Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
August 2025
Doncic signed a three-year, $165M max extension with the Lakers, urging the team to act fast in building a contender after tasting the Finals. The 26-year-old told Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick he’s not willing to wait for a rebuild, aiming to end the Lakers’ five-year title drought and usher in a new championship era.
Myles Turner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaren Jackson Jr., James Harden, LeBron James
August 2025
NBA free agency has opened with major signings including Myles Turner joining the Bucks, Harden re-signing with the Clippers, and max deals for SGA and JJJ. LeBron opted into a $52.6M deal with the Lakers. Turner leaves Indiana for Milwaukee after their East Finals run. Harden stays in LA on a two-year deal, while OKC and Memphis lock in their stars. LeBron’s player option keeps him in LA through at least one more season.
De’Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs)
August 2025
San Antonio have extended De’Aaron Fox despite drafting Dylan Harper at No. 2 overall, creating a potential long-term point guard logjam due to both players’ poor off-ball shooting. Fox arrived in a high-profile trade and signaled willingness to stay, prompting the extension despite his declining 3-point shooting (31% last season). Spurs passed on alternatives like 2026 cap space, banking on short-term gains and playoff contention with Victor Wembanyama.
Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
August 2025
Luka Doncic has signed a three-year, $165 million max extension with the Lakers, locking in through 2028 with a player option. He bypassed 2026 free agency, solidifying his future with the franchise. After averaging 28.2 points last season, Doncic expressed his desire to win titles and earn his place among Laker greats. The Slovenian star has shown renewed commitment through offseason conditioning and helped recruit Ayton and Smart.
Mikal Bridges (New York Knicks)
July 2025
Mikal Bridges has signed a four-year, $150 million extension with the Knicks, choosing long-term team stability over a potential $156M+ deal by waiting until 2026. He remains under contract through the 2028-29 season. Bridges, acquired for five first-round picks, took a slightly reduced deal to keep cap flexibility. Known as the NBA’s “iron man,” he’s played every game of his career and averaged 17.6 PPG last season while anchoring the Knicks’ defense.
Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)
July 2025
Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga has rejected Golden State’s latest contract offer, prolonging a tense standoff. He’s exploring sign-and-trade options while keeping Golden State’s $7.9M qualifying offer open as leverage for long-term control and starter guarantees.
Kuminga seeks a featured role, which Phoenix and Sacramento have pitched. The Warriors demand a young player and a first-round pick—terms Phoenix can’t match. Golden State’s offseason plans, including targets like Al Horford and Seth Curry, remain stalled until the situation resolves.
Doug McDermott (Sacramento Kings)
July 2025
Doug McDermott has agreed to a guaranteed one-year, $3.6 million deal to return to the Sacramento Kings. Entering his 12th NBA season, the sharpshooter rejoins after shooting nearly 44% from three across 42 games with the Kings last season. This marks his second stint with the franchise.
McDermott’s return was confirmed by Priority Sports agents Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman. Known for his elite 3-point shooting (career 41.1%), he provides reliable perimeter depth. Sacramento valued his floor spacing and experience after using him on a similar one-year deal last season. This will be his eighth NBA team.
Marcus Smart (Washington Wizards > Los Angeles Lakers)
July 2025
Marcus Smart has agreed to a buyout with the Wizards and will sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers, including a 2026 player option. He rejoins a playoff-caliber roster after two injury-hit seasons.
Luka Doncic personally recruited Smart to the Lakers, who prioritized a defensive guard after losing Dorian Finney-Smith. The Lakers will waive Shake Milton to open a roster spot for Smart, filling a critical defensive gap.
Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks > Portland Trail Blazers)
July 2025
Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers, which includes a no-trade clause and a player option for 2027-28. The reunion comes after his short stint with the Bucks.
Lillard became a surprise free agent after being waived by Milwaukee on July 7. Despite a torn Achilles set to sideline him next season, Portland moved quickly to bring back their franchise icon for his 14th NBA year.
Bradley Beal (Phoenix Suns > LA Clippers)
July 2025
Three-time All-Star Bradley Beal has agreed to a buyout with the Suns and will join the Clippers on a two-year, $11 million deal with a 2026–27 player option, pending waivers clearance.
Beal gave back $13.9M of his contract to leave Phoenix and chose LA for basketball fit and contender status. He’ll replace Norman Powell and join Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in the Clippers’ new core.
