Fresh off the draft, the 2025 NBA offseason looked poised to redefine contenders, but over $400 million in player movement has been overshadowed by a series of puzzling missteps. Take the Lakers, who allowed Dorian Finney‑Smith, a defensive glue for Luka Doncic, to walk to Houston on a 4-year, $53 million deal after reportedly low-balling him. They haven't replaced him yet.
We know that chemistry isn’t built on checkbooks alone, and that move reeks of short-sightedness. Heading into this offseason, L.A. bragged about title aspirations; instead, they’ve served up clutch giveaways.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s handling of Damian Lillard’s Achilles-laden exit stands out in its own right. Waiving him and stretching his $113 million contract to chase Myles Turner blindsided not just Lillard, but their own franchise superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Turner's presence may fill a lineup gap, but at what cost? And let’s not forget NBA teams such as the Warriors, Heat, and 76ers, who haven't been quick-footed with their approaches yet. Let's dive into the biggest mistakes of the 2025 offseason.
Milwaukee Bucks - New Center, Lillard Departing...And Giannis Angry
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Milwaukee dropped a bombshell by stretching out Damian Lillard's remaining $113 million contract over five seasons to clear cap space and sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal with a player option. Lillard, recovering from a torn Achilles, is now an unrestricted free agent and is reportedly weighing offers from the Lakers, Warriors, Celtics, and others.
The Bucks will have to look toward other point guard options to replace Lillard, and quite frankly, none of them will prove to be difference-makers. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly upset about the move, increasing uncertainty around Milwaukee's future.
After all, turning away a core scorer in a lawyered maneuver rarely builds trust. Giannis was apparently ticked off with this decision, and having Myles Turner and Bobby Portis as his only recognizable teammates isn't going to do wonders for his career.
Los Angeles Lakers - Holding Off On A Third Star
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
The Lakers have resisted the urge to commit to a high-profile third star beyond Deandre Ayton. Restrained by cap restrictions and cautious about disrupting team chemistry, they’re sticking with their two-core approach, leaving the question of championship ambition hanging in the balance.
Not to mention, allowing Dorian Finney-Smith to leave for Houston on a four-year, $53 million deal without a real counteroffer was more than a cap miscalculation; it was tone-deaf. Worse yet: whispers that Rob Pelinka tried to undercut Finney-Smith’s offer in a locker room already laboring under cap scrutiny.
If you're trying to court Luka, this reeks of organizational rot. The Lakers might not have enough assets to find a third star player in all likelihood, so they might have to take their chances on some backup options to complete their lineup.
Golden State Warriors - Passing On Giannis
Mar 6, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) meet after the game at the Chase Center.
Mar 6, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) meet after the game at the Chase Center.
Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Though Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly unhappy in Milwaukee, there's no indication the Warriors are pursuing him. Golden State hasn't made a move on Jonathan Kuminga and will continue with the aging core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Giannis would be a perfect and ridiculously scary fit with the Warriors because his two-way dominance and raw superstar talent would match with the current stars. That is why we proposed a deal that would send Giannis to Golden State without having to include Curry, Butler, or Green. So far, it doesn't seem like the Warriors are going for this move.
A more conservative approach than chasing a blockbuster, perhaps the Warriors haven't seen the OKC Thunder win the 2025 NBA championship, or even the blockbuster moves made by the Houston Rockets and, to a lesser degree, the Denver Nuggets. The Western Conference will be stacked again next year, and not acquiring Giannis has to be considered a grave mistake for a team with a closing title window.
Indiana Pacers - Losing Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) walks downcourt during the third quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) walks downcourt during the third quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Myles Turner has officially declined Indiana's lucrative offer and inked a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving the Indiana Pacers without compensation and scrambling for a replacement. A decade-long Pacer and key contributor to their Finals run, averaging 15.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 2 BPG, Turner’s exit has to be labeled a crushing blow, and that won't sit well with franchise star Tyrese Haliburton.
Indiana will be kicking themselves because they won't have two key players who led the Finals charge for them last season (Haliburton with injury, Turner in free agency). In a wide-open Eastern Conference, the Pacers have gotten worse so far, and that is a major problem for Rick Carlisle's talented team.
Miami Heat - Staying Quiet
Dec 10, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat team president Pat Riley looks on during the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Dec 10, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat team president Pat Riley looks on during the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Despite a flurry of headlines, the Miami Heat have remained mostly idle since free agency opened. Their sharpshooter Duncan Robinson declined his early-termination option worth $19.9 million and entered free agency, signaling he's open to re-signing but exploring the market, with Detroit reportedly offering $48 million over three years.
Internally, Miami continues to leverage its mid-level flexibility, potentially targeting Jonathan Kuminga, who would be a clever addition, or gauging interest in John Collins, though no official deal has emerged. This approach has sparked fan frustration and debate among analysts, with some calling the front office completely inactive, questioning the commitment to upgrading a roster that missed expectations last season.
On the plus side, the Heat maintains flexibility, retaining cap and draft assets to pivot later if a high-impact opportunity arises. If they strike a deal for a star, they could be winners, but that hasn't happened yet.
Boston Celtics - Losing Luke Kornet?
Apr 13, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) shoots during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 13, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) shoots during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
While unheralded, big man Luke Kornet is on his way out after signing a $40 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs. The Boston Celtics have added no updates on retaining him, suggesting he won’t return after his bench role last season.
Despite his limited minutes, his departure deepens their frontcourt rotation concerns heading into the new campaign. Al Horford's future is uncertain, Kristaps Porzingis is gone, and only Luka Garza was brought in to fill the gaps. For Celtics fans who were happy about the Anfernee Simons trade, they won't be happy about their big-man depth.
New Orleans Pelicans - Holding Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center.
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
All signals point to Zion Williamson remaining with the New Orleans Pelicans for now. Despite external chatter, local sources report it is “very unlikely” New Orleans will pursue a trade this off-season, and Zion’s prominent role, such as representing the team at the draft lottery, reinforces his franchise status.
GM Joe Dumars has had conversations with Williamson’s camp, but they've made no real moves toward a blockbuster departure. That said, off-court issues cast a shadow. A recent lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct, coupled with Zion’s persistent injury history, has crushed any viable trade market.
NBA executives reportedly say no meaningful offers would materialize amid these concerns. For now, the Pelicans are standing pat, but the long-term implications of Zion's availability, financial, legal, and physical, will shape their strategy for the rest of the offseason.
Brooklyn Nets - No Starters Added
NBA Fans React To Brooklyn Nets' Current Depth Chart: "Might Win 10 Games Next Year"
NBA Fans React To Brooklyn Nets' Current Depth Chart: "Might Win 10 Games Next Year"
Credit: NBA TV/ X
The Brooklyn Nets haven’t signed a single starter so far. Their offseason has been eerily transparent: no veteran pickups, no draft-night trades, no big contracts. The silence suggests a pivot toward internal development or holding salary flexibility for potential winter trades.
They've extended restricted offers to Cam Thomas, Day'Ron Sharpe, and Ziaire Williams, aiming to preserve about $45-52 million in cap space. Their headliner move was orchestrating a trade: Cameron Johnson’s departure for Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick, prioritizing future assets over immediate upgrades.
This build-from-within plan is a clear pivot away from chasing all-star talent, but their team looks too weak to be considered anything but a bottom-feeder heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
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