2025 NBA Free Agency: Top Winners and Surprising Losers You Need to Know

We’re in the midst of NBA free agency, and let’s take a look at some key winners and losers so far.

Winner: Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks have quickly shown their prowess in the league. In just two weeks, the new front office has made significant moves.

Key additions:

• Kristaps Porzingis
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker
• Luke Kennard
• Asa Newell
• A 2026 first-round pick from either New Orleans or Milwaukee

Key losses:

• Terance Mann
• Georges Niang
• Some draft picks

They’ve gained a versatile lineup, especially with Porzingis’s skill set. Now, the Hawks possess solid outside shooting and great depth. Their roster looks promising for both current performance and future success.

They are in a good position, being $7.5 million under the tax threshold, and they could still make moves. This strategic approach opens the door to future star acquisitions, like Giannis Antetokounmpo should he become available.

Loser: Minnesota Timberwolves

In contrast, the Timberwolves are treading water. After their big trade last year, they’ve struggled to make further impactful moves.

They’ve re-signed Naz Reid and Julius Randle but have lost depth. Facing competition from other improved teams, the Minnesota roster might not stack up as well. On the upside, their young star, Anthony Edwards, could still surprise, but they need more consistency overall.

Winner: Orlando Magic

The Magic have successfully picked up Tyus Jones, giving them a reliable backup point guard. This will help their young talents like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner focus on scoring rather than ball distribution. His contract is a bit concerning for cap space, but it adds valuable experience to the team.

Loser: Sacramento Kings

Sacramento’s recent trade for Dario Saric instead of Jonas Valanciunas raised eyebrows. The Kings look set to struggle defensively. This decision could haunt them if they don’t acquire more talent soon.

Winner: Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers have shored up their center position by acquiring Brook Lopez. Despite his age, Lopez brings elite shot-blocking and spacing, which can give their offensive a significant boost. Retaining key players like James Harden and Nicolas Batum on affordable contracts means they can remain competitive without breaking the bank.

Loser: New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans find themselves in disarray. The front office has mishandled draft picks and player contracts. Their current roster doesn’t align well, leading to increased pressure on head coach Willie Green. They’re in danger of losing talented players while failing to position themselves for success.

Winner: Luke Kornet

Kornet has secured a solid contract with the Spurs, allowing him to play alongside rising star Victor Wembanyama. He’s an underrated player who impacts games through intelligent play and defensive skills. His addition will greatly improve San Antonio’s defense and rebounding, helping them stay competitive.

Winner: Denver Nuggets

After a recent championship run, the Nuggets have reinforced their roster with promising new additions. They’ve offloaded underperformers while bringing in players who can better complement Nikola Jokic. This will be important as they aim to keep their momentum and challenge for another title.

Trends to Note

As the offseason unfolds, we’re seeing a significant shift towards double-big lineups across the league. Teams are beginning to prioritize size and versatility. The Thunder, Cavaliers, and Rockets are leading this trend, indicating a new era of basketball where size isn’t just about physical presence but about strategic flexibility.

In closing, the moves made in free agency have set the stage for an exciting NBA season ahead. Teams are in various stages of rebuilding or retooling, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how these changes play out on the court.

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