Santi Aldama (Memphis Grizzlies)
July 1, 2025
Restricted free agent Santi Aldama has agreed to a three-year, $52.5 million deal to remain with the Memphis Grizzlies after a breakout season, averaging 12.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
The deal was negotiated by CAA agents and finalized Monday night. Aldama’s shooting and versatility made him a key piece for Memphis. The Grizzlies see him as a long-term contributor in their rotation.
James Harden (LA Clippers)
June 2025
James Harden will decline his $36.3M player option and re-sign with the Clippers on a two-year, $81.5M contract. The deal includes a player option and partial guarantee for Year 2, aligning his timeline with Kawhi Leonard.
Harden’s All-NBA season — featuring 22.8 PPG, 8.7 APG, and 129 step-back threes — helped the Clippers outperform expectations. His leadership and high availability made him the Clippers’ top priority, and the new contract keeps them competitive with mid-level exception flexibility.
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
June 2025
LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, confirming he’ll return for a record-setting 23rd NBA campaign. He remains focused on contending for a fifth championship before deciding on retirement.
Despite past speculation about his future and retirement hints, LeBron’s agent Rich Paul confirmed his intent to stay with L.A. He will monitor the Lakers’ offseason moves closely, especially as the team seeks a new center to fill gaps exposed in their playoff loss.
Lonzo Ball (Chicago Bulls), Isaac Okoro (Cleveland Cavaliers)
June 2025
The Cavaliers have acquired Lonzo Ball from the Bulls in exchange for 3-and-D forward Isaac Okoro. Ball, 27, averaged 7.6 points this season after a multi-year knee recovery.
Ball joins Cleveland as a fast-paced, defensive guard amid Garland’s injury and cap constraints. His $20M deal fits within budget, while Chicago gains a younger wing in Okoro for their rebuild.
Naz Reid (Minnesota Timberwolves)
June 2025
Naz Reid has agreed to a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Timberwolves, including a player option for 2029–30. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year opted to stay despite outside offers for starting roles.
Reid declined his $15M player option to secure a longer-term deal. He averaged 14.2 points last season and remains a key stretch big man for Minnesota, helping drive their back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances with elite 3-point shooting.
Phoenix Suns
June 2025
The Phoenix Suns have acquired 7-foot centers Mark Williams and Khaman Maluach in separate trade deals. The moves aim to reinforce their frontcourt, especially after trading Kevin Durant. Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks also join Phoenix.
Phoenix sent pick No. 29 and a 2029 first-rounder to Charlotte for Williams, who previously failed a Lakers move due to medicals. Maluach, plus Green and Brooks, arrived from Houston as part of the Durant deal.
Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz)
June 2025
The Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey fifth overall in the NBA Draft despite signals that his camp preferred another team. Bailey didn’t work out with Utah, and speculation suggested he wanted to join Washington at No. 6.
Utah defied draft-day expectations, believing in Bailey’s all-around game and character. Team president Austin Ainge praised Bailey’s scoring, rebounding, and defensive energy, confirming positive internal and external scouting reports ahead of a potentially franchise-shaping season.
Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets)
June 2025
Fred VanVleet will stay with Houston on a two-year, $50M deal with a 2026–27 player option. The Rockets declined his $44.9M team option to re-sign him under new terms that offer greater cap flexibility.
VanVleet’s playoff leadership and consistency in Houston’s resurgence were key to the deal. Both sides expect the partnership to continue beyond the two-year agreement as the Rockets build around Kevin Durant and coach Ime Udoka’s long-term vision.
CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk (New Orleans Pelicans) Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey (Washington Wizards)
June 2025
The Pelicans are sending McCollum, Olynyk and a future second-round pick to the Wizards for Poole, Bey, and the No. 40 pick in the NBA Draft.
Washington gains veteran leadership and clears cap space for 2026. New Orleans adds youth and flexibility while holding the No. 7 and No. 23 picks. Poole averaged 20.5 PPG last season.
Khris Middleton (Washington Wizards)
June 2025
Khris Middleton has exercised his $33.3 million player option for the 2025–26 season, confirming his return to the Washington Wizards for a second year following his trade from Milwaukee.
Despite injury setbacks, the veteran remains a reliable scorer and playmaker. He averaged 19 points and 6.4 assists per 36 minutes last season, with a 58.8 true shooting percentage—third-best of his career.
