NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
Last week witnessed the arrival of the league’s future stars.
And this week? The dynamics are set to change even further, with free agency commencing today.
**5 TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE 🏀**
June 30, 2025
**Free Agency 101:** A comprehensive guide on the mechanics of free agency.
**Key Players to Monitor:** A look at some pivotal names on the market, as highlighted by Shaun Powell.
**Trade Updates:** A roundup of the most significant trades from a busy week.
**Upcoming Events:** Important dates to mark this July, including the NBA Summer League and WNBA All-Star Game.
**Basketball Highlights:** A recap of the 2025 Draft, Oklahoma City’s championship parade, and various NBA updates.
**BUT FIRST … ⏰**
Celebrating a WNBA icon…
*Sarah Stier/Getty Images*
**A Legend Honored:** Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey was retired and raised to the rafters of Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, commemorating her remarkable 13-year career with the Sparks.
1. **FREE AGENCY 101: ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS**
*Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images*
Welcome to the thrilling annual offseason of the NBA.
The Free Agency Moratorium – a phase that allows teams to connect and negotiate with free agents – begins today at 6 p.m. ET, kicking off a week filled with trades, choices, and team adjustments.
Before exploring the available talent, it’s essential to grasp how free agency functions. Below, we clarify some common inquiries:
– What is the timeline for free agency?
– How do restricted free agents differ from unrestricted free agents?
*David Berding/Getty Images*
– What are player options, and how do they compare to team options?
2. **KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH: POWELL’S PICKS OF THOSE WHO MAY BE UP FOR GRABS**
*Nathaniel S. Butler + Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images*
This year’s pool of free agents boasts a wealth of talent, including seasoned All-Stars and adaptable bigs with playoff experience.
Check out some of Shaun Powell’s top candidates who might be on the market, along with their current status:
– **Myles Turner (IND | UFA):** The longest-tenured Pacer, Turner, 6-foot-11, is set to enter free agency after a decade with Indiana, where he averaged 15.6 points per game while shooting 39.6% from beyond the arc.
– **Jonathan Kuminga (GS | RFA):** Averaging 15.3 points on 48.4% shooting in just 23.4 minutes per game last year, the 22-year-old continues to show promise despite being in the league for four seasons.
– **James Harden (LAC ➡️ LAC):** In his 16th season, Harden ranked fifth in assists (8.7) and averaged 22.8 ppg, earning his 11th All-Star selection. The 35-year-old has declined his player option and is expected to finalize a new two-year contract with the Clippers.
– **Julius Randle & Naz Reid (MIN ➡️ MIN):** Both have player options eligible, and preliminary reports suggest that Randle (3 years) and Reid (5 years) are set to sign fresh contracts with Minnesota, keeping their powerful frontcourt intact.
*Melissa Tamez + Sarah Stier/Getty Images*
– **Cam Thomas (BKN | RFA):** For the second consecutive year, the 23-year-old led the Nets in scoring with a career-high 24.0 ppg.
– **Dennis Schröder (DET | UFA):** Having played for nine teams over 11 seasons, the seasoned guard made a notable impact during the 2025 Playoffs, averaging 12.5 ppg on 49.1% shooting for Detroit.
– **Ty Jerome (CLE | UFA):** The six-year veteran logged a career-best 12.5 ppg last season, shooting 43.9% from three-point range and contributing to Cleveland’s amazing 64 wins.
– **Chris Paul (SAS | UFA):** At 40, the 12-time All-Star ranked seventh in assists last season (7.4) while providing mentorship to a young Spurs team.
*Joe Murphy + Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images*
**Additional Notable Free Agents**
**Other Recognizable Names With Player/Team Options**
3. **TRADE UPDATES: KEY DEALS FROM THE PAST WEEK**
*Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images*
Although the Free Agency Moratorium kicks off today, trade alerts are already sounding. A wealth of trades has been reported over the past week, involving several high-profile players.
Here’s a glance at some of the major reported trades so far this summer, with many still pending finalization.
– Rockets reportedly land KD
– Magic officially acquire Desmond Bane
– Hawks reportedly get Porziņģis in a three-way deal
*Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images*
– Celtics reportedly trade Holiday for Simons and picks
– Pelicans reportedly deal McCollum for Poole and additional assets
– Cavs and Bulls reportedly swap Okoro & Ball
**Dive Deeper:** John Schuhmann’s essential statistics on 15 recently traded players.
4. **COMING UP: SUMMER LEAGUE & OTHER IMPORTANT DATES**
*Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images*
With the 2024-25 season officially concluded, the offseason excitement is just beginning. Below are significant dates to keep an eye on this July:
5. **BASKETBALL BUZZ: WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE NBA**
Even though the season has wrapped up, the basketball world is still buzzing.
Explore recent events occurring around the NBA – from last week’s 2025 Draft to the Thunder’s championship festivities.
*Cooper Flagg has garnered significant attention since the Mavs chose him with the No. 1 overall pick in last week’s draft.*
*Jim Poorten/NBAE*
Last week, the Thunder celebrated their championship victory in grand style, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander taking center stage during the festivities.
