2025 NBA Offseason Buzz: 4 Groups Have Inquired About LeBron James

The NBA offseason has begun, and with that comes drama and buzz in regards to the futures of one of the best free brokers and potential commerce targets. 

We have got you lined, monitoring all of the rumors from in and across the league:

July 12

4 groups have contacted LeBron James’ agent, Wealthy Paul of Klutch Sports activities, about the potential for buying and selling for him, based on a report from ESPN on Saturday. The 40-year-old Lakers star opted into his $52.6 million participant choice with the workforce in June and neither sides have mentioned a contract extension, main many to consider that James’ time in Los Angeles is nearing an finish.

James averaged 25.7 factors, 8.3 assists, and seven.3 rebounds in 71 video games for the Lakers final season. He is at the moment set to turn into an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer time.

July 10

There’s nonetheless an air of uncertainty round Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks, however he made one factor sure: he will not be taking his abilities to the Huge Apple. 

Antetokounmpo mentioned the potential for residing and enjoying in New York throughout a stream with well-liked web character IShowSpeed. “Lots of people have tried to persuade me to play [in New York], however nah,” Antetokounmpo mentioned, additional making it identified that he would not play for the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets. Antetokounmpo was requested if that meant he’d be remaining with the Bucks. “We’ll see,” he replied. “Most likely, I like Milwaukee.”

Although Antetokounmpo’s identify has been concerned in commerce rumors because the Bucks’ first-round playoff exit, he has been comparatively silent about his future in Milwaukee. He reportedly hasn’t requested a commerce, however ESPN reported in Might that Antetokounmpo was extra open to the thought of probably transferring on from Milwaukee than he was prior to now.

The Bucks have been arguably among the many extra aggressive groups within the first week of free company. They surprisingly signed former Indiana Pacers heart Myles Turner to a four-year deal. In one other surprising transfer, they waived-and-stretched All-Star guard Damian Lillard to make the deal occur, forcing them to tackle the remaining $112 million on his contract. Antetokounmpo, 30, is beneath contract by the tip of the 2027-28 season, however he can decide out of his deal following the 2026-27 season.

July 8

Nikola Jokić not signing contract extension

Jokić has reportedly knowledgeable the Denver Nuggets that he will not signal a contract extension this offseason. Jokić, a three-time MVP, was eligible so as to add three years at $212 million to his pre-existing contract, which has two years left at $106 million. It is doubtless that Jokić is selecting to place off signing an extension with the Nuggets till after this season, as a result of if he waits till the 2026 offseason he can signal a deal wherein he’d earn a further $80 million. Nevertheless, it is alarming as there was some rumbling in regards to the Nuggets’ willingness to commerce Jokić if it helped them keep away from the second tax apron, and it is essential they lock up arguably the game’s finest participant on a longer-term deal.

July 6

Paul mentioned he’d play “on the most, a yr” extra within the NBA and cited desirous to spend extra time together with his household and youngsters as his reasoning for nearing retirement. Paul, who began all 82 video games for the San Antonio Spurs throughout his twentieth season, is at the moment an unrestricted free agent. He has obtained curiosity from a number of NBA groups, together with the Dallas Mavericks, LA Clippers and Phoenix Suns. He might be a part of a kind of groups or go to a different suitor within the close to future and play out the ultimate yr of his profession. It is also doable he retires earlier than the beginning of his twenty first NBA season. 

The Suns are anticipated to buyout Beal’s contract within the coming days. The reported particulars of the buyout would value Beal $13.9 million of his remaining $110.8 million deal. It might then clear the way in which for the Suns to waive Beal and stretch the remaining $96.9 million over the subsequent 5 years and outcome within the workforce ducking each tax aprons. As soon as Beal clears waivers, potential suitors that might decide him up embody the Clippers and the Miami Warmth. 

July 2

Lillard was waived by the Bucks and already has groups lining as much as purchase his providers regardless of being set to overlook everything of the 2025-26 NBA season with an Achilles damage. Contenders such because the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors are among the many groups excited by bringing within the veteran level guard as soon as he clears waivers. Lillard, who turns 35 on July 15, is a nine-time All-Star coming off his fourth straight All-Star season. Throughout his two seasons in Milwaukee, whom he joined in a commerce after 11 years in Portland, he averaged 24.6 factors and 7 assists per sport. Nevertheless, he wasn’t capable of make a lot of an affect on every of their postseason runs, as he handled a strained Achilles throughout the 2024 playoffs and returned from deep vein thrombosis halfway by the Bucks’ first-round sequence within the 2025 playoffs. He then sustained a torn Achilles within the elimination Sport 5 in opposition to the Pacers this season.

June 30

Clarkson and the Utah Jazz are reportedly finalizing a contract buyout. Clarkson, who’s heading into his twelfth NBA season, was set to make $14.3 million. Now, he’ll head to the open market and be one of many prime unrestricted free brokers in a reasonably weak 2025 class. Clarkson, who received the NBA Sixth Man of the Yr award in 2020-2021, averaged 16.2 factors per sport and three.7 assists, whereas taking pictures a career-low 40.8% from the sector. 

June 29

The previous first total decide is reportedly negotiating a contract buyout from the Path Blazers. Ayton, 26, was beneath contract for $35.5 million this season. He is now arguably essentially the most coveted heart available on the market. Ayton averaged 14.4 factors, 10.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per sport in 40 appearances for Portland final season.

The Houston Rockets have a big-money dedication to the previous third total decide. Smith, who turned 22 in Might, plans to signal a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension that is totally assured by the 2030-31 season. Smith began 39 video games for Houston final season, averaging 12.2 factors, 7.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per sport.

Like a few different stars forward of free company, Harden may even decline his participant choice for the 2025-26 season with a view to signal an extension. The star guard intends to signal a two-year, $81.5 million extension with the Clippers after declining his participant choice for subsequent season, ESPN reported. The deal will hold Harden in Los Angeles for not less than a 3rd season. As a part of the brand new contract, Harden’s contract for the 2026-27 season is reportedly partially assured. Harden was named an All-Star for the eleventh time this previous season, serving to the Clippers earn the fifth seed within the Western Convention earlier than dropping to the Nuggets within the first spherical of the playoffs. 

Portis agreed to a three-year, $44 million take care of the Bucks forward of his pending free company, ESPN reported. Portis, 30, has arguably been one of many league’s higher function gamers over the previous few years, however he solely performed 49 video games final season because of a 25-game suspension for utilizing Tramadol, an opioid ache remedy.

The three-time All-Star ahead has declined his participant choice for subsequent season however will signal a three-year, $100 million extension with the Timberwolves, ESPN reported. The deal reportedly features a participant choice for the 2027-28 season. Randle, 30, was a key piece for the Timberwolves of their run to a second straight Western Convention finals look, averaging 21.7 factors per sport within the postseason in his first yr with the workforce. The Timberwolves acquired him in a take care of the Knicks simply days earlier than the beginning of coaching camp this previous season. 

The veteran wing will take a look at the open market, declining his $15.4 million participant choice for subsequent season, ESPN reported. Finney-Smith was a key a part of the Lakers’ rotation after they acquired him in a midseason commerce. The choice by Finney-Smith places the Lakers roughly $9 million under the primary luxurious tax apron. 

OKC re-signs function gamers

A pair of end-of-the-rotation gamers will stay in Oklahoma Metropolis after profitable the NBA title. Each Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell have agreed to new offers forward of hitting the open mark, ESPN reported. Williams’ deal is reportedly a three-year, $24 million pact with an choice for the third yr, whereas Mitchell’s deal is a three-year, $9 million pact.

The veteran wing, who’s identified for his prowess as a 3-point shooter, will take a look at free company. He’s declining his $20 million early termination choice with the Warmth, however remains to be seeking to work out a take care of the workforce, based on ESPN. 

June 28

The Thunder are buying and selling guard Jones and a second-round decide to the Wizards, based on ESPN. The Wizards are additionally sending guard Colby Jones to the Thunder, who will then launch him.

Mitchell intends to signal a two-year, $24 million deal to return to Miami, based on ESPN. The 26-year-old guard was a brilliant spot for Miami after being traded from Toronto as a part of the multi-team deal that despatched Jimmy Butler to Golden State.

Batum is declining his $4.9 million participant choice for the 2025-26 season to turn into a free agent, based on ESPN, though there stays curiosity in a brand new deal between the veteran ahead and the Clippers.

Merrill will signal a four-year, $38-million contract to remain in Cleveland, based on ESPN. The 28-year-old averaged 7.2 factors per sport on 40.6% taking pictures from the sector, together with 37.2% from distance, in 71 appearances final season.

Kuminga is predicted to turn into a restricted free agent after the Warriors provided him a $7.9 million qualifying supply, based on ESPN. The Warriors have the suitable to match any supply and might discover sign-and-trade choices as nicely. Kuminga fell out and in of the rotation for Steve Kerr final season after the commerce for Butler, however the Warriors nonetheless contemplate him a precedence signing this offseason. 

June 27

T-wolves intend to signal Naz Reid to new deal

All indicators pointed in the direction of Reid declining his $15 million participant choice after the 2025 season, nevertheless it was unclear if that may result in a summer time of free company or a brand new take care of the Timberwolves. Now, it appears the latter is extra doubtless. Reid intends to signal a five-year, $125 million deal that may hold him in Minnesota by the 2030 season. Reid, the NBA Sixth Man of the Yr in 2024, posted career-bests in factors (14.2) and rebounds per sport (6.0) final season. 

Suns, Devin Booker “lively in understanding” document extension

The Suns stay steadfast in constructing round guard Booker. The ten-year veteran is coming off a 2024-25 season wherein he averaged 25.6 factors per sport, his lowest mark since 2018, to go together with a career-high 7.1 assists per sport. Booker has three years remaining on a four-year, $220 million contract he signed previous to final season however is eligible for — and reportedly working towards — a document extension, which might tack on a further two years at $150 million ($75 million AAV) and hold him beneath contract in Phoenix by the 2031 season. 

As an alternative of heading into the free-agent market, Drummond will make $5 million for the ultimate yr of a two-year contract he signed previous to the 2024-25 season with the 76ers. The 2-time All-Star averaged 7.3 factors and seven.8 rebounds throughout his thirteenth NBA season final yr.

Raptors half methods with president Masai Ujiri

Ujiri turned Toronto’s govt vp and normal supervisor in 2013 and was the architect of the workforce’s 2019 NBA Finals triumph, the workforce’s lone championship. The Raptors are coming off a 30-52 season and have not received a playoff sequence because the 2019-20 NBA season.

June 26

Reaves turned down a four-year, $89.2 million extension supply from the Lakers, based on The Athletic. This was the utmost supply that the Lakers might make to Reaves, who signed a four-year, $53.8 million contract with the Lakers in 2023; Reaves is coming into the third season of that deal, which features a $14.9 million participant choice for the 2026-27 season. Final season, Reaves averaged a career-high 20.2 factors, 5.8 assists and 1.1 steals per sport, whereas taking pictures 46.0/37.7/87.7. The Lakers went 50-32 and claimed the No. 3 seed within the Western Convention earlier than dropping to the Timberwolves in 5 video games within the first spherical of the playoffs.

June 25

Knicks interviewing James Borrego

New York is interviewing Borrego, the previous head coach of the Charlotte Hornets and a present assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans, for its head-coaching emptiness, based on ESPN. Throughout Borrego’s 4 seasons as its head coach (2018-19 season to 2021-22 season), Charlotte went a mixed 148-183. He has been a part of head coach Willie Inexperienced’s teaching employees in New Orleans the previous two seasons. Borrego is the fourth one who has interviewed with the Knicks, with former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown, former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins and Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori being the opposite three.

John Collins opts into participant choice with Jazz

Collins has opted into his participant choice for the 2025-26 season as an alternative of testing free company. The veteran ahead averaged 19 factors per sport and eight.2 rebounds all through his eighth season. He might have commanded a line of suitors on the open market, nevertheless it’s doable no workforce would have provided him greater than the $26.58 million he is set to make by remaining with the Jazz. 

Fred VanVleet, Rockets conform to new deal

Houston is signing VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million deal, based on ESPN. VanVleet had a $44.9 million workforce choice within the last yr of his three-year, $128.5 million deal for subsequent season, which Houston was set to say no. The 31-year-old averaged 14.1 factors, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals per sport, whereas taking pictures 37.8/34.5/81.0 final season. 

June 24

Pelicans, Wizards make four-player commerce

New Orleans is buying and selling CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round decide to Washington for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 decide within the 2025 NBA Draft, based on ESPN. McCollum is coming into the ultimate season of a two-year, $64 million deal, whereas Poole is coming into the third season of a four-year, $128 million deal. The Wizards and Pelicans every missed the playoffs final season.

June 23

Daniel Gafford intends to signal extension with Mavericks

The middle, who’s set to enter his seventh season, has one yr remaining on a three-year, $40.1 million deal that he signed in 2023. Gafford’s subsequent deal is predicted to be one other three-year extension, value $60 million, that may run by the 2028-29 season. It might be a lift in pay for Gafford after a career-best season wherein he averaged 12.3 factors per sport and 6.8 rebounds. 

Middleton has picked up his $33.3 million participant choice with the Wizards for the 2025-26 season, based on ESPN. The three-time NBA All-Star was traded to Washington forward of the NBA commerce deadline by the Bucks. The 33-year-old has been coping with ankle accidents and solely made 37 appearances final season for each groups. Middleton helped the Bucks win the 2019 NBA Finals. 

June 22

Durant will be a part of the Rockets in a blockbuster commerce that may see him go away the Suns, based on ESPN. In return, the Suns will reportedly obtain veteran guards Jalen Inexperienced and Dillon Brooks. They will additionally obtain six draft picks, together with the No. 10 total decide within the 2025 NBA Draft. The opposite 5 picks are second-round picks. Durant, who will likely be 37 firstly of subsequent season, is coming into the ultimate season of a four-year, $194.2 million deal.

June 19

Rockets prolong head coach Ime Udoka

Houston signed Udoka to a “long-term” extension that makes him one of many highest-paid head coaches within the NBA, based on ESPN. Earlier this month, the Rockets denied the Knicks permission to talk with Udoka about their head-coaching emptiness after they fired Tom Thibodeau. In Udoka’s second season as head coach, the Rockets went 52-30, claiming the No. 2 seed within the Western Convention earlier than dropping to the Warriors within the first spherical of the playoffs. Houston is a mixed 93-71 beneath Udoka, who was beforehand the pinnacle coach of the Celtics within the 2021-22 NBA season, with Boston reaching the NBA Finals.

June 15

The Magic have acquired Bane from the Grizzlies for guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, together with 4 unprotected first-round picks and a first-round decide swap, ESPN reported. The picks Memphis is receiving are the No. 16 decide within the 2025 NBA Draft, the Suns’ 2026 first-round decide in 2026, Orlando’s 2028 unprotected first-round decide and Orlando’s 2030 first-round decide. The decide swap is a calmly protected first-round decide in 2029, based on ESPN. Bane, who’ll flip 27 later in June, has been a giant motive why the Grizzlies have made the playoffs in three of the final 4 seasons. The 2020 first-round decide has averaged 20.2 factors per sport in that stretch, together with 19.2 factors per sport this previous season. He is additionally been among the many sport’s prime 3-point shooters over that point, making 40.7% of his makes an attempt from deep because the begin of the 2021-22 season.

June 14

Houston signed Adams to a three-year, $39 million extension, ESPN reported. Adams, who will likely be 32 firstly of subsequent season, averaged 3.9 factors and 5.6 rebounds per sport this yr in his first wholesome season with the Rockets.

June 13

Russell Westbrook to say no choice, turn into free agent

Westbrook will decline his $3.4 million participant choice with the Nuggets for the 2025-2026 season, per ESPN. Westbrook is recovering from hand surgical procedure to restore a number of fractures sustained throughout the season, however prior to now these forms of accidents have value him 14 and 12 video games in a season, respectively, so the expectation is that he’d be able to go nicely earlier than coaching camp within the fall. The veteran guard averaged 13.3 factors and 6.1 assists whereas taking pictures practically 52% on 2-point makes an attempt in 75 video games for the Nuggets.

June 12

Spurs, 76ers discussing first-round decide swap

Per a number of experiences, Philadelphia has mentioned transferring up within the draft from No. 3 to No. 2 with San Antonio. The Spurs have already got a full backcourt — which is the place the presumed second-overall choice, Rutgers’ Dylan Harper, would find yourself — whereas the Sixers wish to add to their very own backcourt that already consists of Tyrese Maxey. Whether or not the Spurs would truly search for a deal that may web them some further draft property to make up for the hole between the second and third picks is unknown, however the two groups have not less than mentioned the swap.

June 11

Warmth and Tyler Herro working towards extension

The Warmth and Herro appear to be on the identical web page as the 2 sides work towards an extension. Herro is coming into the penultimate yr of his prior deal, wherein he is set to be paid $31 million in 2025-26 and $33 million in 2026-27. The extension he and the Warmth are eyeing is reportedly a three-year deal, value $149.7 million ($49.9 million AAV). The potential increase is warranted for Herro, who’s coming off a 2024-25 season wherein he posted career-bests in factors (23.9 per sport) and assists (5.5) and earned his first All-Star nod.

June 2

Raptors eyeing offseason shake-up — is Giannis Antetokounmpo on the desk?

After three consecutive playoff-less seasons, Toronto is seeking to make modifications and can reportedly attempt to purchase a “massive fish” this offseason. Getting Antetokounmpo could be like reeling in a terrific white shark. Toronto has amassed gamers with the salaries wanted to construct a package deal for a transfer like this — buying and selling for and increasing Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Realistically, if Antetokounmpo is on the desk, no one needs to be off limits for Toronto, together with younger star Scottie Barnes. It might make sense for Antetokounmpo, too, as a result of, whereas he hasn’t formally requested to be traded away from Milwaukee, he is expressed a need to remain in a a lot weaker Jap Convention. In line with an ESPN report from Might, the two-time MVP mentioned he is “open-minded about exploring whether or not his finest long-term match is remaining in Milwaukee or enjoying elsewhere.”

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