The 2025 NBA offseason was one of the busiest in recent memory, as superstar players moved teams and some other big names ended up on new rosters, rather unexpectedly. Front offices were aggressive, hoping that their moves would result in better campaigns on paper.
However, we know the NBA games are not played on paper. Now that the 2025-26 season is nearly underway, some of these headline-grabbing deals are already showing cracks beneath the surface. Let’s nail down the five offseason trades that will end up being major mistakes next season, or potentially down the line.
1. Suns Not Getting More For Kevin Durant
Phoenix traded Kevin Durant this offseason, and while the return wasn’t terrible, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the tenth pick (Khaman Maluach), and several second-round picks, the deal is already looking like it may be underwhelming. Green has shown flashes of elite scoring, but his inconsistency both in shooting percentages and decision-making remains a concern.
Green also occupies the same position as Devin Booker, the undisputed face of the Suns franchise, so their fit will be very strange, to say the least. The Suns will have to find a way to make it work because trading Green in another deal won’t result in equal value either.
Continuing, Brooks will turn 30 during the 2025-26 season (he’s already 29 going in), and while his reputation as a high-energy, tough wing is earned, he brings defensive flair more than offensive upside. The Suns also got back unproven youth and picks, which are useful, but none of the pieces are slam-dunk replacements or guarantee a deep playoff run. The Suns could have gotten more for KD, the player they lost four first-round picks for two seasons ago.
2. Pacers Losing Myles Turner In Shocking Free Agency Decision
While not a trade per se, this was a shocking loss on the part of the Indiana Pacers. At 29, Myles Turner is still in his prime for many of the skillsets that are hard to find: rim protection, a stretch-big who can shoot threes, and a veteran presence that helps anchor a defense. So why did the Pacers lowball him, only to let him walk to Milwaukee?
The Pacers made a Finals run last season, and Turner was central to that. His absence leaves a hole that won’t easily be filled by youth or role players. More than just losing a starter, Indiana risks losing its identity. If Indiana struggles to find an equivalent defensive presence once Tyrese Haliburton comes back, letting Turner walk will be one of the worst decisions they could have made after a fairytale season.
3. Nets Show Too Much Faith In Michael Porter Jr.
For the Brooklyn Nets, on paper, Michael Porter Jr. offers scoring, shooting, and size. He’s been productive in Denver and could have a larger, more central role in Brooklyn’s offense. Cam Johnson is solid, but Porter’s upside is higher, which is why they engaged in the swap. But we think the Nuggets won the trade since Johnson is cheaper and a better all-around fit.
Injury and inconsistency have dogged Porter Jr. His defense, shot selection, and ability to be a go-to scorer (especially in bad matchups/pressure moments) remain questions. Porter’s questionable off-court behavior this summer is also intriguing because there has to be more than one reason why the Nuggets decided to move a key part of their 2023 championship core.
4. Rockets Made Smart Moves, But Lost Their Only Natural Shooting Guard
Houston’s offseason was rather excellent: signing Durant, adding veterans like Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela. Those are smart moves toward contention, especially in a ferocious Western Conference headlined by the reigning NBA champions OKC Thunder. But they also traded Cam Whitmore, their only real natural shooting guard, to the Wizards for two second-round picks.
Whitmore was raw, inconsistent at times, and didn’t crack the rotation heavily, but he showed upside, particularly offensively. It seems the Rockets wanted to do right by Whitmore and let him grow in a rebuilding Wizards team, perhaps to return one day, but they might end up letting their only natural off-guard go.
5. Hawks Acquire Kristaps Porzingis And Hoping For The Best
On paper, this gives Atlanta one of the rare big men who can stretch the floor (41.2% 3-PT FG in 2024-25), protect the rim, and give them size to pair with Trae Young and their young wings. Kristaps Porzingis also has championship experience from Boston, but there is more to this deal that we cannot ignore.
The big man has a long injury and illness history. He played only 42 games last season, was slowed by lingering illness and recovering from ankle surgery. Most importantly, the contract is expensive, although expiring. The Hawks are building young, but adding a big man with health questions may interrupt the development of younger frontcourt pieces, such as Onyeka Okongwu.
