NBA free agency 2025 – Reaction and grades for the biggest signings

The NBA free agency period for the 2025-26 season has commenced, with teams actively acquiring key players and structuring their rosters.

Notable moves include Myles Turner`s departure from the Indiana Pacers to the Milwaukee Bucks, maximum contract extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaren Jackson Jr., James Harden`s new agreement with the LA Clippers, and LeBron James exercising his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.

As further transactions are finalized, we provide evaluations and analysis of each deal`s implications for the upcoming season and future.

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July 2: Ayton agrees to deal with Lakers

• Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a reported two-year contract with center Deandre Ayton

Grade: B+

Following a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, Deandre Ayton appeared to be a suitable addition for the Lakers, extending beyond the narrative symmetry of uniting the 2018 draft`s first overall selection with Luka Doncic, the third pick.

At almost 27 years old, Ayton represents a considerably younger alternative compared to other center options the Lakers could pursue with the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, such as the veteran Al Horford (39) or Brook Lopez (37).

If successful, Ayton could offer the Lakers a potential long-term solution, unlike veteran alternatives, while also providing a significant lob threat for Luka Doncic in pick-and-roll plays. Last season demonstrated the effectiveness of vertical spacing in the Lakers` offense featuring Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves handling the ball in pick-and-rolls.

However, Hayes` overall skill set wasn`t starting quality, leading to his reduced role in coach J.J. Redick`s playoff rotation, where he saw limited minutes.

During his tenure with the Phoenix Suns, Ayton was among the league`s most productive pick-and-roll finishers. However, his effectiveness in this area has decreased over the past two seasons with the Blazers due to different ball handlers and less optimal spacing.

While only a slight improvement over Hayes in rim protection, Ayton`s greater size enhances his defensive rebounding, which should help keep him on the court against stronger playoff opponents.

By dividing the non-taxpayer midlevel exception between Ayton and Jake LaRavia, the Lakers aim to increase their core group of trusted playoff players from five to potentially six. Further expansion of this group will rely on the progression of young talent and subsequent roster adjustments.

LeBron James` decision to exercise his player option instead of potentially signing for the maximum salary provides the Lakers with some financial flexibility below the lower luxury-tax apron, acting as a hard cap due to their use of the non-taxpayer midlevel exception.

Whether these roster additions, including Ayton, are sufficient to convince James the Lakers can contend for a championship after their first-round exit remains uncertain. The team possesses future draft assets and expiring contracts that could be used for significant `win-now` trades, likely preferred by James in his upcoming season.

Absent a full understanding of all available options for the Lakers, acquiring Ayton appears to be a prudent move for the moment. This signing could elevate their playoff potential, particularly if accepting a buyout and a significantly lower salary motivates Ayton to perform at the level seen during the Suns` 2021 Finals run.

Furthermore, delaying significant moves provides the Lakers time to assess their needs and potential trade targets before the deadline. Offering their unprotected pick and swap rights could facilitate the acquisition of a starting-level player.

Ultimately, the critical factor for the Lakers` offseason success isn`t external opinion or even James`s perspective, but rather Luka Doncic`s decision regarding a contract extension, which he becomes eligible for soon.

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July 2: Hornets retain Mann, add guard depth with Dinwiddie

• Charlotte Hornets agreed to re-sign guard Tre Mann to a reported three-year, $24 million deal; agreed to a reported one-year deal with guard Spencer Dinwiddie

Grades
Mann: B-
Dinwiddie: B

When the Hornets acquired Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz, it was noted that Sexton`s addition addressed Charlotte`s need for playmaking when LaMelo Ball is not on the court. With the return of Mann and the addition of Dinwiddie, the Hornets seem determined to avoid this issue entirely this season.

Mann`s season-ending injury in November significantly contributed to this weakness. Before the injury, Mann averaged 14.1 PPG in limited minutes off the bench, partly fueled by strong 3-point shooting, which may not be sustainable. Mann has a career 3-point percentage of 35%.

Despite this caveat, there are indications that Mann can establish a valuable role as a bench scorer. He performed well as a starter for the Hornets after being acquired at the 2024 trade deadline, demonstrating an encouraging ability to create opportunities for teammates.

A first-round pick in 2021, Mann is still only 24 years old. Provided he remains healthy, he is expected to continue developing.

Last season, Spencer Dinwiddie was thrust into a larger-than-anticipated role with the Dallas Mavericks following trades and injuries. He started 30 games and played over 2,000 minutes, a workload that likely highlighted his limitations, leading to his reduced role in the play-in tournament.

As a fifth guard for Charlotte, Dinwiddie is well-equipped to serve as valuable injury insurance. However, his addition creates a roster challenge for the Hornets, who have numerous players under contract or with non-guaranteed deals.

Charlotte has options to manage their roster spots, such as waiving Pat Connaughton or potentially moving on from Josh Okogie`s non-guaranteed contract.

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July 1: Turner to Bucks on four-year deal

• Milwaukee Bucks agreed to a reported four-year, $107 million deal with center Myles Turner

Grade: B-

This development is genuinely surprising, arguably the most shocking in NBA free agency since Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joined the LA Clippers in 2019. Myles Turner seemed poised to re-sign with the Indiana Pacers, having just played a crucial role for them in the NBA Finals.

Meanwhile, the Bucks` free agency plans appeared modest initially, suggesting they would remain over the salary cap and utilize the non-taxpayer midlevel exception to replace the departed Brook Lopez.

However, with Giannis Antetokounmpo evaluating the team`s direction, the Bucks made a far more ambitious move. This required significant financial maneuvers, including the largest waive and stretch in NBA history involving Damian Lillard, whose future salary will impact Milwaukee`s cap for years.

Stretching Lillard`s salary alone wasn`t enough to create the cap space for Turner`s contract. Milwaukee subsequently traded Pat Connaughton to the Charlotte Hornets. If the Bucks can reach a buyout agreement with Vasilije Micic, who was acquired in that trade, it should provide the necessary financial flexibility.

In many respects, Turner resembles a younger version of Lopez, whose signing was pivotal to the Bucks` recent era of contention. Having a center capable of both protecting the rim, thus relieving Antetokounmpo of that primary responsibility, and stretching the floor on offense represents the ideal scenario for Milwaukee. Turner, at 29, was arguably the only viable long-term option available to pair with Antetokounmpo for what the team hopes will be the remainder of his prime.

Turner is coming off a career-best 3-point shooting season. While his defensive ceiling might not be as high as Lopez`s peak, Turner has often been the sole rim protector for his team. Playing alongside a strong secondary defender like Antetokounmpo should enhance his defensive impact. Furthermore, opponents` shooting percentages close to the basket against Turner last season were slightly better than against the aging Lopez.

The contrast between Lopez and Turner was evident in their first-round playoff series. Turner performed strongly as Indiana won the series, while Lopez`s effectiveness waned, leading to his backup playing over him in the final game.

It`s important to note that Lopez`s performance wasn`t the sole reason for the Bucks` playoff exit. Their starting wings were largely ineffective against Indiana. Milwaukee has yet to address this significant weakness on the roster.

If the Bucks are committed to championship contention, as this bold move suggests, they must leverage their remaining draft assets to upgrade their wing position. Cam Johnson, a potential replacement, was already traded to another team.

Absent further significant upgrades, despite Milwaukee`s creativity and boldness, it`s questionable whether the Bucks are substantially closer to winning a championship. Waiving Lillard eliminates the possibility of his return to high-level play. Furthermore, Turner is currently the only player besides Antetokounmpo who averaged over 15 points last season.

Should Antetokounmpo eventually decide to leave Milwaukee, Turner`s contract should offer more trade value than Lillard`s max deal would have. However, the future rebuild would be hindered by the team lacking control over its own draft picks and the salary cap implications of the Lillard stretch. CBA rules might also limit Milwaukee`s ability to stretch other large salaries for the next five years.

For the Pacers, losing a key contributor in his prime is undoubtedly a setback. Indiana now has significant cap flexibility to find a replacement for Turner without incurring the luxury tax, which would have been necessary to match Milwaukee`s offer. Given they reached the Finals, paying the tax might have been justifiable for a small-market team.

Tyrese Haliburton`s injury impacts expectations for the Pacers next season, but Turner would have remained a valuable asset beyond Haliburton`s recovery. Center depth was already a concern for Indiana after recent injuries to backups. The team currently lacks a clear replacement for Turner in both the short and long term.

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July 1: SGA gets supermax extension from OKC

• Oklahoma City Thunder agreed to a reported four-year, supermax extension for guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Grade: Pass (extensions graded on pass/fail)

The `supermax` designated veteran extension was partly introduced to the CBA in response to Kevin Durant`s departure from the Thunder in 2016. It is therefore fitting that Oklahoma City can now utilize it with another MVP-caliber player.

In the past, contract rules and sudden salary cap changes made a Durant extension challenging even if he had preferred to stay. The current situation is vastly different. The only question was whether Gilgeous-Alexander would sign the supermax this offseason or wait to potentially add a fifth year next summer.

Ideally, Gilgeous-Alexander might have accepted slightly less than the full 35% of the salary cap allowed by a supermax extension as a starting point. (The precise value, currently estimated at $285 million, will be finalized when the 2027-28 salary cap is set).

Gilgeous-Alexander has undoubtedly earned a supermax contract, and Oklahoma City is exceptionally well-prepared for its stars receiving significant raises. Besides Gilgeous-Alexander, both All-Star Jalen Williams and starter Chet Holmgren are eligible for rookie extensions this summer that will begin in the 2026-27 season.

Anticipating these upcoming contracts, Oklahoma City has strategically structured player options and decreasing salaries for years, ensuring flexibility to shed salary without incurring penalties. The team`s unprecedented collection of first-round picks, accumulated during its rebuild, guarantees a continuous influx of affordable talent to complement its stars and maintain contention throughout Gilgeous-Alexander`s prime.

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July 1: Bucks land deals with Harris, Sims

• Milwaukee Bucks agreed to a reported two-year deal with guard Gary Harris; agreed to a reported two-year deal with center Jericho Sims

Grades
Harris grade: C
Sims grade: B-

Following Tuesday`s significant transactions – waiving Damian Lillard and stretching his salary to sign Myles Turner – the Bucks continued to round out their roster later in the day.

At this stage of his career, Gary Harris is more recognized by name than for his current contributions. Last season, he averaged just 14.8 minutes and 3.0 points for an Orlando Magic team needing perimeter production. While Harris could potentially provide bench minutes in a 3-and-D capacity, he doesn`t precisely address a key need for Milwaukee.

In fact, shooting guard is arguably the strongest position group for the Bucks after power forward. Milwaukee also re-signed Gary Trent Jr. and retains AJ Green, both of whom were trusted by coach Doc Rivers in the recent playoff series.

Jericho Sims, acquired midseason from the New York Knicks, also saw rotation minutes ahead of Brook Lopez. Sims offered some positive play during Bobby Portis` suspension and serves as a reliable third center option.

A notable concern with these signings is the number of player options the Bucks are including in contracts this summer. Several players, including Trent, Kevin Porter Jr., and Taurean Prince, received `one-plus-one` deals with player options for the 2026-27 season.

Several teams faced issues with player options granted in the summer of 2023, resulting in underperforming players occupying roster spots. Milwaukee risks encountering similar problems, and it`s questionable whether Harris and Sims warrant receiving player options over alternative choices.

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July 1: Knicks land backup big Yabusele

• New York Knicks agreed to a reported two-year, $12 million contract with forward/center Guerschon Yabusele

Grade: B

Guerschon Yabusele was a rare positive during the Philadelphia 76ers` difficult season. Returning to the NBA after excelling for the French national team in the Olympics, Yabusele started 43 games on a minimum contract, contributing 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

With the Sixers nearing the luxury tax, Yabusele was available in free agency. The Knicks are adding him to a frontcourt rotation that includes Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Yabusele was somewhat miscast as a primary center for Philadelphia due to Joel Embiid`s absence, as he is not a strong rim protector. He should fit better in New York. The Eastern Conference Finals demonstrated the benefit of the Knicks employing more size in the frontcourt compared to the smaller Josh Hart.

Standing 6-foot-8, Yabusele offers a size compromise between Hart and the traditional center pairing of Robinson and Towns. A frontcourt featuring Towns and Yabusele would also provide five-out spacing, as Yabusele shot 38% from 3-point range last season on a reasonable volume.

Utilizing the taxpayer midlevel exception to sign Yabusele requires complex cap management for the Knicks. New York is close to the hard cap at the second luxury tax apron and will likely leverage the fact that second-round picks count less against the apron in their initial seasons than minimum salary players.

Consequently, the Knicks` major offseason moves might be concluded, with Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson representing the key veteran additions to a team that reached the conference finals last year. In a competitive Eastern Conference, any boost they provide could be significant for New York. At 29, Yabusele is young enough to potentially be a long-term piece, especially as the Knicks might not have access to their midlevel exception next summer if they extend Mikal Bridges` contract and exceed the second apron.

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July 1: Denver adds Hardaway to summer signings

• Denver Nuggets agreed to a reported one-year deal with guard Tim Hardaway Jr.

Grade: A-

Evidently, these are not the same Nuggets under former GM Calvin Booth. Hardaway represents precisely the type of veteran player Booth preferred not to add to the bench, opting instead to allocate minutes to recent draft selections. This approach often caused disagreement with former coach Michael Malone.

Hardaway started all 77 games for the Detroit Pistons last season and averaged significant minutes in the playoffs. While his role in Detroit`s performance might have been overstated, other NBA teams seemingly did not pursue him aggressively, allowing the Nuggets to sign him at a favorable price. Along with returning free agent Bruce Brown and trade acquisition Jonas Valanciunas, Hardaway significantly strengthens Denver`s bench depth.

As a high-volume 3-point shooter, Hardaway primarily competes for minutes with Julian Strawther, the 2023 first-round pick who saw limited playing time in the 2025 playoffs.

If the new Denver coach David Adelman had limited trust in Strawther during the playoffs, bringing in a veteran like Hardaway, who Adelman is likely to play, makes sense. With 14 players now under contract, Denver appears largely finished with its roster adjustments, which seem to have improved its prospects against teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder next season.

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July 1: Raptors extend Poeltl; add Mamukelashvili to bolster bench

• Toronto Raptors agreed to a reported four-year, $104 million extension with center Jakob Poeltl; agreed to a reported two-year, $5.5 million deal with forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili

Grades
Poeltl: Fail (extensions graded on pass/fail)
Mamukelashvili: B+

Since acquiring Jakob Poeltl at the 2023 trade deadline, giving up a valuable first-round pick in the process, the Raptors have consistently valued him highly, treating him like an above-average starting center. Toronto re-signed him to a substantial four-year contract the following summer and is now granting him nearly the maximum possible raise on that deal.

Poeltl could have added a larger amount over three years by exercising a player option first, but this new agreement provides him with a significant sum added to his current contract, resulting in the total reported value.

The Raptors might point to Poeltl`s positive impact ratings as justification for his value. However, there are two main issues with this perspective. Firstly, it`s improbable that other teams in the league value Poeltl as highly, suggesting Toronto might have been able to re-sign him as an unrestricted free agent later for a lesser amount, as being outbid seemed unlikely.

Secondly, there is concern about how Poeltl`s game will age. He will be 32 when this extension begins and 34 by its conclusion. His rim protection metrics have already shown a decline since returning to Toronto compared to his time with the San Antonio Spurs.

From a broader team perspective, the Raptors continue to invest heavily in a core group that has not yet proven capable of reaching the playoffs. With four starters now under contract for a combined significant amount in 2027-28, and one being a recent trade acquisition, it remains uncertain if this roster is equipped to contend in the Eastern Conference.

Given this context and the absence of immediate pressure to extend Poeltl, waiting would have been a more prudent approach. While the exact terms of this deal might not have been possible later, a similar contract could have been negotiated closer to his option decision next summer. By signing a deal that starts two years from now, the Raptors appear to be accepting too much risk for insufficient potential reward.

My evaluation of the Mamukelashvili signing is much more positive. He performed effectively for the Spurs last season, showing encouraging 3-point shooting on a decent volume, which complements his historical accuracy inside the arc.

If Mamukelashvili can maintain his shooting, he could be a valuable addition, particularly when paired with younger frontcourt players who offer defensive capabilities, an area where Mamukelashvili is less strong. Considering the contract cost, this signing represents a worthwhile low-risk acquisition for Toronto.

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July 1: Kings add PG Schroder on three-year deal

• Sacramento Kings agreed to a reported three-year, $45 million contract with guard Dennis Schroder

Grade: C-

New Sacramento GM Scott Perry indicated the Kings` pursuit of a point guard, calling the lack of a traditional playmaker an “obvious need.” While this statement is hard to argue with, it`s debatable whether playmaking was Sacramento`s most significant deficiency.

After restructuring their roster, the Kings largely relied on a committee approach for point guard duties. Key players were capable ball handlers. Following the All-Star break, Sacramento`s assist rate ranked near the bottom of the league. However, a low assist rate isn`t necessarily indicative of a poor offense, as demonstrated by other successful teams.

To some extent, Schroder`s defense could be beneficial, as he is capable of applying full-court pressure. Nevertheless, the addition of the 6-foot-1 Schroder makes the Kings even smaller on the perimeter and represents a defensive step down compared to other guards on the roster.

Offensively, Schroder has historically been more effective as a playmaker coming off the bench rather than as a starter. His value has often correlated with his 3-point shooting percentage, which has fluctuated throughout his career with multiple teams.

Schroder performed well starting for the Brooklyn Nets last season, showing improved shooting numbers. After being traded, he played an important bench role for the Detroit Pistons in their playoff series.

Regardless of whether Schroder addresses the Kings` primary needs, a three-year contract for a player turning 32 raises concerns about potential age-related decline, particularly given how crucial his quickness is to his playmaking.

Signing Schroder to this contract necessitated Sacramento trading Jonas Valanciunas, a clear downgrade in terms of on-court production justified only by the salary implications. Based on this cost, offering a contract similar to Tyus Jones` deal with the Orlando Magic would arguably have been preferable.

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June 30: JJJ gets massive extension with Memphis, Aldama returns

• Memphis Grizzlies agreed to a five-year, $240 million renegotiation and extension with forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr.; agreed to re-sign forward Santi Aldama to a three-year, $52.5 million contract

Grades
Jackson: Pass (extensions graded on pass/fail)
Aldama: B-

As part of what has already been a busy offseason, and likely not the end of their moves, the Grizzlies finalized two new agreements with current players early in free agency.

Securing Jaren Jackson Jr.`s signature was Memphis`s top priority. Based on his existing contract, the Grizzlies could offer a maximum extension amount. By utilizing cap space to increase Jackson`s salary for the upcoming season, Memphis was able to make a more competitive offer. This structure adds a significant amount to Jackson`s contract, boosting his starting salary for future seasons. While still slightly below the maximum he could have potentially earned as an unrestricted free agent, the security of a large deal now, in a place he wants to play, likely compensates for the small difference.

From the Grizzlies` perspective, this is a significant victory. They eliminate the risk of Jackson potentially leaving in free agency and the possibility of him qualifying for the supermax next season. While clearing cap space to facilitate this required trading a first-round pick, the gamble appears to have paid off.

Technically, Memphis currently lacks the cap space needed to finalize this deal. Reports suggest the team intends to waive and stretch players if no trade materializes. Stretching a reserve player`s salary wouldn`t create enough space, indicating the Grizzlies might need to part ways with a newly acquired guard. Stretching that player`s salary would impact Memphis`s cap sheet for several years.

Trading a player or stretching salary is necessary for the Grizzlies to retain full Bird rights for Santi Aldama, who posted career highs in points, rebounds, and assists last season. Still only 24, Aldama is expected to remain a key part of Memphis`s rotation throughout the duration of his new contract.

Given the limited available cap space league-wide this summer and Aldama`s relatively modest qualifying offer, it`s possible the Grizzlies could have negotiated a slightly lower salary. Aldama will earn substantially more than other teams could have offered using the non-taxpayer midlevel exception over this period.

The advantage for Memphis is the ability to structure Aldama`s contract favorably. It`s likely the salary will be highest in the first year and decrease thereafter, allowing the Grizzlies to utilize more cap space currently, as they are well below the luxury tax threshold. This provides flexibility to add another contributor using their room exception. Memphis has been linked to pursuing a Cleveland Cavaliers guard.

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June 30: Hawks land Alexander-Walker and Kennard

• Atlanta Hawks agreed to a reported four-year, $62 million contract with guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker via sign-and-trade; agreed to a reported one-year, $11 million deal with guard Luke Kennard

Grades
Alexander-Walker: A-
Kennard: B

The market for Nickeil Alexander-Walker, already expected to be competitive, was likely further boosted by the dynamics of the recent postseason. Having multiple defenders capable of applying pressure on opposing ball handlers became increasingly valuable in the later rounds. The ability of these defenders to also make 3-pointers is a significant bonus.

Alexander-Walker`s strong performance in the Western Conference Finals further enhanced his market value, making him likely unaffordable for his previous team unless they sacrificed other key players. This made him both available and highly sought after.

Ultimately, the Hawks leveraged a significant trade exception created last summer to offer Alexander-Walker a contract slightly exceeding the non-taxpayer midlevel exception. Atlanta will send a future second-round pick and cash to complete the sign-and-trade deal.

This continues a series of positive moves for the Hawks under their first-year general manager. Atlanta previously acquired Kristaps Porzingis in a multi-team trade and secured a valuable first-round pick on draft night.

Alexander-Walker effectively replaces a departed guard in the rotation. He is four years younger, fitting better with Atlanta`s roster timeline. He is also capable of playing point guard alongside another defensive-minded guard, creating a formidable defensive backcourt pairing when the starting point guard is resting.

Later, Atlanta further strengthened its depth by adding Luke Kennard on a one-year agreement. Kennard is a highly accurate career 3-point shooter, having led the league in percentage multiple times. The Hawks now possess significant depth in the backcourt and appear close to finalizing their offseason roster.

It`s difficult to definitively rank Atlanta within the Eastern Conference before the season begins. However, if Kristaps Porzingis can remain healthy for a significant portion of the season, the Hawks appear well-positioned to avoid the play-in tournament for the first time in several years. Despite potentially swapping their first-round pick with another team, the draft-night trade provides the Hawks with an opportunity for lottery luck.

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June 30: Lopez heads to Clippers on two-year deal

• LA Clippers agreed to a reported two-year, $16 million contract with center Brook Lopez

Grade: A

While speculation centered on Lopez joining the *other* Los Angeles team, he also makes considerable sense for the Clippers, especially on a contract appropriate for a backup center.

Despite their perceived depth, the Clippers struggled last season when their starting center was off the court. Lineups without him performed significantly worse offensively.

Compared to the previous backup center, Lopez offers a much more credible shooting threat. Known as `Splash Mountain`, he has consistently made a high volume of 3-pointers. Lopez also provides an occasional post-up threat against smaller defenders, which the Clippers can utilize given their starting center frequently posts up.

Lopez will also provide an upgrade defensively, ensuring the Clippers have quality rim protection for 48 minutes. Opponents` shooting percentages close to the basket against Lopez were comparable to those against the starting center last season.

The only potential concern is Lopez`s age at 37. However, given that his primary strengths – size and shooting – tend to age well, a two-year contract for Lopez is not overly concerning. The potential risk of age-related decline is justified by the reward of acquiring a player who started 80 games last season for less than $10 million per year.

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June 30: Milwaukee signs Porter, Trent and Prince

• Milwaukee Bucks agreed to re-sign guard Kevin Porter Jr. to a two-year, $11 million deal; agreed to re-sign guard Gary Trent Jr. to a two-year, $7.5 million deal; agreed to re-sign forward Taurean Prince to a two-year, $7.1 million deal

Grades
Porter: B
Prince: C
Trent: A

Having already agreed to a new contract with a key free agent, the Bucks brought back three additional rotation players, all previously on minimum contracts, at modest salaries.

Kevin Porter Jr. received the most significant raise after performing well in games near the end of the regular season when the starting point guard was sidelined. With the starting point guard expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season due to injury, Porter is projected to be Milwaukee`s starting point guard.

Porter`s talent is undeniable. He played last season on a minimum contract after being out of the league the previous year following legal issues. Prior to joining the Bucks, Porter had struggled with scoring efficiency. While his high 3-point shooting percentage with Milwaukee is likely unsustainable, his improved accuracy inside the arc might be legitimate. Using the biannual exception for his contract was a necessary part of the team`s offseason strategy.

Like Porter, Gary Trent Jr. was a crucial contributor in the Bucks` first-round series, having multiple high-scoring games. Milwaukee retaining Trent using non-Bird rights, which allows for a modest raise, is a significant win. Trent, in turn, will establish early Bird rights if he declines his player option in 2026-27.

Taurean Prince was one of the players whose minutes decreased significantly during the playoff series. After starting most regular season games, Prince saw minimal playing time in the final games of the series after struggling early on. In this context, it is somewhat surprising that Prince received a two-year contract with a player option. This means his actual salary will count against the cap rather than the veteran`s minimum.

From a broader perspective, the question is the direction of the Bucks, who are largely bringing back their recent playoff rotation minus a key departed player. Milwaukee has cap space to use an exception to replace the departed player, with a specific center mentioned as a potential target. However, these moves do not fully compensate for the loss of a star player and do not appear to significantly improve a team that hasn`t advanced beyond the first round since 2022.

Milwaukee still has opportunities to make trades. However, barring unexpected deals, the Bucks do not seem much closer to competing for a championship.

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June 30: Kornet heads to San Antonio on a four-year deal

• San Antonio Spurs agreed to a reported four-year, $41 million deal with center Luke Kornet

Grade: B+

On the surface, the Spurs signing a center when they already have a generational talent might seem counterintuitive, but adding Luke Kornet is a sensible move for multiple reasons.

San Antonio`s biggest long-term need is likely a versatile forward. However, such a player, if available in free agency, would undoubtedly be outside the Spurs` salary range. A more realistic target was potentially another big man who plays for the French national team.

At the center position, the Spurs could explore options higher on the market. Kornet was highlighted as an underrated free agent by analysts. Advanced metrics consistently show Kornet making a significant positive impact through his rim protection and efficient scoring close to the basket.

Since reducing his 3-point attempts, Kornet has shot a high percentage near the rim over the past three seasons. Furthermore, opponents` shooting percentages against Kornet close to the basket were among the best in the league last year, comparable to that of the Spurs` star player.

Adding Kornet addresses San Antonio`s primary weakness last season: defending when their star player was off the court. The team`s defensive performance dropped significantly without him. Improving this aspect is the fastest path for San Antonio to reach the playoffs.

Beyond that, it`s plausible that Kornet might play alongside the Spurs` star player at times. The team experimented with playing him as a power forward previously but adjusted. However, with a better center option now available and improved shot creation around them, it`s worth reconsidering.

Even if Kornet serves strictly as a backup center, his contract appears favorable compared to many veteran big men who signed similar deals this offseason or more defensively limited players who re-signed with their teams. The Spurs can maximize Kornet`s long-term value by structuring his contract with higher salaries initially, leading to lower figures when their star player is no longer on his rookie deal and luxury tax concerns arise.

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June 30: Nuggets agree to deal with Brown

• Denver Nuggets agreed to a reported contract with guard/forward Bruce Brown Jr.

Grade: B+

A reunion between Bruce Brown and the Nuggets was one of the most anticipated free agency pairings. Both sides have experienced less success since Brown`s season in Denver culminated in an NBA championship.

As an unrestricted free agent that summer, Brown signed a lucrative two-year contract…