address the Magic’s past issues with guard shooting, while adding Tyus Jones as backup point guard strengthens their depth.
Mixed Outcome: Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee’s offseason is puzzling. They made no bold moves to acquire Turner, possibly content with the current roster. While Giannis Antetokounmpo’s elite play can carry them into deep playoff runs, the team lacks another strong guard or wing shot creator to compete with top Eastern rivals like Cleveland and New York. Their long-term outlook is complicated by dead money from the Lillard trade and no first-round picks until 2031. For now, the Bucks remain competitive as long as Giannis stays happy.
Fan Take:
This NBA offseason was pivotal, reshaping team dynamics and title chances across the league. Fans should watch closely as new signings and strategic trades could dramatically alter the competitive landscape and style of play in the upcoming season. The moves made now might decide not only immediate success but also the future direction of franchises for years to come.
