The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the NBA Championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Finals, and with the victory came the commencement of the offseason. Despite the short time since the conclusion of the season, NBA teams have been actively engaging in trades as they prepare for the upcoming draft. The Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers made moves during the Finals, with Memphis trading guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for players and draft picks, while Indiana executed a separate deal that also involved draft selections.
In a notable three-team trade, the Atlanta Hawks acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics. This decision directly relates to uncertainty around Clint Capela’s future on the team, considering he may not return for the 2025-26 season. The Brooklyn Nets also participated in this trade, highlighting the dynamic nature of roster changes as teams seek to strengthen their lineups for the next season.
The Washington Wizards were involved in another significant trade, sending NBA champion guard Jordan Poole to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for CJ McCollum, along with Kelly Olynyk and a future draft pick. McCollum is known as the 2016 NBA Most Improved Player, and this move underscores Washington’s effort to build a competitive roster, as they bolster their backcourt with established talent.
Meanwhile, significant changes are happening within the Boston Celtics, as they reportedly traded star guard Jrue Holiday, a two-time NBA All-Star, to the Portland Trail Blazers. Holiday played a pivotal role in the Celtics securing their 18th NBA title last season, but he will now be heading to the Western Conference. In return, Boston received Anfernee Simons and two future draft picks, adding to their strategic reshuffling of talent.
The offseason also saw the end of Kevin Durant’s tenure with the Phoenix Suns as he was traded to the Houston Rockets. This trade was significant, with the Suns receiving Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and six draft picks in exchange for the two-time NBA champion forward, marking the departure of one of the league’s biggest stars from Phoenix.
As the offseason actions intensify, all eyes are on the upcoming NBA Draft, set to take place at 8 p.m. EDT on June 25 from the Barclays Center in New York, with the second round scheduled for June 26. The draft will serve as a critical opportunity for teams to further shape their rosters, amidst ongoing trades and strategic planning as they eye the 2025-26 season.
