Headline: Free Agency Winners: How the Hawks and Nuggets Elevated Their Playoff Aspirations

•Download the NBA App•2025 Free Agent Tracker

Authors at NBA.com will periodically share insights on significant storylines and trending topics in the league.

> Which teams emerged as the top winners during free agency?

The Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets have made notable waves this offseason. Much of the buzz has revolved around trades—specifically Kevin Durant joining the Rockets, Desmond Bane moving to Orlando, Kristaps Porziņģis heading to Atlanta, and Norman Powell going to Miami—along with staggering amounts related to contract extensions for key players, including Oklahoma City’s trio and the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker.

While free-agent signings have lacked glamour, Myles Turner’s transition from Indiana to Milwaukee has certainly made an impact in the Eastern Conference. In the West, the acquisitions of Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela significantly bolster the Rockets as they contend with the reigning champion Thunder. Additionally, the Nuggets adeptly enhanced their roster by bringing in Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to complement Nikola Jokić.

The Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Atlanta Hawks stand out. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit, Houston brought in a proven scorer in Kevin Durant while managing to keep most of its young talent and experienced players intact. Dorian Finney-Smith brings critical 3-and-D capabilities, while Clint Capela strengthens their frontcourt.

In a trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to acquire Cam Johnson, the Nuggets have added another shooter in Tim Hardaway Jr. and successfully re-signed Bruce Brown from their championship roster, aiming to maximize Nikola Jokić’s peak performance.

Bringing Kristaps Porziņģis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Atlanta provides them with a talented stretch five and a reliable 3-and-D wing. The draft-day trade with New Orleans—trading down 10 spots for a 2026 unprotected first-round pick—will be beneficial for their future.

The Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets have both made strides as playoff contenders, with Atlanta solidifying its position and Denver affirming its status as a title contender. This is the essence of the Draft, free agency, and trades: to elevate or improve one’s current standing. Both teams have operated under new leadership and have hit the ground running.

The Hawks made strategic additions of Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, while parting with minimal assets and keeping their core intact. This combination encourages a mix of youth and experience, featuring Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Dyson Daniels.

The Nuggets traded Cam Johnson for Michael Porter Jr. and re-signed Bruce Brown at a favorable rate. Porter’s time in Denver had come to an end, while Johnson, who has comparable scoring to Porter, also strengthens Denver’s defense alongside Brown.

The Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets are set for a strong campaign. With the influx of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porziņģis, coupled with Jalen Johnson’s return, the Hawks have assembled a formidable eight-man rotation that complements Trae Young on both sides of the court. They’re poised to be among the most improved teams this season, regardless of whether Zaccharie Risacher takes a significant step forward in his second year.

The Nuggets have struggled with their bench performance, ranking in the bottom 10 for the last four seasons, but improvements have been made with the signings of Bruce Brown and Jonas Valančiūnas. Valančiūnas will be essential in maintaining the team’s performance during Nikola Jokić’s rest periods. Both Brown and Cam Johnson are expected to help return Denver to solid defensive standing after they ranked in the bottom 10 defensively for the first time in seven years.