NBA Trade and Signing News: Kevin Durant to Rockets, Deandre Ayton to Lakers, and More (July 7, 2025)
NBA Trade and Signing News Roundup: July 7, 2025
The NBA offseason is in full swing, and July 7, 2025, brought a flurry of trade and signing activity that has fans buzzing. From blockbuster deals to strategic signings, teams across the league are reshaping their rosters for the 2025-26 season. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest moves that dominated headlines in the United States.
Major Trades That Shook the LeagueOne of the biggest stories of the day was the finalization of the NBA’s first-ever seven-team trade, headlined by Kevin Durant’s move from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets acquired Durant and Clint Capela, while the Suns received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick (Khaman Maluach), and multiple second-round picks. Other teams involved, including Atlanta, Brooklyn, Golden State, the LA Lakers, and Minnesota, exchanged draft picks and role players like David Roddy and Adou Thiero. This historic trade, which had been in the works since before the NBA Draft, marks a significant shift in the Western Conference landscape.
Elsewhere, a three-team trade between the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and Utah Jazz sent Norman Powell to Miami, John Collins to the Clippers, and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and a 2027 second-round pick to the Jazz. This move bolsters Miami’s roster as they aim to stay competitive in the East, while the Clippers and Jazz adjust their lineups for the upcoming season.
The Denver Nuggets also made waves by trading Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson, adding size and versatility to their roster. This deal comes on the heels of their acquisition of Jonas Valančiūnas from the Sacramento Kings, though Valančiūnas is reportedly considering an offer to play in Greece, which could complicate Denver’s plans.
Key Free Agent Signings
Free agency continued to heat up with several notable signings. The Los Angeles Lakers made a splash by signing Deandre Ayton, a move that signals their intent to build around LeBron James, who picked up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. James Harden, meanwhile, declined his player option but re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $81 million deal, ensuring continuity for the team.
In Milwaukee, the Bucks shocked the league by waiving Damian Lillard to create cap space for Myles Turner, who signed a four-year deal. This move has raised questions about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the team, as reports suggest he’s displeased with the decision.The Atlanta Hawks bolstered their roster with the additions of Nickeil Alexander-Walker (four-year, $62 million sign-and-trade) and Luke Kennard (one-year deal), aiming to improve their perimeter defense and shooting around Trae Young. The Cleveland Cavaliers announced a trade for Lonzo Ball and re-signed Sam Merrill to a four-year, $38 million deal, though they let Ty Jerome walk in free agency.
Other notable signings include:
Extensions and Emerging Rumors
Several young stars secured lucrative extensions. Paolo Banchero agreed to a five-year, $287 million max deal with the Orlando Magic, locking in their core alongside Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Jaren Jackson Jr. inked a five-year, $240 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Rumors continue to swirl around restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, with no significant traction reported on a potential deal with the Golden State Warriors. Additionally, the Phoenix Suns and Bradley Beal are reportedly nearing a contract buyout, which could shake up the market further.
What’s Next?
With the NBA’s free agency moratorium lifted on July 6, teams are now able to officially sign players and finalize trades. The salary cap for the 2025-26 season is set at $154.647 million, and front offices are navigating the new financial landscape to build competitive rosters. Expect more moves in the coming days as teams finalize their plans ahead of training camp.Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025 NBA offseason continues to unfold with surprises and game-changing deals.
Major Trades That Shook the LeagueOne of the biggest stories of the day was the finalization of the NBA’s first-ever seven-team trade, headlined by Kevin Durant’s move from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets acquired Durant and Clint Capela, while the Suns received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick (Khaman Maluach), and multiple second-round picks. Other teams involved, including Atlanta, Brooklyn, Golden State, the LA Lakers, and Minnesota, exchanged draft picks and role players like David Roddy and Adou Thiero. This historic trade, which had been in the works since before the NBA Draft, marks a significant shift in the Western Conference landscape.
Elsewhere, a three-team trade between the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and Utah Jazz sent Norman Powell to Miami, John Collins to the Clippers, and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and a 2027 second-round pick to the Jazz. This move bolsters Miami’s roster as they aim to stay competitive in the East, while the Clippers and Jazz adjust their lineups for the upcoming season.
The Denver Nuggets also made waves by trading Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson, adding size and versatility to their roster. This deal comes on the heels of their acquisition of Jonas Valančiūnas from the Sacramento Kings, though Valančiūnas is reportedly considering an offer to play in Greece, which could complicate Denver’s plans.
Key Free Agent Signings
Free agency continued to heat up with several notable signings. The Los Angeles Lakers made a splash by signing Deandre Ayton, a move that signals their intent to build around LeBron James, who picked up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. James Harden, meanwhile, declined his player option but re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $81 million deal, ensuring continuity for the team.
In Milwaukee, the Bucks shocked the league by waiving Damian Lillard to create cap space for Myles Turner, who signed a four-year deal. This move has raised questions about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the team, as reports suggest he’s displeased with the decision.The Atlanta Hawks bolstered their roster with the additions of Nickeil Alexander-Walker (four-year, $62 million sign-and-trade) and Luke Kennard (one-year deal), aiming to improve their perimeter defense and shooting around Trae Young. The Cleveland Cavaliers announced a trade for Lonzo Ball and re-signed Sam Merrill to a four-year, $38 million deal, though they let Ty Jerome walk in free agency.
Other notable signings include:
- Luke Kornet to the San Antonio Spurs (four-year, $41 million).
- Paul Reed to the Detroit Pistons (two-year, $11 million).
- Bobby Portis re-signing with the Milwaukee Bucks (three-year, $44 million).
- Jordan Clarkson intending to sign with the New York Knicks after clearing waivers.
Extensions and Emerging Rumors
Several young stars secured lucrative extensions. Paolo Banchero agreed to a five-year, $287 million max deal with the Orlando Magic, locking in their core alongside Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Jaren Jackson Jr. inked a five-year, $240 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Rumors continue to swirl around restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, with no significant traction reported on a potential deal with the Golden State Warriors. Additionally, the Phoenix Suns and Bradley Beal are reportedly nearing a contract buyout, which could shake up the market further.
What’s Next?
With the NBA’s free agency moratorium lifted on July 6, teams are now able to officially sign players and finalize trades. The salary cap for the 2025-26 season is set at $154.647 million, and front offices are navigating the new financial landscape to build competitive rosters. Expect more moves in the coming days as teams finalize their plans ahead of training camp.Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025 NBA offseason continues to unfold with surprises and game-changing deals.
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