NBA free agency officially commenced on Monday evening when the negotiating window for eligible players and teams opened at 6 p.m. ET. The initial night was relatively uneventful, but things took a surprising turn the following morning.
Myles Turner, the most sought-after free agent, has reportedly signed a four-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. This move stands out not only for Turner’s signing but also because the Bucks decided to waive Damian Lillard to create space for him. Prior to this unexpected Turner announcement, many of the league’s top stars had confirmed their intentions to remain with their current teams.
Notable players such as LeBron James, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Julius Randle, and Fred VanVleet all opted to stay put ahead of June 30. The 2025 free agent market may not be overflowing with star talent, but notable transactions were still evident as teams began their negotiations. A key move on Monday night came in the form of a trade.
The Denver Nuggets sent Michael Porter Jr. along with a 2032 first-round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson. This trade provides Denver with a player who fits well within their system while also allowing for significant cap relief. Meanwhile, the Nets are focused on the long-term benefit of securing a valuable future draft asset.
As of Tuesday night, several prominent free agents remain available, including Al Horford, Deandre Ayton, Josh Giddey, and Jonathan Kuminga. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams facing significant roster dilemmas. The pace of the offseason is expected to accelerate rapidly, and updates on rumors and key moves will continue to emerge as free agency unfolds.