The period for NBA teams and players to negotiate contracts has commenced. As of Monday evening, players gained the lawful ability to engage in contract discussions with various teams within the association, signaling the start of what is expected to be a bustling week of transactions. The most remarkable development in the opening phase of unrestricted free agency occurred Tuesday morning when the Bucks announced their agreement to terms with center Myles Turner, who throughout his tenure had only been associated with the Pacers, on a contract spanning four years. How did Milwaukee create the financial flexibility necessary to execute this unexpected acquisition? Through the decision to release Damian Lillard (while also extending the payment schedule of his prior contract), a maneuver that essentially renders the nine-time All-Star an unrestricted free agent.
Wednesday’s most prominent transaction centered around the Lakers. Reports indicate that Los Angeles secured an agreement with former first-overall selection Deandre Ayton, subsequent to Ayton’s contract buyout by the Portland Trail Blazers this past Sunday. Ayton is now poised to collaborate with Luka Dončić and LeBron James in Los Angeles, thereby furnishing the Lakers with an essential presence in the frontcourt. On Thursday, according to information from ESPN, the Lakers augmented their center depth by reaching an agreement to bring back Jaxson Hayes on a one-year arrangement.
Since the commencement of the free agency window, the Nuggets, Hawks, and Rockets have emerged as particularly active participants. The Nuggets bolstered their roster through the acquisition of Cam Johnson via trade (involving a transaction with the Nets for Michael Porter Jr.) and secured the services of Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. through free agency. The Hawks’ activity during the summer extended to the additions of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, whereas the Rockets are poised to formalize the signings of Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela following the acquisition of Kevin Durant in a trade conducted less than two weeks prior.
The upcoming pool of NBA free agents for the year 2025 is not expected to showcase an abundance of top-tier talent. A significant number of high-profile individuals who had the potential to enter the open market opted to remain with their existing teams, bypassing the opportunity to explore alternative options. LeBron James, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Fred VanVleet have each consented to contract extensions for the 2025-26 season with their respective current teams. James exercised his player option worth $52.6 million for the 2025-26 season with the Lakers. Nevertheless, the NBA luminary is anticipated to continue being the subject of discourse surrounding potential trades, particularly in light of remarks made by his agent, Rich Paul, to ESPN, stating that LeBron’s representatives will “assess what is in LeBron’s best interests at this juncture in his life and career.” Therefore, LeBron may still be involved in a change of scenery, albeit not through the process of free agency.
Given the reduction in available marquee players, the question arises as to who remains as a free agent? Among the more notable players still seeking opportunities in the market as of Tuesday night are Jonathan Kuminga, a wing player for the Warriors, Josh Giddey, a guard for the Bulls, and Al Horford, a frontcourt player for the Celtics. Additionally, established veterans such as Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook are also in search of new teams.
CBS Sports will diligently monitor the progression of events throughout the NBA free agency period, delivering comprehensive updates on all noteworthy player transactions in our NBA free agency tracker featured below.
