NBA Trades and Signings on July 1, 2025: Key Free Agency Moves and Blockbuster Deals

NBA Trades and Signings on July 1, 2025: Key Free Agency Moves and Blockbuster Deals

The NBA offseason kicked off with a bang on July 1, 2025, as free agency opened at 6 p.m. ET, triggering a flurry of trades and signings that reshaped team rosters across the league. With the salary cap set at $154.647 million and the luxury tax level at $187.895 million, teams wasted no time making impactful moves to position themselves for the 2025-26 season. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most significant transactions that took place on this pivotal day in the NBA.
Major Trades on July 1, 2025

1. Nuggets-Nets Swap: Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson
   The Denver Nuggets traded forward Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Cam Johnson. This move bolsters Denver’s wing depth with Johnson’s two-way play while providing Brooklyn with a high-upside scorer in Porter Jr. and a valuable future draft asset.
2. Suns-Rockets Blockbuster: Kevin Durant Traded
   In a stunning deal, the Phoenix Suns sent MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and multiple second-round picks (2025 No. 59 via OKC, two 2026 picks, a 2030 pick via Boston, and a 2032 pick). This trade reshapes both franchises, giving Houston a superstar to pair with their young core while Phoenix gains flexibility with younger players and draft capital.
3. Grizzlies-Magic Trade: Desmond Bane on the Move
   The Memphis Grizzlies traded guard Desmond Bane and a 2026 first-round pick swap to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a package of draft picks, including a 2025 first-rounder (No. 22), a 2028 first-rounder, a 2029 first-round swap, and a 2030 first-rounder. This trade strengthens Orlando’s backcourt while Memphis adds defensive versatility and draft assets.
4. Nuggets-Kings Trade: Jonas Valančiūnas for Dario Šarić
   The Denver Nuggets acquired veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Šarić. This move enhances Denver’s frontcourt depth, providing a traditional big man to complement Nikola Jokić, while Sacramento gains a versatile forward in Šarić to support their new signing, Dennis Schröder.

Key Free Agency Signings

1. Myles Turner Joins the Bucks
   In a seismic move, the Milwaukee Bucks signed free agent center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal, capitalizing on cap space cleared by waiving and stretching Damian Lillard’s $112.6 million contract. Turner’s rim protection and floor-spacing ability make him a perfect fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, shaking up the Eastern Conference landscape.
2. Dorian Finney-Smith Signs with Rockets
   After declining his $15.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dorian Finney-Smith inked a four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets. His defensive versatility and perspective on a potential deal with the Nets.
3. Duncan Robinson to Pistons in Sign-and-Trade
   Free agent Duncan Robinson agreed to a three-year, $48 million deal with the Detroit Pistons via a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat, which sent Simone Fontecchio to Miami. Robinson’s elite three-point shooting addresses Detroit’s need for outside scoring, especially after losing Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Nuggets and with Malik Beasley under investigation for gambling-related allegations.
4. Tre Mann Re-Signs with Hornets
   Free agent guard Tre Mann secured a three-year, $24 million deal to stay with the Charlotte Hornets. Mann’s development as a strong finisher and playmaker makes him a key piece for Charlotte’s young core.
5. Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Hawks via Sign-and-Trade
   The Atlanta Hawks acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a sign-and-trade, signing him to a four-year, $62 million contract that includes a 2028-29 player option. The deal included a 2027 second-round pick and cash sent to Minnesota. Alexander-Walker’s defensive prowess and improving offense add depth to Atlanta’s backcourt.
6. Brook Lopez Returns to Clippers
   Veteran center Brook Lopez signed a two-year, $18 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, bringing his championship experience, rim protection, and floor-spacing ability back to his former team.
7. Julius Randle Extends with Timberwolves
   Three-time All-Star Julius Randle agreed to a three-year, $100 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves, ensuring their frontcourt remains intact alongside Naz Reid. This move prioritizes Randle’s postseason performance but likely means the Wolves will lose Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency.

Other Notable Moves

• Jaren Jackson Jr. Extension with Grizzlies: The All-Star center signed a five-year, $240 million max extension, securing his future with Memphis despite a turf toe injury requiring surgery.
• LeBron James Opts In: LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, marking his historic 23rd NBA season, though questions linger about his championship aspirations with the team.
• Deandre Ayton Buyout: The Portland Trail Blazers bought out former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, making him a surprise addition to the free agency pool.
• Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., and Taurean Prince Re-Sign with Bucks: Milwaukee bolstered its roster by re-signing Porter (two years, $11 million), Trent (two years, $7.5 million), and Prince (two years, $7.1 million), maintaining depth despite losing Damian Lillard to injury and waiver.
• Clint Capela to Rockets: Free agent center Clint Capela signed a three-year deal with Houston, reuniting with his former team to add veteran presence in the frontcourt.
• Caris LeVert to Pistons: Detroit signed LeVert to a two-year, $29 million deal, pivoting from Malik Beasley to bolster their guard rotation with his scoring and playmaking.

What’s Next?
With the free agency moratorium ending on July 6, 2025, when contracts can be officially signed, more deals are expected to be finalized. Teams like the Golden State Warriors are still navigating restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga’s market, with the Nets as the only team able to offer a starting salary above $20 million. The Lakers, after losing Finney-Smith, have their $14.1 million midlevel exception to target a center or multiple role players. Meanwhile, the Bucks are eyeing Deandre Ayton as a potential replacement for Brook Lopez using their non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
The 2025 NBA offseason is off to an explosive start, with blockbuster trades and strategic signings setting the stage for a highly competitive 2025-26 season. Stay tuned for more updates as teams continue to reshape their rosters in pursuit of a championship.