The summer of 2025 is nearly here, and that means another wild offseason for the NBA. While most teams have already officially begun their annual hiatus, the real action doesn't start until after the NBA Finals, when a new champion is crowned and the games are over.
This year, while it's impossible to predict how things will play out, it's shaping up to be quite a historic offseason for the NBA. With the increased parity across the league, more teams than ever are encouraged to make a move just to stay one step ahead of the competition. Meanwhile, more stars than ever before are rumored to be potentially available.
As it stands, several max-contract players are on the verge of a change of scenery, and it threatens to disrupt the NBA's balance of power for years to come. The only question is which one of them will be moved, and which teams will be involved on the other end of the deal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before a game against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before a game against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum.
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Mr. Loyalty himself has been at the center of trade rumors lately, and he's projected to be the biggest prize of the upcoming offseason. As a 2x MVP and NBA champion, Giannis (30) finds himself reconsidering his future after another failed season with the Bucks.
With averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this season, Antetokounmpo was third in MVP voting, and he's the kind of player that can single-handedly alter championship odds. But with three years and $174 million left on his contract, Giannis would have to force his way out if he wants a change of scenery anytime soon.
Despite the cost of his acquisition, teams will be living up to make an offer for Giannis, especially in the West. According to the latest reports, the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are the latest frontrunners to sign the future NBA Hall of Famer.
Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) react after a play against the New York Knicks in the second quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) react after a play against the New York Knicks in the second quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics are still the most recent NBA champions, but they've officially been de-throned after their series loss to the New York Knicks. As one of the league's most successful organizations, the Cs aren't as desperate for change as some other teams, but they are still due for a major move.
With a historically high payroll, many experts are convinced that Jaylen Brown could be traded for the sake of preserving some cap flexibility. In the wake of Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, those odds have only increased.
Brown, 28, averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this season, and his two-way game helped his team secure the second-best record in the East. In the right situation, Brown could have similar success, given that his skills translate well to any system.
Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Footprint Center.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Footprint Center.
Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
In Phoenix, the Kevin Durant era has been a disaster so far, and the only way out is to trade Durant and re-tool the roster around Devin Booker. While the market is questionable for a 36-year-old star in decline, Durant's skillset, resume, and status as a 2x champion ensure that he'll always have a place in the NBA.
With averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season, KD's skills as a scorer and shooter can enhance the offense of any team, and his experience as a leader ensures he always commands some level of respect in the locker room. The best part about Durant's situation is that his contract is extremely tradable at just one year and $54.7 million.
The San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are said to be interested in Durant, but it's no secret that he's also generated some interest from the Warriors, who tried to trade for him back in February. For Durant, the Suns want a package that includes a young player and multiple first-round picks.
Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Zion's loyalty to the Pelicans has been in doubt ever since he arrived from Duke. Over the years, he's faded into obscurity in New Orleans thanks to constant injury struggles and a lack of any team success during his tenure.
The former No. 1 overall pick was once the future of the franchise, but the Pelicans' owner now claims that he wants to move on from Williamson altogether after watching his team finish 14th in the standings. With no traction on building a contender, the Pels are better off starting over, which means giving Zion the fresh start he desperately needs.
With career averages of 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, Williamson has superstar potential, but it will only take the right team to bring out his best. Only teams willing to take a major risk will go for Williamson, and the Pistons are one of the major teams that could get it done.
Paul George
Dec 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers had a nightmarish season, and Paul George has been designated as the scapegoat coming off one of the worst stretches of his career. In his first season in Philly, George averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game as the 76ers finished 13th in the East (24-58).
The 35-year-old swingman still has another three years and $161 million on his contract, but the Sixers are hoping to get out of it with a trade this summer. Despite his decline, George still has a desirable skill set as a two-way wing player, and he might return to form in the right situation.
At this stage of his career, the best place for PG would be a veteran, win-now team like the Lakers, Knicks, or Heat. If not, a younger team like the Utah Jazz could get involved if they're able to secure this year's No. 3 pick in the deal.
With so many big names available, it's only a matter of time before the NBA's next seismic move. This summer has a chance to be truly historic regarding player movement, and it stands to reason that the league will never be the same again after this period of major change.
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