The NBA offseason has once again proven to be a whirlwind of trades, signings, and extensions, reshaping the landscape of the league. From blockbuster trades to monumental contract extensions, several teams have made significant moves in hopes of contending for the championship.
76ers Make Major Moves
The Philadelphia 76ers have been particularly active, acquiring superstar Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers. This acquisition came after the Clippers decided against offering George a four-year max contract. The 76ers further bolstered their roster by signing Tyrese Maxey to a $204 million extension, adding depth with veterans Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond, and re-signing Kelly Oubre. With this reconstructed lineup, Philadelphia appears poised for a strong playoff run.
Clippers Shuffle Their Deck
Meanwhile, the Clippers have not sat idle. In a multi-faceted strategy, they acquired Derrick Jones Jr., Nic Batum, Kevin Porter, Kris Dunn, and Mo Bamba. To compensate for the loss of Paul George, they brought in James Harden on a two-year, $70 million deal. This revamping of their roster is designed to keep the Clippers competitive in the tough Western Conference.
Knicks and Thunder Trade Assets
The New York Knicks were also busy, securing Mikal Bridges while sending Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder, for their part, acquired both Hartenstein and Alex Caruso to fortify their squad. However, they parted ways with young talent Josh Giddey, who now joins the Chicago Bulls.
Mavericks Welcome Thompson
In a noteworthy transaction, the Dallas Mavericks signed Klay Thompson to a three-year, $50 million contract after he reportedly felt slighted by the Golden State Warriors, who offered a lesser two-year, $48 million deal. "Thompson feels slighted by the Warriors, and he ends up taking less money on an annual basis from the Mavericks," according to sources close to the player. In pursuit of bolstering their roster, the Mavericks also traded Josh Green and Tim Hardaway Jr. for Thompson, and added Naji Marshall in exchange for Derrick Jones Jr.
Contracts and Extensions
The offseason also witnessed several substantial contract extensions. Donovan Mitchell committed to a three-year, $150.3 million extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In Boston, Jayson Tatum agreed to a five-year, $315 million contract extension. The Detroit Pistons ensured their young star, Cade Cunningham, stays put with a $226 million, five-year max rookie extension. Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors secured a potential $270 million, five-year deal, while the Raptors also inked Immanuel Quickley to a five-year, $175 million contract.
Pelicans Gain Murray
The New Orleans Pelicans made a significant move by acquiring Dejounte Murray. To land Murray, they traded Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, and two first-round picks in 2025 and 2027. This trade signifies the Pelicans' intent to build around a core that can compete in the near future.
Nets and Spurs Enhance Future Prospects
The Brooklyn Nets' strategic maneuvers included receiving nine first-round picks in exchange for Kevin Durant and regaining control of their 2025 and 2026 first-round picks. These assets will be pivotal as they look to rebuild and maintain a competitive edge. The San Antonio Spurs, meanwhile, signed veteran Chris Paul to an $11 million deal and acquired the rights to Stephon Castle. They also traded Rob Dillingham to the Timberwolves for a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 protected first-round swap, eyeing long-term prospects.
Magic Secure Roster Stability
Lastly, the Orlando Magic made key moves to solidify their roster by signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a three-year, $66 million deal and extending Jonathan Isaac with a five-year, $84 million contract.
These dynamic changes across various teams have set the stage for an exhilarating upcoming NBA season. Each franchise has either fortified their chances of success in the playoffs or laid the groundwork for future glory, reflecting the high stakes and strategic depth that characterize the league.