The Thunder may hold the NBA’s crown now, but as they seek to go back-to-back in the 2025-26 season, the other 29 teams are already preparing for their attempt to dethrone OKC for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
NBA free agency officially begins on Monday, June 30, marking a tentpole event in the league’s offseason and the busiest window for player movement of entire summer. While the financial restraints of the current NBA have changed how teams pursue free agents and the amount of stars that actually hit the open market, there are still some intriguing names available this offseason.
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LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were among the superstars with player options, making their respective decisions prior to the official free-agent window. Other standout players, like Myles Turner and Jonathan Kuminga, are set to hit the open market if they don’t choose to sign extensions with their current teams.
Elsewhere, the NBA trade market is already piping hot. Kevin Durant, Jrue Holiday, C.J. McCollum and Desmond Bane are already among the list of players to reportedly be on the move, and there’s sure to be more fireworks on the player movement front as teams solidify their free agency plans.
As things get hectic in the NBA world on the first day of free agency, The Sporting News has you covered with all the latest news surrounding player signings and trades, including what you may have missed from earlier in the offseason.
JUMP TO: Latest NBA free agency news | Signings by team | Best still available
NBA free agency live news, updates on signings and trades
Trail Blazers, Deandre Ayton agree to buyout
Date: June 29
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Trail Blazers C Deandre Ayton is headed for free agency after agreeing to a contract buyout with Portland. The former No. 1 pick missed 69 games in his two seasons with the Blazers and wasn’t needed any longer with Donovan Clingan in the fold and Yang Hansen expected to come over to the NBA immediately. Ayton figures to command heavy interest from center-needy teams, given the thin free agent class.
Jabari Smith signs 5-year extension with Rockets
Date: June 29
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
The Rockets are signing F Jabari Smith to a five-year, $122 million extension, taking the former No. 3 pick’s contract through 2031. Smith is just becoming extension-eligible for the first time, and the Rockets are looking for him to make a leap in his fourth season after his production leveled out a bit in 2024-25.
Bobby Portis to sign new deal with Bucks
Date: June 29
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Bucks big man Bobby Portis reportedly agreed to a new three-year, $44 million deal to remain with the franchise, with a player option in 2027-28. Portis was set to hit free agency, but will now remain in Milwaukee after averaging 13.9 points per game last season.
James Harden agrees to extension with Clippers
Date: June 29
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
James Harden is set to decline his player option with the Clippers so he can sign a new two-year, $81.5 million contract extension with the franchise. The second year of the deal is a player option and partially guaranteed.
Harden has remained one of the game’s best offensive talents in his two seasons in LA, averaging 22.8 points and 8.7 assists per game last season. He’s now set to remain with the Clippers for at least the 2025-26 season, his age 36 campaign.
Thunder extend Ajay Mitchell
Date: June 29
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Oklahoma City extended another role player from its championship squad in Ajay Mitchell, signing the guard to a three-year, $9 million deal after declining his team option. As a second-round rookie last season, Mitchell averaged 6.5 points over 36 games.
Jazz send Collin Sexton to Charlotte, get Jusuf Nurkic in return
Date: June 29
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Utah is trading guard Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick to the Hornets in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic. Sexton, 26, averaged 18.4 points per game last season and has become one of the top bench scorers in the NBA, adding to Charlotte’s backcourt.
The Jazz get back Nurkic, a veteran center who averaged 8.9 points and 7.8 rebounds across 26 games last season.
Julius Randle agrees to three-year extension with Timberwolves
Date: June 29
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
The Timberwolves retained their second key frontcourt member of the offseason, agreeing to a new three-year, $100 million deal with Julius Randle that includes a player option in 2027-28.
Randle landed in Minnesota before the 2024-25 season via trade, and he became a solid second scoring option for the Timberwolves behind Anthony Edwards. Minnesota is set to keep its Edwards-Randle-Reid-Gobert core together for at least one more season, as it has locked up two of its key free agents now.
LeBron James opts into Lakers’ player option for 2025-26
Date: June 29
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Another big player-option domino fell before the deadline with the 40-year-old James opting into a player option for the first time of his storied career. Now, James is set to take on his $52.6 million price tag for 2025-26 in Los Angeles.
While the opt-in does leave the possibility of a trade open, James is currently locked into the Lakers’ cap sheet instead of opting out and signing a new deal. His agent, Rich Paul, said when the opt-in was announced that he and James “understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career.”
Jaylin Williams agrees to extension with Thunder
Date: June 29
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Oklahoma City retained a key bench piece in Jaylin Williams, who agreed to a new three-year, $24 million deal. The Thunder declined Williams’ team option to make the deal happen, and there will be a team option on the third year of the new extension.
Williams averaged 5.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Thunder in 2024-25.
Wizards acquire Dillon Jones and a second-round pick from Thunder
Date: June 28
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
The defending champion Thunder sent Dillon Jones and a second-round pick to the Wizards, who sent out Colby Jones to OKC. Jones is set to be released.
Garrett Temple set to return to Raptors on one-year deal
Date: June 28
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Entering his 16th NBA season, Garrett Temple agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal to return to Toronto.
Sam Merrill agrees to extension with Cavaliers
Date: June 28
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Sam Merril and the Cavaliers agreed to a four-year, $38 million extension. The former No. 60 overall pick has become a standout shooter for Cleveland, shooting 37.2 percent from deep last season.
Davion Mitchell agrees to extension with Heat
Date: June 28
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Standout defender Davion Mitchell re-signed with the Heat on a two-year, $24 million contract. The fully-guaranteed deal assures that Michell, who was set to be a restricted free agent, returns to Miami, where he averaged 10.3 points and 5.3 assists in 30 games last season.
Cavaliers and Bulls swap Isaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball
Date: June 28
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
In a rare player-for-player trade, Cleveland send Isaac Okoro to Chicago for Lonzo Ball. Ball, 27, averaged 7.6 points and 3.3 assists per game last season and will bring defensive playmaking and passing to the Cavaliers’ bench next season. Ball returned to the floor from a multi-year injury in 2024-25.
Meanwhile, the Bulls add a 3-and-D forward in Okoro.
Naz Reid signs five-year extension with Timberwolves
Date: June 27
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Minnesota’s former Sixth Man of the Year, Naz Reid, agreed to a five-year, $125 million deal to stay with the Timberwolves. Reid declined his player option for 2025-26 to sign the extension, avoiding free agency and remaining with the team he’s grown into an elite player with.
Reid averaged 14.2 points per game in 2024-25 and will remain a key member of Minnesota’s frontcourt.
76ers extend Justin Edwards on a three-year deal
Date: June 27
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Already a success story as an undrafted free agent in 2024, Justin Edwards agreed to a new three-year deal to stay with the 76ers. He had a team option for next season, but instead, Philadelphia will lock him into a longer-term contract, which has two guaranteed years and a $2 million tag for next season.
Although the 2024-25 season was one to forget for the 76ers, Edwards was a bright spot, averaging 10.1 points per game as an undrafted rookie.
Rockets to re-sign Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green
Date: June 27
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
In a rare report of three player signings in one, Houston is reportedly set to sign Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green to respective new contracts for 2025-26. All three were key members of a Rockets team that was the West’s No. 2 seed last season.
Hornets send center Mark Williams to Suns for draft capital
Date: June 25
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
On NBA Draft day, the Hornets agreed to send center Mark Williams to Phoenix in exchange for the No. 29 pick in the first round and a first-rounder in 2029, which is the least favorable of Cleveland, Utah, and Minnesota (1-5 protected).
While the Suns added more size with Williams alongside their No. 10 pick, Maluach, Charlotte got two first-round picks in exchange. The Hornets then took Liam McNeeley at No. 29.
Fred VanVleet signs two-year extension with Rockets
Date: June 25
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Fred VanVleet had a team option for 2025-26, but that will be declined so the guard can sign a new two-year, $50 million deal to remain in Houston.
The Rockets will retain VanVleet alongside their trade addition, Durant, with VanVleet also having a player option for the 2026-27 season.
Kyrie Irving opts out of player option, set to sign new extension with Mavericks
Date: June 24
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
While Kyrie Irving could have become one of the best players on the open market, he’s not going to become available. The currently-injured veteran guard opted out of his $43 million player option with the intentions of signing a new three-year, $119 million contract with the Mavericks.
With the deal set to take Irving through the 2027-28 season, he’ll remain in Dallas as he continues recovering from a torn ACL into next season.
Three-team trade sends Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta, Georges Niang to Boston and No. 22 pick to Brooklyn
Date: June 24
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
The Celtics’ second cap-cutting move of the offseason was sending out their top big man, Kristaps Porzingis. As the Hawks landed Porzingis to pair with Trae Young and some young pieces, plus two second-rounders, the Celtics received Georges Niang and a second-round pick, while the Nets acquired Terance Mann and the No. 22 pick in this year’s draft, which became Drake Powell.
Once again, Boston flipped a key player in its starting lineup primarily for financial reasons, with the Hawks taking advantage and adding a dynamic player to their frontcourt. Brooklyn capitalized on the deal by landing a first-round pick, which it used on Powell soon after.
Pelicans trade C.J. McCollum-centered package to Wizards, land Jordan Poole and more
Date: June 24
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Another early offseason trade came before the draft, with New Orleans sending C.J. McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to Washington in exchange for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the 40th pick in the 2025 draft, which became Micah Peavy.
While the Wizards added a veteran guard on an expiring contract with McCollum, New Orleans got a bit younger with Poole, who is under contract for two more seasons.
Celtics send Jrue Holiday to Portland for Anfernee Simons, second-rounders
Date: June 23
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
The Celtics were highly expected to shed salary this offseason, and their first step toward that goal came in flipping veteran guard Jrue Holiday. The Trail Blazers landed Holiday while sending out a strong scorer in Simons, plus two second-round picks.
Money was a key part of this deal, as Holiday is owed around $72 million in 2026-27 and 2027-28, assuming he exercises his 2027 player option. Boston was seeking to avoid the second apron this offseason; Holiday was the team’s first financial victim, with Portland taking a swing on the veteran’s defensive chops and leadership meshing with its younger roster.
Meanwhile, the Celtics added a player in Simons who can help fill a scoring void in 2025-26 as Jayson Tatum recovers from his long-term injury.
Daniel Gafford signs extension with Mavericks
Date: June 23
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Dallas agreed to three-year contract extension worth nearly $60 million with one of its centers, Daniel Gafford.
Gafford first joined the Mavericks via trade two seasons ago, and he’s been one of the NBA’s most efficient players since. The 26-year-old averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in 2024-25, and he’s now set to stick around with a lengthy Dallas team that includes Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II and Cooper Flagg.
Rockets land Kevin Durant from Suns for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and draft capital
Date: June 22
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
The first domino of the NBA offseason fell before the Finals even ended, with the Rockets and Suns reportedly agreeing to a trade involving veteran superstar Kevin Durant.
With Durant highly expected to be traded this offseason, Houston won the sweepstakes, sending back Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft (Khaman Maluach) and five second-round picks.
As Durant, 36, joins the West’s No. 2 seed last season and a strong young core including Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, Phoenix adds a growing star in Green, a new first-round rookie, picks and some cap relief.
MORE: A guide to how NBA free agency works
NBA free agent signings by team
Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
Charlotte Hornets
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets
Detroit Pistons
Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Pelicans
New York Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers
Phoenix Suns
Portland Trail Blazers
Sacramento Kings
San Antonio Spurs
Toronto Raptors
Utah Jazz
Washington Wizards
Best NBA free agents available
Here is a list of the top 30 NBA free agents available by position, as ranked by SN’s Stephen Noh:
1. LeBron James, Lakers | Status: Player option (re-signed)
2. James Harden, Clippers | Status: Player option (re-signed)
3. Kyrie Irving, Mavericks | Status: Player option (re-signed)
4. Julius Randle, Timberwolves | Status: Player option (re-signed)
5. Naz Reid, Timberwolves | Status: Player option (re-signed)
6. Fred VanVleet, Rockets | Status: Team option (re-signed)
7. Myles Turner, Pacers | Status: Unrestricted free agent
8. Josh Giddey, Bulls | Status: Restricted free agent
9. Quentin Grimes, Sixers | Status: Restricted free agent
10. Dorian Finney-Smith, Lakers | Status: Player option
11. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Timberwolves | Status: Unrestricted free agent
12. Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors | Status: Restricted free agent
13. Santi Aldama, Grizzlies | Status: Restricted free agent
14. Cam Thomas, Nets | Status: Restricted free agent
15. Malik Beasley, Pistons | Status: Unrestricted free agent
16. Keon Ellis, Kings | Status: Restricted free agent (re-signed)
17. John Collins, Jazz | Status: Player option
18. Brook Lopez, Bucks | Status: Unrestricted free agent
19. Al Horford, Celtics | Status: Unrestricted free agent
20. Deandre Ayton, Blazers | Status: Unrestricted free agent
21. Chris Paul, Spurs | Status: Unrestricted free agent
22. Khris Middleton, Wizards | Status: Player option (re-signed)
23. Kelly Oubre, Sixers | Status: Player option (re-signed)
24. D’Angelo Russell, Nets | Status: Unrestricted free agent
25. Bobby Portis, Bucks | Status: Player option (re-signed)
26. Caris LeVert, Hawks | Status: Unrestricted free agent
27. Clint Capela, Hawks | Status: Unrestricted free agent
28. Ben Simmons, Clippers | Status: Unrestricted free agent
29. Tyus Jones, Suns | Status: Unrestricted free agent
30. Malcolm Brogdon, Wizards | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Best of the rest: Ty Jerome, Tre Jones, Kevin Porter Jr, Bruce Brown, Duncan Robinson, Gary Trent Jr., Luke Kennard, Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, Luke Kornet, Jake LaRavia
