The 2025 NBA free agency period kicked off with a flurry of activity, marking a pivotal moment for teams looking to reshape their rosters. Among the early winners are the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets, each making strategic moves that could redefine their upcoming seasons. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA itself faced challenges that highlight the complexities of the modern free agency landscape.
Houston Rockets: A Bold Move for Contention
The Houston Rockets made headlines with their aggressive approach, highlighted by the acquisition of Kevin Durant. On June 22, the Rockets traded Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and four second-round picks to secure the 15-time All-Star at a discount. Despite Durant’s age, turning 37 in September, his performance last season—averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists on impressive shooting splits—suggests he still has plenty to offer.
Houston’s ambition doesn’t stop there. The team declined Fred VanVleet’s $45 million option, opting instead for a two-year, $50 million deal. Additionally, they invested $122 million over five years in Jabari Smith Jr., $39 million over three years in Steven Adams, and $10 million combined next season on Jeff Green, Aaron Holiday, and Jae’Sean Tate. Head coach Ime Udoka also received a contract extension, signaling the team’s commitment to a championship pursuit.
The Rockets further solidified their roster by signing Dorian Finney-Smith from the Los Angeles Lakers for $53 million over four years. Finney-Smith’s defensive prowess and improved shooting make him a valuable addition. However, the acquisition of Clint Capela from the Atlanta Hawks for $21.5 million over three years raises questions about roster fit, given the presence of Adams and Alperen Şengün.
Milwaukee Bucks: Navigating Challenges with Strategic Acquisitions
The Milwaukee Bucks faced uncertainty as the NBA Draft unfolded, with Giannis Antetokounmpo closely monitoring roster changes. The departure of center Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $18 million deal left a void. Lopez’s contributions to Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run were significant, and his absence was felt.
However, the Bucks quickly rebounded by signing Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. Turner’s youth and ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim make him an ideal replacement for Lopez. The move required the Bucks to stretch Damian Lillard’s $113 million contract and waive the injured nine-time All-Star, a decision that, while tough, positions the team for future success.
“The Bucks are better today than they were yesterday,” a sentiment that Milwaukee hopes will resonate with Antetokounmpo as they aim to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Denver Nuggets: Strengthening Around Nikola Jokić
The Denver Nuggets, driven by the brilliance of Nikola Jokić, made significant strides in free agency. Despite a challenging playoff run, the Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson’s consistency and comparable stats to Porter make him a valuable addition.
Moreover, the return of Bruce Brown, a key player in their 2023 championship push, further bolsters the Nuggets’ roster. Brown’s energy and ability to complement Jokić’s playmaking skills make his veteran minimum signing a strategic win for Denver.
Los Angeles Lakers: Facing Uncertainty
The Los Angeles Lakers, on the other hand, grappled with challenges. The loss of Dorian Finney-Smith to the Rockets was a significant blow. Their major acquisition, Jake LaRavia, on a two-year, $12 million deal, did little to excite fans.
Compounding the uncertainty is LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul’s statement about James’ future with the Lakers. The $52.6 million salary for the 40-year-old superstar limits the team’s flexibility, raising questions about their ability to build a championship contender around him.
The NBA’s Free Agency Landscape
Overall, the opening night of free agency lacked the excitement of previous years. The introduction of the second apron and pre-agency negotiations with existing players diluted the drama. Only the Brooklyn Nets had significant cap space, yet they chose to focus on acquiring draft capital rather than making major signings.
As teams navigate the complexities of free agency, the winners and losers of this period will shape the upcoming NBA season. The Rockets, Bucks, and Nuggets have positioned themselves for success, while the Lakers and the league itself face challenges that require strategic navigation.
