2025 NBA Free Agency: Early Winners and Losers
2025 NBA Free Agency: Early Winners and Losers
The first night of the 2025 NBA free agency period has come and gone, and with it, we have already seen some big winners and losers emerging. The Rockets, Lakers, and a pair of former MVPs are among those making headlines.
Live Updates and Rumors
The NBA free agency period officially kicked off at 6 p.m. ET on Monday evening, and the updates and rumors have been pouring in. Fans can follow along with all the latest signings, trades, and reports in one place, constantly updated.
Hawks Favorites for Nickeil Alexander-Walker
One of the biggest rumors swirling around is that the Atlanta Hawks are considered the favorites to land Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade deal. The 23-year-old guard is currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but it looks like he may be headed to the Hawks.
Rockets Extend Jabari Smith Jr.
The Rockets are making moves early in free agency, signing 22-year-old power forward Jabari Smith Jr. to a five-year rookie contract extension worth $122 million. This is a big bet on the young player's potential and could pay off in the long run.
Nuggets Trade Michael Porter Jr. to Nets
In a surprising move, the Denver Nuggets have traded Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson. This could be a major shake-up for both teams and will be one to watch as the season progresses.
Malik Beasley Under Investigation
In a less positive development, the feds are reportedly investigating NBA player Malik Beasley for his involvement in gambling. With the legalization of gambling, there have been unintended consequences, and this is just one example of the potential issues that can arise.
Conclusion
The 2025 NBA free agency period is off to an exciting start, and there is sure to be more news and rumors coming in the days and weeks ahead. Keep following along for all the latest updates and see which teams come out as winners and losers in the end. It's shaping up to be an interesting and eventful offseason for the NBA.
About the People Mentioned
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a Canadian professional basketball player born on September 2, 1998, in Toronto, Ontario. He is a 6-foot-5, 205-pound shooting guard currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. Alexander-Walker played college basketball at Virginia Tech, where he was a two-year starter and averaged 13.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game over 67 games. He declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore year and was selected 17th overall in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans[1][2][3]. Nickeil is known for his scoring ability, perimeter shooting, and versatility on the court. In his rookie NBA season, he averaged 5.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, showing flashes of potential despite limited playing time on a veteran-laden Pelicans roster. He notably scored a career-high 29 points with seven assists in his first career start during his rookie year[1]. Before his professional career, Alexander-Walker played high school basketball in both Canada and the United States, including at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy, where he was teammates with his cousin, NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Internationally, he represented Canada at the 2016 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship, leading the tournament in scoring with 17.4 points per game and helping his team win a silver medal[2][6]. As of 2025, Alexander-Walker is an active NBA player with the Atlanta Hawks, continuing to develop his game in his sixth professional season. He remains a notable Canadian basketball talent and part of Canada’s growing presence in the NBA[3][4][6].
Jabari Smith Jr.
Jabari Montsho Smith Jr., born May 13, 2003, in Tyrone, Georgia, is an American professional basketball player currently with the Houston Rockets in the NBA. Standing 6 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, Smith plays primarily as a forward. He is the son of former NBA player Jabari Smith Sr. and grew up immersed in basketball, beginning varsity play at Sandy Creek High School as a sophomore. During his high school career, he earned accolades such as Mr. Georgia Basketball, Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year, and selections to prestigious events including the McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. Smith was a highly regarded five-star recruit and committed to Auburn University, where he had a standout freshman season in 2021-22. He averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and contributed defensively with blocks and steals. His performance earned him multiple honors including NABC Freshman of the Year, SEC Freshman of the Year, and Consensus Second Team All-American. After one collegiate season, Smith declared for the 2022 NBA Draft and was selected third overall by the Houston Rockets. In his rookie NBA season, Smith started all 76 games, averaging approximately 13.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. While he demonstrated strong rebounding skills, his offensive efficiency was noted as an area for improvement. Smith remains a key young talent for the Rockets, who have invested in his development with a significant contract extension reportedly valued at $122 million, underscoring his current relevance and potential impact in the league[1][2][3][6].
Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. is an American professional basketball player born on June 29, 1998, in Columbia, Missouri. He is a 6-foot-10 small forward/power forward known for his scoring ability and versatility. Porter Jr. played college basketball at the University of Missouri, where he was highly decorated with multiple preseason All-America honors and was considered a top prospect before entering the NBA. He was selected 14th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. Porter Jr. missed his entire rookie season due to a back injury but returned in 2019 and quickly became an important contributor for the Nuggets. His skill set includes a smooth shooting stroke, the ability to score from the perimeter, and effective post play, making him a challenging matchup on the court. He earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2020. In 2023, Porter Jr. was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he currently plays as a forward. He continues to be recognized for his offensive talent and potential impact in the NBA. Beyond the NBA, he represented the United States on the 2016 USA Men's U18 National Team, helping the team to a 5-0 record at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship. At 27 years old, Porter Jr. remains an active and relevant player, contributing to his current team's performance and regarded as a rising star with substantial upside in professional basketball. His journey from a standout high school player at Nathan Hale High School to a key player in the NBA highlights his development and ongoing career trajectory.
Cam Johnson
Cameron Johnson, commonly referred to as Cam Johnson, is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Denver Nuggets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on March 3, 1996, in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, Johnson began his basketball journey at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School. He experienced a significant growth spurt during his high school years, transitioning from a 6-foot-2 point guard to a taller player. Johnson's college career was notable for his time with the University of Pittsburgh and later the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the eleventh overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft but was traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night. During his tenure with the Suns, Johnson reached the 2021 NBA Finals. He played three full seasons in Phoenix before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023. In Brooklyn, Johnson achieved a career-high average of 18.8 points per game during the regular season. His shooting prowess, particularly from beyond the arc, has made him a valuable asset in the league. Johnson is a career 39.2% shooter from three-point range, which complements his ability to play both as a small forward and a shooter off the bench. In July 2025, Johnson was traded to the Denver Nuggets, marking a new chapter in his NBA career. This move aligns him with one of the league's top playmakers, Nikola Jokic, which could enhance his scoring opportunities. Johnson's current role in Denver is anticipated to be significant, given his shooting skills and the team's offensive strategy. His participation in the 2023 USA Basketball Showcase further highlights his national recognition, where he averaged 9.0 points and led the team in three-pointers made.
Malik Beasley
Malik JonMikal Beasley (born November 26, 1996) is an American professional basketball player currently with the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. A shooting guard known for his scoring and three-point shooting, Beasley played college basketball at Florida State University, where he had a standout freshman season in 2015-16. He averaged 15.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, earning All-ACC Freshman Team and Freshman All-American honors before declaring for the NBA Draft after one year[2][3]. Beasley was selected 19th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. Early in his career, he saw limited minutes and was occasionally assigned to the G-League but gradually increased his production, averaging over 11 points per game in his third season. In February 2020, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he enjoyed the most productive stretch of his career, averaging nearly 20 points per game over 51 games[1][2]. After stints with the Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks, Beasley joined the Detroit Pistons for the 2024-2025 season. He set a Pistons single-season record for three-pointers made (319) while shooting a career-high 41.6% from beyond the arc. In the 2024-25 playoffs, he contributed significantly, averaging 14 points per game in the first-round series[4]. Off the court, Beasley was subject to an NBA gambling investigation in 2024, though he was eventually cleared as no longer a target of the inquiry[7]. He is recognized for his sharpshooting ability and continues to be a relevant scoring option in the league. At 6'4" and 187 pounds, Beasley combines athleticism with shooting efficiency, maintaining a solid role as a scoring guard in the NBA[5][6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Rockets
**Rocket Companies, Inc.** is a leading American fintech and homeownership services organization headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Founded by Dan Gilbert, its flagship subsidiary, **Rocket Mortgage**, has positioned the company as one of the largest mortgage lenders in the United States. Established officially as Rocket Companies in 2020, the organization has rapidly expanded its footprint in the mortgage and real estate market using innovative digital platforms[1][2]. The company’s core mission centers on helping clients achieve homeownership and financial freedom by delivering fast, simple, and reliable digital solutions for complex financial transactions. Rocket Mortgage revolutionized the mortgage industry twice since its inception in 1985, pioneering digital mortgage lending that significantly streamlined the loan application and approval process[2]. This digital-first approach has enabled Rocket Mortgage to close over $1.8 trillion in home loans, demonstrating both scale and market leadership[4]. Rocket Companies operates through a portfolio of synergistic subsidiaries that cover various facets of the homeownership journey. These include **Redfin**, a technology-driven real estate brokerage known for its popular website and innovative services like on-demand home tours and reduced agent fees, and **Rocket Money** (formerly Truebill), a personal finance app designed to help users manage subscriptions, budgets, and savings efficiently[4]. Together, these businesses create an integrated platform from home search to closing and beyond, enhancing the customer experience and broadening market reach. The company went public in 2020 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker RKT[1]. Rocket Companies employs nearly 600 people and emphasizes community involvement, donating millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours annually to local organizations in Detroit and beyond[2][3]. Notably, Rocket Companies is focused on expanding its market share in the fragmented mortgage industry, which is dominated by smaller players where the top five lenders hold less than 20% of the market. Its scalable digital platforms and strong client experience position it well for continued growth and innovation in fintech an
Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are a prominent professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, and a member of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Founded in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers, the team relocated to Los Angeles in 1960 and has since become one of the most successful and recognizable franchises in sports history[1][3]. **History and Achievements:** The Lakers have a rich legacy, boasting 17 NBA championships, including a recent title in the 2019-2020 season with stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis[2][4]. They are known for their iconic "Showtime" era, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1980s. The team has been home to numerous legendary players, including Kobe Bryant, contributing to their enduring popularity and competitive spirit[1][6]. **Current Status:** As of 2023, the Lakers are valued at approximately $6.4 billion, ranking them among the most valuable sports franchises globally[1]. Despite recent playoff disappointments, the team remains a significant force in the NBA, with LeBron James continuing to play a pivotal role[6]. The Lakers are committed to community engagement through initiatives like the Lakers Youth Foundation, supporting underprivileged youth in the Los Angeles area[1]. **Notable Aspects:** - **Valuation and Financial Success:** The Lakers' financial success is notable, with significant brand recognition and a massive following[6]. - **Philanthropy:** The team is involved in various community programs, focusing on youth development and support[1]. - **Cultural Impact:** Beyond basketball, the Lakers have a profound cultural influence, with their brand and legacy extending far beyond the sports world[6]. Overall, the Los Angeles Lakers are not only a sports powerhouse but also a cultural icon, blending success on the court with a strong commitment to community and philanthropy.
Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are a professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, competing in the NBA's Western Conference. Established in 1989, they restored professional basketball to Minnesota after the Minneapolis Lakers left three decades earlier[2]. The Timberwolves have faced historical challenges, holding one of the lowest winning percentages among NBA teams through much of their history, but recent years have marked a significant turnaround. Key achievements include eleven playoff appearances, with the highlight being the 2003-2004 season when they reached the Western Conference Finals led by franchise legend Kevin Garnett, their all-time leader in points and rebounds[2]. More recently, the team has seen renewed success with a new core of players such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and Rudy Gobert, who was acquired in a major trade from the Utah Jazz. Edwards emerged as a breakout star, earning All-Star recognition and becoming the team’s offensive leader[4]. The Timberwolves play at the Target Center in Minneapolis and have undergone several branding updates to reflect their evolving identity[2]. Their 2021-2024 seasons showed marked improvement, including a 46–36 record in 2021–22 and a strong playoff run in 2023–24, where they swept the Phoenix Suns and defeated the defending champion Denver Nuggets in a dramatic second-round series before falling to the Dallas Mavericks in the conference finals—their deepest playoff run in 20 years[4]. The team employs around 201-500 people and is a notable sports franchise in Minnesota, blending athletic performance with business operations in a competitive sports market[1]. The Timberwolves’ recent strategic roster moves and promising young talent position them as an emerging force in the NBA, with growing fan engagement and business potential in the evolving sports technology and entertainment landscape.
Hawks
The organization known as **Hawk** refers to several distinct companies across different sectors, but the most relevant and comprehensive entity in business and technology news is **Hawk Tech Ltd**, a global web intelligence technology company specializing in advanced digital research and data gathering solutions. Hawk Tech Ltd develops cutting-edge **algorithm and smart crawler technologies** for monitoring online databases, including social media, deep web, darknet, and big data sources. Their flagship product, Hawk V.2, utilizes powerful crawlers, unique algorithms, and AI to extract and analyze open-source digital data, transforming it into actionable business intelligence and HR tech reports that aid in decision-making. The company prides itself on compliance with strict privacy standards such as the European GDPR[1]. Founded by experts with extensive experience in global web intelligence, Hawk Tech Ltd operates with a team of former intelligence community developers and analysts, emphasizing innovation in digital data solutions. Their products are tailored to help businesses transform raw online information into quality actionable insights, especially in areas requiring sophisticated data aggregation and analysis. Other companies named Hawk or Hawk Tech operate in different domains: - **Hawk Technology Ltd** (Illinois, USA), founded in 1994 and acquired by Josh and Patty Clare in 2007, specializes in robotic integration, assembly systems, and 3D modeling services for manufacturing.[2] - **The Hawk Tech** offers comprehensive business IT solutions such as managed IT services, custom web development, SEO, and digital marketing designed to modernize and secure business digital presence.[3] - **Hawk.ai** provides award-winning AI-powered anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) solutions for financial institutions worldwide, enhancing risk coverage and efficiency.[5] - **HAWK** (hawk-tech.io) is a European technology company focused on omnichannel advertising solutions, helping brands plan, activate, and optimize digital campaigns across multiple screens with advanced insights and media planning tools.[6][7] In summary, Hawk Tech Lt
Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado, competing in the NBA’s Western Conference. Founded in 1967 as the Denver Larks, the franchise quickly changed its name to the Denver Rockets before settling on the Nuggets in 1974 in anticipation of joining the NBA from the American Basketball Association (ABA)[1][3]. The Nuggets were one of the four ABA teams to join the NBA in the 1976 merger and have been a consistent playoff contender since. Historically, the Nuggets experienced strong runs in both the ABA and NBA. In the ABA, they made the 1976 Finals but lost to the New York Nets. After the merger, they achieved notable success in the late 1970s with stars like Dan Issel and David Thompson, reaching the Western Conference Finals in 1978[3]. The franchise's identity evolved visually with logos reflecting Colorado’s mining heritage and the Rocky Mountains, culminating in a modern logo introduced in 2018 featuring crossed pickaxes and a mountain peak[2]. A defining moment came in 2023 when the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić—a two-time MVP and five-time All-Star—and Jamal Murray, won their first NBA championship by defeating the Miami Heat. This victory made them the last former ABA team to reach and win the NBA Finals, marking a historic milestone for the franchise[1][2][3]. In the seasons following the championship, the Nuggets underwent significant organizational changes, including firing head coach Michael Malone and reshaping their roster to maximize Jokić’s impact. Key acquisitions like Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr., alongside contract extensions for young talent such as Christian Braun, illustrate the team's strategic focus on sustained competitiveness[4]. As of the 2025-26 season, the Nuggets remain a strong team with Jokić leading in rebounds and assists, supported by a solid roster[5][6]. The Denver Nuggets stand out as
Nets
Nets is a leading European financial technology company specializing in digital payment solutions, headquartered in Ballerup, Denmark. Founded in 1968, Nets has evolved into a major PayTech player, providing a comprehensive range of payment services across Europe, including payment processing, merchant acquiring, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and e-commerce solutions[1][3][4]. The company serves a broad clientele encompassing banks, businesses, consumers, and the public sector, enabling seamless and secure digital transactions. Historically, Nets started as a national payment provider in Denmark and has grown its international network significantly. It operates under the umbrella of Nexi Group, a prominent European PayTech, which enhances Nets' scale and capabilities, allowing it to offer fast, simple, and secure payment experiences. Nets manages a network connecting over 250 banks and more than 740,000 merchant outlets, supporting millions of European consumers daily[4]. A notable recent development is Nets' strategic divestment of its eID business, including the Danish digital identity service MitID, to IN Groupe in late 2023, marking a shift to sharpen its focus on core payment services[3]. With revenues around $1.7 billion and a workforce exceeding 3,300 employees, Nets continues to innovate in payment technology, leveraging data analytics and value-added services to enhance user experience and operational efficiency[1][4]. Nets stands out for its commitment to simplicity, security, and regional proximity, aiming to empower financial institutions and businesses with scalable digital payment infrastructure. Its integration within Nexi Group further consolidates its position as a pivotal player in Europe's payment ecosystem, blending technological innovation with extensive market reach to support the digital economy[3][4]. This combination makes Nets a compelling subject for those interested in the intersection of business innovation and financial technology.
