The 2026 NBA offseason was one of the craziest we’ve seen in a long time. Free agency wasn’t spectacular by any means, with LeBron James being the biggest fish before signing a two-year deal with the 76ers, but the market was still full of good, solid players who can definitely make a big difference for the contending teams that signed them.
Still, the trade market was clearly the star of the show this summer. Some of the biggest names imaginable changed teams in blockbuster deals, and a lot of those moves were completely unexpected. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant were always a lock to be traded at some point, but the Jaylen Brown deal? That one really came out of nowhere.
The 2026 offseason changed the landscape of the league shockingly, and most teams now look completely different from how they looked at the end of last season. New stars arrived, rotations were rebuilt, and several contenders basically changed their entire identity in only a few weeks.
With that in mind, here is a full recap of which teams added the most new players this offseason, the contracts, and how each roster is looking before the start of preseason. That is the time when championship favorites start to develop, rotations begin to make sense, and everyone starts arguing about who will end up lifting the trophy in June.
Los Angeles Lakers – 8
New Additions: Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle
The Lakers went through one of the biggest roster changes in the entire NBA after losing LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Deandre Ayton, and Jaxson Hayes. Rob Pelinka basically rebuilt the supporting cast around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, adding eight players with a pretty obvious focus on youth, defense, shooting, and center depth.
Walker Kessler was easily the biggest investment. The Lakers sent the Jazz two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps before giving Kessler a four-year, $130.0 million contract. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 70.3% from the field during an injury-shortened 2025-26 season. That contract is expensive, but Kessler gives Doncic an elite lob target and finally gives the Lakers a young defensive anchor.
Quentin Grimes signed for four years and $60.0 million after averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists with the 76ers. Collin Sexton added another aggressive scorer after posting 15.4 points and 3.3 assists, signing a two-year, $19.0 million contract. Sandro Mamukelashvili also received a serious commitment at four years and $52.0 million after his career-best 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds with the Raptors.
The smaller moves were also smart. Jaden Hardy averaged 9.2 points while shooting 39.7% from three, while Ziaire Williams had a career-high 10.2 points and gives the Lakers another athletic wing. Matisse Thybulle signed for one year and $3.3 million after shooting 39.8% from three last season, while Kevon Looney joined on a one-year, $3.9 million deal to provide rebounding, screens, and championship experience.
This Lakers roster isn’t as top-heavy without LeBron, but it looks younger, deeper, and much more balanced around Doncic. The ceiling still depends on Kessler becoming a $30.0 million-level center and Grimes handling major defensive assignments, but the overall offseason direction makes a lot of sense.
Memphis Grizzlies – 6
New Additions: Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, Quinten Post, D’Angelo Russell, Isaiah Stewart, AJ Johnson
The Grizzlies didn’t just make a few rotation changes. They finally closed the Ja Morant era and started building a completely different roster around Cameron Boozer, Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and their other young players. Memphis acquired six veterans and developmental pieces, while Morant, Santi Aldama, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope all left the team.
Jerami Grant and Kris Murray arrived from the Blazers in the Morant blockbuster. Grant bounced back by averaging 18.6 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from three during the 2025-26 season. He’ll earn $34.2 million in 2026-27, so this isn’t a cheap rebuilding contract, but he gives Memphis a proven scoring forward who can take difficult shots without forcing Boozer to carry the offense immediately. Murray posted 5.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 46.7% from the field, projecting more as a low-usage rotation wing.
The Grizzlies also added more frontcourt depth with Isaiah Stewart, who put up 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds last season and will make $15.0 million in 2026-27. He can defend stronger big men, rebound, and play next to Edey in more physical lineups. Quinten Post signed a three-year, $30.0 million contract after averaging 7.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while making 93 three-pointers for the Warriors. His shooting gives Memphis a completely different option at center.
This doesn’t look like a contending roster yet, especially after the Grizzlies finished 25-57, but the direction makes sense. Memphis added size, shooting, youth, and movable contracts while officially giving the franchise to its next core.
Philadelphia 76ers – 5
New Additions: Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade, Ariel Hukporti
The 76ers entered the offseason needing better depth around Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, but they ended up going completely crazy. They replaced Paul George with Jaylen Brown, added LeBron James on one of the biggest discount contracts we’ve ever seen, and then filled the rotation with Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade, and Ariel Hukporti.
Philadelphia now has four elite or high-level creators between Maxey, Brown, LeBron, and Embiid, without even counting VJ Edgecombe after his strong rookie season. There are going to be some awkward moments with touches and spacing, but this amount of talent is honestly ridiculous.
Jaylen Brown is easily the biggest addition after averaging career highs of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 47.7% from the field. He’ll make $57.1 million in 2026-27 and still has three years and $183.0 million left on his contract, so the 76ers are making a huge commitment here. Still, Brown gives them another physical scorer who can attack the rim, create his own shot, and defend the best perimeter players. LeBron then signed a two-year, $8.0 million deal after posting 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. At that price, it’s basically impossible for this move to fail.
Anfernee Simons signed a two-year, $12.3 million contract after averaging 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 38.5% from three. He can come off the bench and instantly give them shooting and shot creation, even if his defense can become a problem in the playoffs. Dean Wade received four years and $39.0 million after averaging 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. The contract is a little wild for that production, but Wade shot 36.2% from three and can defend multiple forward positions without needing the ball.
Overall, Philadelphia had one of the most aggressive offseasons in the league. The rotation might be weird at times, but this team has way too much scoring and playmaking to be anything less than a serious favorite for the championship.
Milwaukee Bucks – 5
New Additions: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, Caris LeVert
The Bucks only added five players, but these moves completely changed the franchise. Milwaukee sent Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, multiple first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. They later moved Taurean Prince and Gary Harris for Caris LeVert and two second-round picks. Losing Giannis obviously kills their competitive chances for now, but at least the Bucks didn’t leave the deal with only picks and random salary filler. They got four players who can actually become part of their next core.
Tyler Herro is now the main scorer after 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 48.0% from the field and 37.8% from three last season. He’ll make $33.0 million on an expiring contract, so Milwaukee has one season to decide if he’s part of the long-term plan or just another future trade piece. Kel’el Ware might honestly be the most interesting player in the entire package. He averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 53.0% from the field and 39.5% from three. Ware will only make $4.7 million in 2026-27, which is amazing value for a young center with his size, shooting, and defensive upside.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. also had a strong season, posting 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 75 games. He’ll make $5.9 million in the final guaranteed year of his rookie contract and gives the Bucks another young wing who can handle the ball, attack the paint, and create shots without needing every possession. Kasparas Jakucionis put up only 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 17.8 minutes as a rookie, but Milwaukee has plenty of time to develop him. He’s entering the second season of a four-year, $17.7 million rookie contract.
Caris LeVert is probably the least exciting addition. He averaged 7.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 41.7% from the field and 33.3% from three, and he’ll make $14.8 million on an expiring deal.
Atlanta Hawks – 4
New Additions: Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Devin Carter, Ryan Nembhard
The Hawks added four guards, but they all bring something different. Luguentz Dort is the main name after averaging 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds with the Thunder. His offensive numbers aren’t special, but that isn’t why the Hawks wanted him. Dort can defend the strongest perimeter scorer every night, while Dyson Daniels handles the other main creator. Putting two All-Defensive-level guards together is honestly kind of crazy, especially for a team that already has Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu behind them. Dort will earn $17.7 million on an expiring contract, so the Hawks can also evaluate the fit before making another commitment.
Aaron Wiggins might be the most underrated addition. He averaged 9.4 points on 43.1% from the field last season and is a career 38.0% three-point shooter. He’ll make $9.0 million in 2026-27, which is a pretty fair price for a wing who can defend, cut, shoot, and play inside different lineup combinations. Devin Carter will earn $5.2 million and gives the Hawks another young defensive guard, although the team still has to decide on his $7.4 million option for 2027-28.
Ryan Nembhard is probably the most fun addition. He averaged only 6.6 points, but his 5.3 assists in 19.5 minutes were ridiculous for an undrafted rookie. Nembhard even had a 23-assist game, breaking Jason Kidd’s Mavericks rookie record. He’ll earn only $2.2 million, so there’s basically no downside. The Hawks gave up Zaccharie Risacher, which could hurt later if he finally develops, but their new rotation is deeper, tougher, and way better defensively. They now have a lot of guards, maybe too many, but that’s a much easier problem than having no playable guards at all.
Charlotte Hornets – 4
New Additions: Naz Reid, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Dorian Finney-Smith
The Hornets moved away from LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, but they didn’t enter another complete rebuild. They added four experienced players who can help immediately while also collecting a huge amount of draft capital. Naz Reid is the main piece after averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Reid can start at power forward, play backup center, handle the ball a little, and stretch the floor. He isn’t replacing LaMelo’s scoring, but he gives the Hornets a strong offensive frontcourt next to Mark Williams.
Grayson Allen had a strange season, but he still averaged 16.5 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals while playing almost 29 minutes per game. His 40.3% from the field wasn’t great, yet his movement shooting should help Coby White, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller operate with more space. Royce O’Neale is another proven shooter after averaging 9.8 points and hitting 40.8% from three. He made 212 three-pointers, the 17th-highest total in the NBA, so defenders can’t just leave him alone.
Dorian Finney-Smith is the least exciting addition after a difficult season with the Rockets. He produced only 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist while shooting 27.0% from three across 37 games. That’s rough, but the Hornets only gave up cash and also received three second-round picks. Finney-Smith is still a career 35.9% three-point shooter with 44 playoff games of experience.
The Hornets probably aren’t becoming a top-five team because of these moves, but the roster now has more shooting, more defensive wings, and more reliable veterans. Considering they also received several first-round assets, this was a pretty smart way to end the LaMelo era.
Detroit Pistons – 4
New Additions: John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Gary Harris, Taurean Prince
The Pistons won 60 games and finished first in the Eastern Conference, so they didn’t need some insane roster reconstruction. They mainly needed more shooting around Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren. John Collins was the most expensive addition, joining on a three-year, $51.0 million contract after averaging 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds. He also shot 55.2% from the field and 40.6% from three, which is basically exactly what Detroit needed from a frontcourt scorer.
Collins can finish lobs, attack smaller forwards, and play next to Duren to improve the spacing. His rebounding numbers aren’t what they used to be, and paying $17.0 million per season is a decent commitment, but the fit is pretty strong. Isaiah Joe might be an even better value move. He averaged a career-high 11.1 points while hitting 42.3% from three and making 181 three-pointers. The Pistons only gave up two second-round picks for one of the best shooters in the league. That’s excellent business for a team that already creates so many paint touches through Cunningham.
Gary Harris and Taurean Prince are more depth veteran additions. Prince averaged 9.2 points and 3.1 rebounds while hitting 43.6% from three in 26 games, and he’ll earn $3.8 million after exercising his player option. Harris had an injury-filled season and probably won’t have a huge role, but he can still defend guards and hit open corner shots when healthy.
Detroit lost Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Marcus Sasser, and Caris LeVert, so there was some rotation turnover. Still, Collins and Joe directly attack their main weakness. For a 60-win team, adding two strong shooters without touching the main core is about as good as it gets.
Dallas Mavericks – 4
New Additions: Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, Zaccharie Risacher, Marcus Sasser
The Mavericks continued their youth movement by adding four players who are all 26 or younger. Santi Aldama is probably the safest bet after putting up 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists before undergoing knee surgery. Aldama will earn around $17.0 million in 2026-27, but his contract has only two guaranteed seasons remaining. He gives the Mavericks a 7-foot-1 forward who can shoot, pass, and play next to Cooper Flagg or Morez Johnson without needing to dominate the ball.
Zaccharie Risacher is the higher-upside gamble. The former No. 1 pick dropped to 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists during his second season after making the All-Rookie First Team in 2024-25. Injuries limited him to 67 games, and he barely played during the Hawks’ playoff series. Still, the Mavericks only gave up Ryan Nembhard and a protected second-round pick. Risacher will earn $13.8 million in 2026-27, which isn’t cheap for his current production, but Dallas is betting that his size, shooting, and athleticism can return once he gets a bigger role.
Marcus Sasser will earn $5.2 million and gives the Mavericks another quick guard who can shoot off the dribble. Tarik Biberovic is the mystery addition, joining on a two-year deal after becoming one of Europe’s better perimeter shooters. Neither player needs to start, but both can help a roster that badly needed more shooting and younger legs.
The Mavericks clearly aren’t trying to force another championship run around older players. They’re building around Flagg and collecting younger talent with upside. Aldama is ready now, Risacher is the reclamation project, and Sasser plus Biberovic are low-risk shooting bets. It might take time, but the direction finally makes sense.
Miami Heat – 3
New Additions: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Tim Hardaway Jr.
Miami basically won the offseason with only one trade. The Heat sent an absolute war chest to the Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. It was an enormous package, but we’re talking about a two-time MVP who still put up 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists last season. Giannis also finished with a career-best 65.8% true shooting percentage, so there isn’t much evidence that he’s slowing down yet. He’ll make $58.5 million in 2026-27 and has a $62.8 million player option for the following season.
The fit with Bam Adebayo could be a little weird from three, but defensively it’s completely disgusting. Miami can switch, protect the rim, play Giannis at center, or use him as a help defender while Bam handles the main big man. Portis also makes the trade package deeper than people think. He posted 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists and will earn $14.5 million next season, with a $15.6 million player option for 2027-28. He can score off the bench, rebound, and stretch the floor next to either Giannis or Bam.
Tim Hardaway Jr. was the cheaper move, joining on a one-year, $6.5 million contract. He finished last season with 13.5 points per game, hit 40.7% from three, and led every NBA reserve with 205 made three-pointers. That shooting is huge after Miami gave up Herro and Jaquez in the Giannis trade. The Heat lost several talented young players, but let’s be serious, adding Giannis instantly makes this team a championship favorite. A Giannis-Bam frontcourt with Andrew Wiggins and Hardaway around it is going to be a nightmare on both sides.
Portland Trail Blazers – 3
New Additions: Ja Morant, Branden Carlson, Micah Potter
Portland really had enough of rebuilding and traded for Ja Morant just months after making the playoffs for the first time in several seasons. The Blazers sent Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, and cash to the Grizzlies, which is a pretty low price for a two-time All-Star, even with all the risk attached to him.
Morant only played 20 games last season, but he still delivered 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. He’ll earn $42.2 million in 2026-27 and $44.9 million in 2027-28 before reaching free agency, so Portland has two full seasons to see if he can become that elite guard again.
The rotation is kind of crazy now. Morant joins a backcourt that already includes Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, and Shaedon Sharpe, so the Blazers clearly have another decision coming at some point. Still, Morant gives them something they badly needed, a guard who can break down the defense, reach the paint, and create easy shots for Donovan Clingan and their wings. He’s only 26, meaning this isn’t some old veteran move with zero future upside. The problem is availability, because Morant has appeared in only 79 games across the last three seasons.
Branden Carlson and Micah Potter are the low-cost additions. Carlson signed a one-year, $2.4 million deal after putting up 5.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists with the Thunder. Potter was claimed off waivers and will make $2.8 million after producing 9.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on 51.5% from the field and 42.3% from three for the Pacers. Neither player changes Portland’s ceiling, but both give them cheap shooting and center depth behind Clingan and Robert Williams III.
This entire offseason is about Morant, though. If he stays healthy and focused, the Blazers could become one of the most annoying teams in the West very fast.
Minnesota Timberwolves – 3
New Additions: LaMelo Ball, Josh Green, Trey Lyles
The Timberwolves didn’t add a bunch of players, but they definitely didn’t play it safe either. Minnesota sent Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round picks to the Hornets for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green. That’s a huge amount of draft capital, but Ball gives Anthony Edwards the second creator he’s needed for years. LaMelo finished last season with 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, ranking ninth in the NBA in assists while making 37.0% of his threes. He’ll make $40.8 million in 2026-27 and remains under contract through 2028-29.
Josh Green mostly came over to help match the salaries, but he still has a role here. His numbers were only 4.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists last season, although he connected on 42.0% from three in a smaller role. Green can defend both guard spots, run the floor, and play without touching the ball much, which makes more sense next to Edwards and Ball. He’ll earn around $14.7 million on an expiring contract, so the Wolves can also move him later if the fit isn’t good enough.
Trey Lyles came back to the NBA on a one-year veteran-minimum contract after spending last season with Real Madrid. He produced 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 20.8 minutes per game and gives Minnesota a floor-spacing forward who can play next to Rudy Gobert. Losing Julius Randle and Reid creates an obvious frontcourt problem, and Lyles isn’t fully fixing that by himself. Still, the Edwards-LaMelo duo has so much offensive upside that Minnesota had to take the risk. This roster is thinner now, but it’s also younger, faster, and way more creative with the ball.
Boston Celtics – 3
New Additions: Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, Mike Conley
The Celtics definitely had the craziest move of all when they traded Jaylen Brown to the 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks, ending one of the league’s best duos after ten seasons. George is obviously a downgrade at this stage. He posted 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season, while Brown went all the way up to 28.7 points per game. Still, Boston turned Brown into a former All-Star wing plus four picks, which gives the front office at least something to build on.
The contract is the scary part. George will make $54.1 million in 2026-27 and has a $56.6 million player option for 2027-28, meaning the Celtics could be paying almost $111.0 million to a wing entering his late thirties, but at least it’s very short-term. The Celtics were still looking for more flexibility, as they’ve been dealing away their championship core since 2025, and Brown was no exception.
Mitchell Robinson was the smarter addition, signing a three-year, $47.4 million contract after recording 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in only 19.6 minutes per game. He gives Boston a physical rebounder and rim protector after the Nikola Vucevic experiment didn’t work. Mike Conley joined on a one-year deal following a season with 4.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He’s 38 and probably won’t play every night, but he can organize the second unit and avoid dumb turnovers.
The Celtics won 56 games last season, so they’re still good, but swapping Brown for an older George is a massive gamble. Boston added useful pieces, yet this offseason could look very bad if George can’t stay healthy.
Los Angeles Clippers – 3
New Additions: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Rui Hachimura
Only the Clippers could lose Kawhi Leonard and somehow replace him with two more scoring wings in the same move. They sent Leonard to the Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. Ingram put up 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season while shooting 46.1% from the field, and will earn $40.0 million in 2026-27 and $41.9 million in 2027-28, giving the Clippers a younger scoring forward without sacrificing the ability to compete right now.
Gradey Dick is the long-term part of that deal. His third season was pretty quiet, with 6.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists across 76 games, but he’s still only 22 and has already shown he can become a high-volume shooter. Dick will make $7.1 million in the final year of his rookie contract, so the Clippers get one full season to decide if he deserves another deal. Rui Hachimura then stayed in Los Angeles by signing a two-year, $28.0 million contract. He finished 2025-26 with 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while hitting 51.4% from the field and a crazy 44.3% from three.
This roster is honestly full of wings now. Ingram can take the difficult shots, Hachimura can beat up smaller defenders, and Dick can run around screens next to Darius Garland. None of them can replace Leonard’s two-way ceiling, especially after Kawhi scored a career-high 27.9 points last season, but availability was always the massive issue with that era.
The Clippers are betting that younger players, extra draft capital, and a deeper rotation will make their future brighter in the next seasons. It isn’t a championship-level roster on pure talent, but considering Kawhi’s age and contract situation, the swap is pretty strong for a franchise that was already desperate for a change.
Brooklyn Nets – 3
New Additions: Julius Randle, Keon Ellis, Moritz Wagner
The Nets finally used some of their flexibility to add actual NBA players instead of only collecting young projects and future picks. Julius Randle arrived from the Timberwolves alongside the draft rights to Joshua Jefferson in the huge LaMelo Ball deal. Brooklyn gave up Nic Claxton and moved from No. 33 to No. 28 in the draft, which is a pretty serious frontcourt change, but Randle produced 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 48.1% from the field last season and will earn $33.3 million in 2026-27.
He isn’t the perfect player for a young rebuilding roster, but he gives the Nets a physical scorer who can create offense without asking Egor Demin or Mikel Brown Jr. to carry everything immediately.
Keon Ellis might be the smartest signing of the three. He joined on a two-year, $18.0 million contract after recording 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 44.0% from the field and 36.3% from three. Those numbers aren’t huge, but Ellis can defend guards, pressure the ball, hit open shots, and survive without getting plays called for him. That’s exactly the type of role player Brooklyn needed around its young creators.
Moritz Wagner signed for two years and $19.0 million after posting 6.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in only 11.4 minutes per game. He gives the Nets another big man behind Day’Ron Sharpe after Claxton’s departure.
Brooklyn still isn’t close to contention after finishing 20-62, but the roster at least looks more serious now. Randle can handle difficult possessions, Ellis brings perimeter defense, and Wagner adds energy and scoring off the bench. There are some spacing questions if Randle plays next to Sharpe, while adding another veteran could reduce minutes for Noah Clowney.
Still, these deals aren’t locking the Nets into some terrible long-term plan. Randle has value as a scorer, Ellis is on a fair contract, and Wagner can easily fit into a normal rotation. For a team trying to develop Demin, Brown, and its other young guards without losing 60 games again, these additions make plenty of sense.
Phoenix Suns – 2
New Additions: Miles Bridges, Luke Kennard
The Suns mainly wanted more size on the wing and another shooter around Devin Booker, so they turned Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale into Miles Bridges before signing Luke Kennard. Bridges was the bigger bet after putting up 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 77 games with the Hornets. He isn’t some perfect All-Star addition, but he can attack closeouts, finish above the rim, rebound, and take some scoring pressure away from Booker.
Luke Kennard is basically here to do one thing, and he’s very good at it. He scored 8.4 points per game last season while shooting 53.3% from the field and a league-best 47.8% from three. Kennard agreed to a two-year, $13.1 million contract, which is a pretty reasonable price for one of the best pure shooters in the NBA. Defenses can’t leave him open, and that should create more space for Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Mark Williams.
The Suns’ offense makes more sense now. Kennard gives them elite shooting off the bench, while Bridges adds a stronger downhill scorer who can defend multiple positions when he’s locked in. Phoenix didn’t add a superstar, but these two moves made the rotation deeper without completely destroying its flexibility.
Indiana Pacers – 2
New Additions: Kelly Oubre Jr., Larry Nance Jr.
Kelly Oubre Jr. joins after posting 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 50 games with the 76ers. He also shot 46.7% from the field and 36.0% from three, which is enough to keep defenses honest. The Pacers gave him a two-year, $17.0 million contract, a fair deal for a wing who can score in transition, attack the rim, and defend different perimeter matchups.
Larry Nance Jr. is a much smaller move, but the basketball fit is pretty easy. He only produced 3.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 12.8 minutes with the Cavaliers, yet he can still switch defensively, pass from the frontcourt, and finish around the rim. His one-year, $4.0 million deal carries basically no risk.
For a team that already has Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith, adding two players who can contribute without needing touches every possession makes a lot of sense.
Houston Rockets – 2
New Additions: Marcus Smart, Bogdan Bogdanovic
Houston went full veteran mode with its two additions, which is what they desperately lacked in the postseason. Marcus Smart signed a two-year, $13.0 million contract after recording 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals with the Lakers. His shooting was rough at 33.1% from three, but the Rockets aren’t asking him to become Stephen Curry.
Bogdan Bogdanovic is the shooting bet. His last season with the Clippers was disappointing, as he finished with only 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 38.8% from the field and 34.7% from three across 23 games. Still, Bogdanovic has been a dangerous movement shooter and secondary creator for most of his career. On a one-year deal, Houston doesn’t need him to be a long-term answer. They just need him to hit open shots around Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun.
Toronto Raptors – 2
New Additions: Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Anderson
Toronto somehow brought Kawhi Leonard back seven years after he delivered the franchise’s first championship. Kawhi was still incredible last season, putting up 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 65 games.
From a basketball perspective, the idea is super obvious. Leonard gives the Raptors a true first option who can create late in games, defend elite wings, and play next to Scottie Barnes without needing to change everything. A healthy Kawhi-Barnes duo could push the Raptors back into the top part of the East very quickly. The problem is always the same with Leonard. He’s 35, his body has already gone through a lot, and there’s no guarantee he’ll stay available when the playoffs arrive.
Kyle Anderson is a way quieter addition, signing a one-year, $3.9 million contract after finishing with 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He isn’t athletic or fast, but he can defend several positions, handle the ball, make smart passes, and play as a small-ball big man.
Chicago Bulls – 2
New Additions: Nic Claxton, Norman Powell
Chicago finally added a defensive center who actually fits its timeline. Nic Claxton arrived from the Nets in the four-team LaMelo Ball trade after pouring 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and a career-high 3.7 assists. Claxton isn’t a floor spacer, but he can protect the rim, switch onto guards, finish lobs, and run the floor. That should work pretty well next to Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis, two players who can create easy baskets for an athletic center.
Norman Powell brings a completely different skill set. He was one of the league’s better veteran scorers last season, delivering 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 47.0% from the field and 38.0% from three as a first-time All-Star. Powell signed a two-year, $45.0 million contract, so the Bulls clearly didn’t bring him in just to mentor young players. He’ll be expected to score, hit difficult threes, and become one of Chicago’s main late-game options.
These moves make the Bulls more serious without turning them into a championship contender. Claxton fixes a major defensive problem, while Powell gives them a proven 20-point scorer. Chicago now has a more balanced starting lineup and doesn’t need every young player to develop at the same time.
Utah Jazz – 2
New Additions: Jaxson Hayes, Josh Okogie
Utah lost Walker Kessler, so adding another athletic center was basically mandatory. Jaxson Hayes signed a two-year, $12.0 million contract after putting up 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds with the Lakers. The second season is a team option, so the Jazz can leave pretty easily if the move doesn’t work.
Josh Okogie received the same two-year, $12.0 million contract after posting 4.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists for the Rockets. His offensive production is limited, but he shot a career-best 38.5% from three across 78 games. That changes the entire value of the signing. Okogie has always defended hard, chased loose balls, and attacked the glass. If the shooting is finally legit, he can become a very useful two-way role player.
This isn’t a flashy offseason for the Jazz, but that wasn’t really the point. They already boast a star-studded lineup with Keyonte George, rookie sensation Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr., so expect the Jazz to be one of the biggest surprises next year.
Washington Wizards – 2
New Additions: Deandre Ayton, Khris Middleton
The Wizards clearly aren’t interested in another season where their young players have to go through a losing year with no competitive edge. Deandre Ayton arrived from the Lakers in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks after producing 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. He shot 67.1% from the field across 72 games, giving Washington a very efficient interior finisher and rebounder.
The frontcourt is crowded with Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr, and AJ Dybantsa, but Ayton at least gives them another starting-level center for the long regular season, as the team now has an interesting mix of youth and experience in Trae Young, Kyshawn George, Dybantsa, Sarr, and Davis, with a very deep bench behind.
Khris Middleton even came back to Washington through a complicated six-team sign-and-trade. He agreed to a three-year, $17.6 million contract after finishing last season with 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Middleton clearly isn’t the same All-Star scorer he was with the Bucks, but this contract is small enough that he doesn’t need to be. He can provide shooting, secondary playmaking, and calm possessions around Trae Young and the younger players.
Denver Nuggets – 2
New Additions: Marvin Bagley III, Alpha Diallo
The Nuggets are still trying to manage the Peyton Watson situation, but in the meantime, Marvin Bagley III signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract after producing 10.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 60 games with the Wizards and Mavericks.
Alpha Diallo is the second addition, joining on a one-year, $1.4 million guaranteed deal after spending last season with AS Monaco. The 6-foot-7 forward delivered 12.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 60.9% on two-pointers and 34.6% from three in EuroLeague play.
The Nuggets also retained Spencer Jones by matching Oklahoma City’s two-year, $12.0 million offer sheet, but that counts as a re-signing and not a new addition. Denver’s tax situation is now brutal, and keeping Jones pushed the team into the second apron, yet Bagley and Diallo still make the roster deeper than it was before free agency.
San Antonio Spurs – 1
New Addition: Tobias Harris
The Spurs kept everything super simple this summer. They already had Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, so there wasn’t any reason to break the roster apart after another deep season. Tobias Harris became their only outside addition, signing a two-year, $31.0 million contract after putting up 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds across 63 games with the Pistons. He isn’t some exciting young pickup, but that isn’t what San Antonio needed from him.
Harris spent the last two seasons helping a young Pistons roster become one of the best teams in the East, so the leadership part is key. A $15.5 million annual salary is a little high for a 33-year-old role player, but it’s only a two-year commitment. San Antonio didn’t need quantity. They needed one solid forward, and Harris fits that job pretty well.
Cleveland Cavaliers – 1
New Addition: Mario Hezonja
The Cavaliers went for a backup plan after LeBron James chose the 76ers. Mario Hezonja is returning to the league after six seasons in Europe, agreeing to a one-year, $2.8 million contract. The former No. 5 overall pick was excellent for Real Madrid in 2025-26, posting 17.5 points and 4.9 rebounds while winning Liga ACB MVP. Hezonja hasn’t played in the NBA since 2019-20, but he comes back as a much more experienced and confident scorer than the young player who struggled during his first five seasons.
Cleveland badly needed another forward after losing Dean Wade and Keon Ellis, and Hezonja at least gives them a cheap player with size, shooting, and some shot creation. The Cavs didn’t have much flexibility, so landing one of Europe’s better scorers is honestly a solid result.
New York Knicks – 1
New Addition: Andre Drummond
The defending champions didn’t go crazy because they really didn’t need to. The Knicks lost Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics, then replaced him with Andre Drummond on a one-year, $3.9 million contract. Drummond finished last season with 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in only 19.5 minutes per game for the 76ers. He isn’t the defender Robinson was, but he remains one of the best rebounders in the league and can give Karl-Anthony Towns a break during the regular season.
This is basically a boring move in the best possible way. Drummond won’t need touches, won’t complain about playing 15 or 20 minutes, and can destroy smaller second units on the glass. New York already has enough scoring with Jalen Brunson, Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. They only needed a backup center who could survive when Towns sits.
Teams With Zero Signings – Thunder, Warriors, Pelicans, Kings
The Thunder at least tried. Oklahoma City signed Spencer Jones to a two-year, $12.0 million offer sheet after he posted 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds for the Nuggets, but Denver matched it before the deadline. That left the Thunder with zero outside additions after also losing Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins. Still, this roster has enough talent and draft capital to survive a quiet summer.
The Warriors’ offseason has been honestly embarrassing. They missed on LeBron James, haven’t brought back Draymond Green yet, and still haven’t added anyone while Jimmy Butler recovers from a torn ACL. Marcus Thompson II also reported that Stephen Curry may be growing tired of the front office always waiting for another superstar. Curry is 38, and Golden State is somehow wasting another part of his final years doing absolutely nothing.
The Pelicans went 26-56, missed the Play-In Tournament easily, and apparently decided the same roster deserved another chance instead of trading their best assets. They still need defense, another center, and fewer overlapping ball handlers, but they haven’t made one real move. Maybe Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray stay healthier, but betting everything on health after winning only 26 games is a pretty stupid plan.
The Kings are just being the Kings. Sacramento hasn’t added anyone because the whole summer has been about trying to move Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan (waived), Domantas Sabonis, or Malik Monk. They aren’t building a new roster yet. They’re just trying to escape the expensive mess they created, and nobody seems too interested in helping them.
