Official 2025-26 NBA Offseason Thread
 

Now with the Finals and Draft over, Free Agency is set to begin. Good luck to everyone's teams with their offseason moves.

To start us off,

Bulls trade Lonzo Ball to Cavs for Isaac Okoro.

In itself the move doesn't do much... Okoro became a total non-factor after the DeAndre Hunter trade, and Lonzo has played 35 games in 3 years.

I assume this a money saving move and that the Cavs won't sign Jerome.

[QUOTE=tjforce;19945983]In itself the move doesn't do much... Okoro became a total non-factor after the DeAndre Hunter trade, and Lonzo has played 35 games in 3 years.

I assume this a money saving move and that the Cavs won't sign Jerome.[/QUOTE]

That's what I figured as well. If I were a Cavs fan, I'd hope they don't sign Jerome. It was cringy watching him in the playoffs.

[QUOTE=rhigh2390;19945989]That's what I figured as well. If I were a Cavs fan, I'd hope they don't sign Jerome. It was cringy watching him in the playoffs.[/QUOTE]

I'm hoping they can resign him for a cheap and tradable contract....

Between drafting a PG and trading for Lonzo, I don't think they will.

I'll cringe for any team that signs him to a big deal.

[QUOTE=tjforce;19945983]In itself the move doesn't do much... Okoro became a total non-factor after the DeAndre Hunter trade, and Lonzo has played 35 games in 3 years.

I assume this a money saving move and that the Cavs won't sign Jerome.[/QUOTE]

I think Jerome is gone. But I love this trade for Cleveland.

It's like the Celtics Porzingis trade at a much minor scale. A healthy Lonzo is a great backup PG, can paly along Garland as a 2 and stretches the floor.

If he's injured? They are in the same position they were last year, needing Garland to step up and Mitchell to stop using so many possessions to get Mobley more involved.

Pretty much, it raises their ceiling without affecting their floor that much. I just hate that the Bulls could have traded Lonzo last year and get an additional pick in this draft but they chose this instead.

Okoro is legit garbage so it’s a win/win both for the player (I know he’s played 287 games in 8 years) and the money savings

Also signed Sam Merrill back today which I like

Hopefully Tyson gets better and Proctor is legit

No chance they are brining Jerome back. If you pay him $14M a year that’s actually $80M in cash with the tax penalties

He can be replaced

Does Lonzo have any upside in the hobby? Or is he like a Tim Hardaway Jr. without the postseason accomplishments.

[QUOTE=Nomad;19946094]Does Lonzo have any upside in the hobby? Or is he like a Tim Hardaway Jr. without the postseason accomplishments.[/QUOTE]

None.

The hope is he can be a decent backup point guard that distributes the ball.

He's a dime store Ben Simmons at this point

[QUOTE=yiguiri2002;19946050]I think Jerome is gone. But I love this trade for Cleveland.

It's like the Celtics Porzingis trade at a much minor scale. A healthy Lonzo is a great backup PG, can paly along Garland as a 2 and stretches the floor.

If he's injured? They are in the same position they were last year, needing Garland to step up and Mitchell to stop using so many possessions to get Mobley more involved.

Pretty much, it raises their ceiling without affecting their floor that much. I just hate that the Bulls could have traded Lonzo last year and get an additional pick in this draft but they chose this instead.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=asujbl;19946073]Okoro is legit garbage so it’s a win/win both for the player (I know he’s played 287 games in 8 years) and the money savings

Also signed Sam Merrill back today which I like

Hopefully Tyson gets better and Proctor is legit

No chance they are brining Jerome back. If you pay him $14M a year that’s actually $80M in cash with the tax penalties

He can be replaced[/QUOTE]

Assuming Lonzo's knees aren't too mush to play, this should help get a few more touches for Mobley.... which is the way this franchise needs to head.

76ers re-signed Justin Edwards, he was great as a UDFA last year.

Knicks reaching out to...Dawn Staley..as a potential coach

I think the Knicks hire Taylor Jenkins

[QUOTE=cdub6238;19946252]Knicks reaching out to...Dawn Staley..as a potential coach[/QUOTE]

Thibs to Dawn?

Total Knicks move.

[QUOTE=oldgoldy97;19946274]Thibs to Dawn?

Total Knicks move.[/QUOTE]

What happened to the Knicks was hilarious.

Overreacted and fired Thibs. Meanwhile, the team they lost to was a game away from being champions and they won't be able to compete next season.

They could have roll with Thibs for another year, they would have been (at worst) the co-favorites to win the East.

Now they don't even have a coach.

I'm down for a female NBA hc. The league's ready for it, and it's frankly long overdue.

Plus she may be able to fully tap into KAT's feline side and bring out the alpha lioness that lies within.

likely when coach Carlisle retires. Already the lowly Fever are a higher ticket than the almost-ran Pacers in Indy.

And coach Jenny Busic kicks ass.

The U.S. District Attorney’s office is investigating Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley on allegations of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets, sources told ESPN. Serious development surrounding one of the top NBA free agents.

[QUOTE=packman80;19946728]The U.S. District Attorney’s office is investigating Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley on allegations of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets, sources told ESPN. Serious development surrounding one of the top NBA free agents.[/QUOTE]

It worked for Ohtani....


Maybe Beasley wins MVP this year.

[QUOTE=yiguiri2002;19946349] Meanwhile, the team they lost to was a game away from being champions and they won't be able to compete next season.[/QUOTE]

I've been right so many times, don't want to be wrong. But I've never seen a team Nesmith on underperform.

[QUOTE=Nomad;19946778]I've been right so many times, don't want to be wrong. But I've never seen a team Nesmith on underperform.[/QUOTE]

I think they'll overperform and make the playoffs. They just won't make the second round.

When summer league starts?

Lebron opts in, DFS opts out.

Jazz trade Collin Sexton and a 2nd to Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic

One more year for LeBron with Lakers?
He didn’t want to comment, because the Lakers traded AD when he commented that “The Lakers Need Another Big”
Time for LeBron to go somewhere else. Rebuild around Doncic and Reaves

[QUOTE=Dodgerfan74;19946912]One more year for LeBron with Lakers?
He didn’t want to comment, because the Lakers traded AD when he commented that “The Lakers Need Another Big”
Time for LeBron to go somewhere else. Rebuild around Doncic and Reaves[/QUOTE]

I'd be shocked if Lebron didn't retire a Laker.

[QUOTE=Dodgerfan74;19946912]One more year for LeBron with Lakers?
He didn’t want to comment, because the Lakers traded AD when he commented that “The Lakers Need Another Big”
Time for LeBron to go somewhere else. Rebuild around Doncic and Reaves[/QUOTE]

Reaves rejected a new contract a few days ago...so unless he plays lights out all season and they win a championship, or at least make the Finals...not so sure he's back as a Laker

[QUOTE=rhigh2390;19946920]I'd be shocked if Lebron didn't retire a Laker.[/QUOTE]

He will follow the money. If the Lakers new owner decides he no longer wants a 40+ year old making 50+ million a year he will thank him and move on. James has choice retire or see if he can sucker another team into paying him 50+ million. If he can he might try to drag 1 or 2 more years out of it. Even more so if he can get his boy a deal along side him.

[QUOTE=packman80;19947105]He will follow the money. If the Lakers new owner decides he no longer wants a 40+ year old making 50+ million a year he will thank him and move on. James has choice retire or see if he can sucker another team into paying him 50+ million. If he can he might try to drag 1 or 2 more years out of it. Even more so if he can get his boy a deal along side him.[/QUOTE]

Lebron has a no trade clause. They have to pay him for this season at least.

Not surprised on the Reaves move.

Think he sees his writing on the wall with Luka in town and wants to preserve his chances at a future 9 figure legacy contract with a team that's going to make him a primary option, or at worst a secondary offensive weapon.

Fakers in an interesting spot if he leaves. You have Lulu, LeOsteoperosis, Rui and a gang of commons bin singles that nobody really wants. Could see them with a repeat playoff performance next year if they can't make a move on a big name.

Jabari Smith Jr. getting a pretty nice 5-year extension.

Sent from my motorola razr 2024 using Tapatalk

[QUOTE=blackvodka;19947159]Jabari Smith Jr. getting a pretty nice 5-year extension.

Sent from my motorola razr 2024 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

The money that middle of the pack guys make in the NBA is always jaw dropping.

[QUOTE=rhigh2390;19947162]The money that middle of the pack guys make in the NBA is always jaw dropping.[/QUOTE]This really exploded when Mike Conley got his $153 million 5 year deal back in 2015 or 2016.

Now guys like Smith Jr are getting $25 million a year. That's just the standard now.

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Insane to me that Harden is getting $40 million for each of the next 2 years. That guy has been cooked for several years and is still reaping the benefits of his prime days. Time and time again, he has disappeared when he is needed most.

Ayton getting bought out to become a free agent.

[QUOTE=Chris P;19947177]Ayton getting bought out to become a free agent.[/QUOTE]

I would think he already has a team lined up to sign him. Perhaps LA?

[QUOTE=rhigh2390;19947179]I would think he already has a team lined up to sign him.[/QUOTE]

Gotta be the Lakers no?

Hopefully Ayton to Lakers. That would be terrific! A young center

It appears that the Bucks are going to re-sign Bobby Portis.

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[QUOTE=Dodgerfan74;19947198]Hopefully Ayton to Lakers. That would be terrific! A young center[/QUOTE]

He's horrible....

[QUOTE=blackvodka;19947159]Jabari Smith Jr. getting a pretty nice 5-year extension.

Sent from my motorola razr 2024 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

Well worth it

His importance to the lineup goes far beyond what the box score will indicate

[QUOTE=rhigh2390;19947162]The money that middle of the pack guys make in the NBA is always jaw dropping.[/QUOTE]

No kidding. Between role players making 20 million a year and the very loose definition of "max" players it is crazy. No wonder, a ton of guys just kind of coast. Easy living if you can do it.

[QUOTE=kipgen;19947422]Well worth it



His importance to the lineup goes far beyond what the box score will indicate[/QUOTE]I want to see him take the next step this season. He certainly has potential, I just don't think he's fully there yet.

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If there was a Jabari Smith star leap to be had we would have seen the signs by now.

People get caught up in potential but he's just not that good. He's an average ball handler at best, has no playmaking ability, slightly above average 3pt shooter on volume (this makes his floor 6th man / role player), poor rebounder for his size/athleticism.

All that further compounded by him being in a bad spot for his development, in Houston. Amen is clearly better than Jabari and now you add KD where does he fit? They paid him to trade him imo

[QUOTE=jcardstore;19947546]If there was a Jabari Smith star leap to be had we would have seen the signs by now.

People get caught up in potential but he's just not that good. He's an average ball handler at best, has no playmaking ability, slightly above average 3pt shooter on volume (this makes his floor 6th man / role player), poor rebounder for his size/athleticism.

All that further compounded by him being in a bad spot for his development, in Houston. Amen is clearly better than Jabari and now you add KD where does he fit? They paid him to trade him imo[/QUOTE]

He's paid for the spot he plays which is 3&D role player who can spot up for midrange sometimes

You're right about his deficiencies but he's not really projected to be a star player on this team, just a guy who can fill in really well for what we need (rim defense and spot up shooting)

For a guy who fits well into the lineup $25m/yr is very fair

Sexton yet another small guard on the move—and Utah had to add draft capital. Story of this offseason so far. Atlanta has build about as good a team as you can around its small guard—even better if they add NAW or DFS for wing depth. If Atlanta isn’t a conference finalist in the east this year, fully expect them to move Trae next summer and use that unprotected Pelicans pick to find their future PG in the 2026 draft.

Finney-Smith 4/53 from Houston....Wow

[QUOTE=JustinVerlander07;19947787]Finney-Smith 4/53 from Houston....Wow[/QUOTE]

Nice pickup for Houston. Makes losing Brooks not bad.

LaRavia for 2/12 to the Lakers. Pretty decent deal.

Does this mean they are moving Reaves for frontcourt help and defensive wingmen?

MPJ and unprotected 2032 1st to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson.

Now THAT is interesting.

[QUOTE=JustinVerlander07;19947825]MPJ and unprotected 2032 1st to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson.

Now THAT is interesting.[/QUOTE]

I like it for Denver. Cam won't shoot them out of any games and he's also a bit cheaper than MPJ.

[QUOTE=rhigh2390;19947833]I like it for Denver. Cam won't shoot them out of any games and he's also a bit cheaper than MPJ.[/QUOTE]

Like Johnson, but that's quite the gamble with the pick being that far out. Gives Brooklyn a chance to let MPJ rehab himself too to where they could turn him into an asset(s) later.

And Denver bringing back Bruce Brown too.

Clint Capela back to Houston on 3yr/21.5m

Luke Kornet to the Spurs..4 years 41 mil

Kevin Porter Jr staying in MKE 2 years $11 million player option for year two.

Brook Lopez to the Clips on 2yr/$18mil

[QUOTE=rhigh2390;19947893]Brook Lopez to the Clips on 2yr/$18mil[/QUOTE]

Was hoping MKE could have gotten something out of him in a sign and trade.

Looney by all accounts a terrific person, but Pelicans giving him 16mil/2years another highly questionable move from that front office.

Ty Jerome just 3 year $28MM to Memphis.

My god that Pacers series cost him a whole lot of money.

[QUOTE=Chryghst;19947898]Looney by all accounts a terrific person, but Pelicans giving him 16mil/2years another highly questionable move from that front office.[/QUOTE]

Questionable is not enough.

He doesn't fit with Zion at all. Unless they have a deal in place already, it makes no sense.

[QUOTE=rhigh2390;19947857]Clint Capela back to Houston on 3yr/21.5m[/QUOTE]

They have Sengun, Capela and Adams at the 5. Are they planning to go with two bigs?

[QUOTE=JustinVerlander07;19947825]MPJ and unprotected 2032 1st to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson.

Now THAT is interesting.[/QUOTE]

Awesome trade for both.

Denver gets better and extends Joker's window. Brooklyn gets a lottery pick when Joker's gone.

Tre Jones back with the Bull at 3/24

I feel like it's the only move I'll like this offseason

[QUOTE=yiguiri2002;19947917]They have Sengun, Capela and Adams at the 5. Are they planning to go with two bigs?[/QUOTE]

Not to mention KD and Jabari Smith both being close to 7 foot. Huge frontcourt, but maybe they are trying to match OKC's size.

[QUOTE=yiguiri2002;19947920]Awesome trade for both.

Denver gets better and extends Joker's window. Brooklyn gets a lottery pick when Joker's gone.[/QUOTE]
Potential #1 overall pick? Fascinating gamble on Brooklyn's part given Johnson had real value and they took on a damaged asset to get that pick.

NAW going to the Hawks for 4/62.

Atlanta saw an opening and it's going for it. Same for Orlando. I think one of them make the Conference Finals.

Pels FO obviously pursuing the Warriors 'has beens' trifecta.

Expect to see a Wiseman FA signing any second now.

[QUOTE=Chris P;19947864]Luke Kornet to the Spurs..4 years 41 mil[/QUOTE]

Underrated solid pickup

Smart skilled backup big. One more of the needs addressed

Love that we got the Nuggets 2032 pick. Stash that and forget about it until then. Lead the tank, Commander Porter.

[QUOTE=ninjacookies;19947939]Pels FO obviously pursuing the Warriors 'has beens' trifecta.

Expect to see a Wiseman FA signing any second now.[/QUOTE]

Joe D is totally overthinking.

[QUOTE=JustinVerlander07;19947948]Joe D is totally overthinking.[/QUOTE]

Zion diet got him riskin it all for BBL 3's and 4's.

[IMG]https://cdn.nba.com/teams/uploads/sites/1610612740/2025/04/Gallery-Joe-Dumars-Introductory-Presser-04222025-53.jpg?im=Resize=(640)[/IMG]

Hawks sign Luke Kennard to 1 year deal

Fakers really dropped the ball on Brolo, especially on that kind of money with Bron constricting their options.

Would be hilarious if they end up overpaying for the dude that's about to find himself homeless courtesy of azn bro that 'likes to play ps5 and eat.'

[IMG]https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/heraldandnews.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/ba/9ba1dd8a-4f7b-4102-9aad-2d196c859a92/685f1d1e58b46.image.jpg?resize=667%2C500[/IMG]

[QUOTE=yiguiri2002;19947920]Awesome trade for both.

Denver gets better and extends Joker's window. Brooklyn gets a lottery pick when Joker's gone.[/QUOTE]

Denver saves money. Not sure it extends the window. Both contracts are two years, and Johnson’s two and a half years older. Maybe it just opens the window a littler wider in the short-term.

Orlando getting Tyus Jones for a year at $7mil. is a good one. I’m not as in on the Magic as some, but that’s a good fit at a position of need for them.

[QUOTE=ninjacookies;19947953]Zion diet got him riskin it all for BBL 3's and 4's.

[IMG]https://cdn.nba.com/teams/uploads/sites/1610612740/2025/04/Gallery-Joe-Dumars-Introductory-Presser-04222025-53.jpg?im=Resize=(640)[/IMG][/QUOTE]

That’s Joe DDD!