Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) reacts in the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images The NBA offseason has started off with a bit of a thud.
Long gone are the days of Woj Bombs the moment free agency opens. It seems like the league’s new second apron rules are preventing teams from going buck wild each summer.
Not to mention, Kevin Durant being traded to the Houston Rockets was the biggest thing that happened—and the NBA should have saved that move for any day other than Game 7 of the Finals.
But while things have been relatively quiet by NBA standards, there have still been some fun and meaningful moves. Here are some of the best so far.
Bucks Sign Myles Turner to Keep Giannis Happy
During the second night of the NBA Draft, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo was watching Milwaukee’s moves very closely.
It’s hard to imagine the Greek Freak was going to let a second-round pick dictate whether he stays with the Bucks. But their splashy move in free agency should have Antetokounmpo fully bought in.
The Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard, who tragically ruptured his Achilles tendon in the playoffs. They’ll stretch his money to make room for free-agent center Myles Turner—arguably one of the biggest names available.
This move gives Antetokounmpo real help, and the Pacers are now much weaker without Turner and Tyrese Haliburton, who also ruptured his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and will miss the entire 2025-26 season.
There’s a real path for the Bucks to contend in a weak Eastern Conference next year while keeping their homegrown superstar happy.
LeBron James Opts In With Lakers—But For How Long?
Apr 4, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (left) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shake hands after their game at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images At 40 years old, there was no logical reason for LeBron James to opt out of his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers.
Still, his future in Los Angeles feels murky—and that should be a way bigger headline.
According to agent Rich Paul, James understands how difficult it will be for the Lakers to rebuild around Luka Dončić while contending for a title. The front office has done little to retool the roster to prove it’s serious about winning now.
It seems like James could be on the fence about requesting a trade, despite holding a no-trade clause. If he does, it would instantly become the biggest headline in sports for the rest of the summer.
Knicks Make Quiet But Smart Additions
Mar 17, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) brings the ball up the court during the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images When the Finals concluded, the Oklahoma City Thunder were early betting favorites to repeat in 2026, with the Cleveland Cavaliers right behind them.
Now, the New York Knicks have jumped to the second-best title odds at +850, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Even without a head coach, it looks like the Knicks are finally going to use their bench. They added a pure scorer in Jordan Clarkson, who can take over games off the bench, and Guerschon Yabusele, who brings dependable size and wing depth.
New York seems to understand how wide open the East is, and made the small, responsible moves needed to patch up the roster and stay in contention.
