Now What? 2025 Off-Season Predictions

[jredsaz]

KD and Giannis will get traded. Celtics, Knicks, Cavs, Magic, Thunder, Rockets, TWolves, Mavericks, and Grizzlies will all be players. Whoever comes up short of their goals will be the most aggressive.

[HadAnEffectHere]

Markkanen's trade value is in the gutter currently. The team needs to rebuild his trade value to get anything for him. If they trade him, it's going to be at the deadline next year.

Somehow Collin Sexton is still on this team... I don't know why... Maybe he gets moved. Same for John Collins.

Walker Kessler is basically guaranteed to get a 5 year deal between $125m and $150m.

[Rafael122]

I'll be curious how Houston fares in the playoffs. I could see a scenario where if they're quickly bounced or they make it far enough where it's one of those "see if they had KD, they would have made it further" type of deals. They got an easy made FVV + Salary + picks trade for KD. Phoenix actually gets a point guard, they get picks, slide Booker to the shooting guard spot.

[babyjax13]

I expect Utah to try and move some of its expiring veterans for a big, bad contract and some assets. My immediate thought is Beal, but I'm not sure the mechanics of that since the Suns have so many pick obligations. Maybe Toronto wants to dump one of their turds onto us and is willing to attach an asset? Maybe Orlando decides that KCP's last year is a luxury they shouldn't pay for? Maybe Kuzma is terribad in Milwaukee? Most of the worst contracts are on the worst teams so it is a bit hard, but perhaps:

Clarkson + Juzang for Kuzma + 2028 pick swap (weird b/c of the POR deal, but this would mean that UTA gets the 2nd best of UTA/POR/MIL)
or
Collins for Kuzma + Pat + 2028 pick swap

That gets Milwaukee off the last year of Kuzma so that they can try to sign a good free agent in the 2026 offseason.

[ChettheJet]

Trade 2..
NOP
In: Vucevic/C.White
Out: Murray/Hawkins

Trae/Herb/Murphy/Zion/Vuc
Alvarado/White/Missi

BULLS
In:Murray/Hawkins
Out:White/Vucevic

Bulls at the start of a rebuild, they can expect Murray to recover.... they get the best player in the deal and a prospect

This is just way too good for the Bulls, both White and Vucevic are UFA for NOP to get much back they'd have to resign one or both

Oh my oh my make that happen . There's no really doubt that Murray fully recovers is there? Because if he does this in not to be believed. Murray and ball are the leaders for a young rotation

Murray Dosunmu Maybe Tre Jones Carter
Ball Giddey Huerter
Smith Collins
Buzelis FRP
Williams Phillips Horton-Tucker Terry

that's before any other possible trades

[LarsV8]

I'll be curious how Houston fares in the playoffs. I could see a scenario where if they're quickly bounced or they make it far enough where it's one of those "see if they had KD, they would have made it further" type of deals. They got an easy made FVV + Salary + picks trade for KD. Phoenix actually gets a point guard, they get picks, slide Booker to the shooting guard spot.

Oh, we will almost certainly get smoked in the playoffs. Small chance someone goes nuclear and we squeak into the 2nd round or we get unbelievable luck with matchups or injury, but yes, this is not group is not ready.,

Way too young, roster balance is not great, no good shooters.

But none of that is fixed with Durant.

[jayjaysee]

I'll be curious how Houston fares in the playoffs. I could see a scenario where if they're quickly bounced or they make it far enough where it's one of those "see if they had KD, they would have made it further" type of deals. They got an easy made FVV + Salary + picks trade for KD. Phoenix actually gets a point guard, they get picks, slide Booker to the shooting guard spot.

I would think Houston’s KD offer would have had nothing to do with FVV?

They had the ability to match without him and FVV shouldn’t be traded if you’re trying to win playoff games this season.

No idea if the teams actually talked or not. I would’ve loved it for Houston and Phoenix long term (they’d have gotten at least their 2025 first back and some other value and could be tanking right now instead of wondering why they traded their unprotected 2031 first with no follow up deal lined up…) And Houston would have brought in a really ideal fitting star that expires before their money problems really start..

Maybe KD/Booker are good enough to lead Phoenix on a run. But even at +6000, I wouldn’t throw in on it.. (I’m probably putting money on Philly/Phoenix because of this post..)

[NYG]

The trade Market for Cam Johnson is drier than expected with many teams looking to clear cap space, which could put the Nets in a tough position.

The Nets might be the only team with legitimate cap space. Cam for Equal Player(on much bigger contract) + Asset from a team in need of cap space?

[NYG]

Jrue or KP probably get traded if Boston doesn't get to the Finals, right?

[NYG]

Let's assume every team gets eliminated Round 1 or outright misses the playoffs... which teams/players have the biggest overreaction? Bucks/Giannis, Suns/KD stand out as the obvious ones.

[Slim Charless]

I'll be curious how Houston fares in the playoffs. I could see a scenario where if they're quickly bounced or they make it far enough where it's one of those "see if they had KD, they would have made it further" type of deals. They got an easy made FVV + Salary + picks trade for KD. Phoenix actually gets a point guard, they get picks, slide Booker to the shooting guard spot.

Oh, we will almost certainly get smoked in the playoffs. Small chance someone goes nuclear and we squeak into the 2nd round or we get unbelievable luck with matchups or injury, but yes, this is not group is not ready.,

Way too young, roster balance is not great, no good shooters.

But none of that is fixed with Durant.

Durant doesnt fix the lack of shooting? Or balance out the youth on the team?

Bro...... lol

[bkohler]

I think UTA will try and move Lauri for another top 5 pick this year depending on how the lottery shakes out.

[LarsV8]

Durant doesnt fix the lack of shooting? Or balance out the youth on the team?

Bro...... lol

No, Durant will not have a material effect on shooting as a team.

[Slim Charless]

I think UTA will try and move Lauri for another top 5 pick this year depending on how the lottery shakes out.

Which one of the teams in the projected top 7 are a Lauri away from competing for a title?

I dont think he has that value.

[babyjax13]

I think UTA will try and move Lauri for another top 5 pick this year depending on how the lottery shakes out.

Which one of the teams in the projected top 7 are a Lauri away from competing for a title?

I dont think he has that value.

With the lottery odds there is a good chance of a team in the 9-12 range moving up and they may have a different calculation, but I think that pick has to be 3 or 4 (depending on how you assess the class, I'd probably say 4) or teams are going to prefer the pick (and they might still).

[NYG]

I think UTA will try and move Lauri for another top 5 pick this year depending on how the lottery shakes out.

Which one of the teams in the projected top 7 are a Lauri away from competing for a title?

I dont think he has that value.

With the lottery odds there is a good chance of a team in the 9-12 range moving up and they may have a different calculation, but I think that pick has to be 3 or 4 (depending on how you assess the class, I'd probably say 4) or teams are going to prefer the pick (and they might still).

https://tankathon.com/

OKC with Philly's pick... maybe the Spurs for their own and Atlanta's pick?

[NYG]

I'll finish the rest later, but is this about right so far?

Atlanta Hawks: Trae and this regime seem okay with internal development and growth. Unless Trae changes his mind then probably minor moves to solidify the roster.

Boston Celtics: If they fall short, I could see them getting off of Jrue and/or KP's salary and retooling around Tatum and Brown to get back to the championship with a more affordable roster.

Brooklyn Nets: Possibly the only team with any significant cap space. With such a weak free agent class, I could see them using it to facilitate trades as the apron restrictions on teams become harder to navigate.

Charlotte Hornets: Probably rebuilding, but probably not ready to move LaMelo. LaMelo clearly doesn't interfere with their ability to land top 10 picks, they aren't going to sign anyone better with the cap space and he can sell some tickets for ownership in the meantime. I bet they find other ways to try to land picks/assets if possible.

Chicago Bulls: After a disappointing season, they probably look to shop Patrick Williams, Nikola Vucevic and Coby White again in the off-season to relieve cap flexibility moving forward and continue to rebuild.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Even if they have a level of disappointment such as getting bounced Round 1 in the post-season, I don't see the Cavs blowing anything up just yet. They probably try to get some cheap vets for depth, but otherwise run it back one more year.

Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks are all in on right now with Kyrie and AD. There really isn't any cap space options for Kyrie to go Kyrie and opt out so I see the Mavs trying to find the best 3rd guy to bring in for the 2025-26 season.

Denver Nuggets: If they have a disappointing off-season, I could see them exploring what distant picks and Michael Porter Jr. gets them. I don't see them forcing anything though and being okay making fringe moves if it's all they can swing.

Detroit Pistons: The Pistons probably continue to build around their young core by adding more youthful pieces through the draft, free agency and trade. I bet they mostly run it back and hope their players take significant steps forward in the off-season.

Golden State Warriors: I'm assuming they would give Butler/Draymond/Steph a full training camp together before making any bigger moves. They probably try to find shooting and height to put around their veteran trio.

Houston Rockets: Unless the right young star comes along (Giannis, LaMelo, Trae, etc.) then I don't see them blowing up this young core. They could make a few smaller moves to get veterans around the young guys, but they have done a good job of doing that already. I put Houston's off-season as very boring or possibly landing the biggest star on the market without much grey area.

Indiana Pacers: There's some big contracts starting to kick in/upcoming so I could see Indiana trying to work through becoming financially flexible without significantly downgrading the roster on the court. I don't see them making any blockbusters, but they would start looking to move on from anyone that hasn't been paid/extended yet.

Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard probably doesn't want to leave LA and his trade value isn't equal to what he brings to the Clippers when healthy. I could see Ballmer being hesitant to make this team expensive again, but I don't see a full rebuild just yet either.

Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers probably try making some upgrades for LeBron's retirement tour with Luka, but probably don't want to clog up their 2026 cap space as that's their best opportunity to get a second young star to pair with Luka moving forward.

Memphis Grizzlies: I could see the Grizzlies mostly running it back and relying on development to get better. Their trio of Ja/Bane/JJJ is the foundation and they have drafted well enough to create depth around them so they probably continue to operate with that approach.

Miami Heat: Like the Lakers, the Heat probably explore 2026 free agency if they can make moves in the off-season to further open up space. Rozier probably gets shopped and they may try landing a star via trade such as Durant, but I don't see them trading any core pieces unless it's a star quality return.

[Karmaloop]

Lebron leaves the Lakers and take a pay cut to join the Cavaliers,Mavericks, or the Warriors.

Never change. If he wanted to leave, he would have been dealt this deadline. He wants to be in LA.

[Slim Charless]

Which one of the teams in the projected top 7 are a Lauri away from competing for a title?

I dont think he has that value.

With the lottery odds there is a good chance of a team in the 9-12 range moving up and they may have a different calculation, but I think that pick has to be 3 or 4 (depending on how you assess the class, I'd probably say 4) or teams are going to prefer the pick (and they might still).

https://tankathon.com/

OKC with Philly's pick... maybe the Spurs for their own and Atlanta's pick?

Philly pick is protected top 10, I think....Spurs will need quite some luck to make that jump up 10 spots in back to back years.

[babyjax13]

I think Philly is a good call if it moves up. George, the pick, maybe another asset. Utah rolls the dice on flipping George.