• Loading stock data...
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Front Office Sports Honors winners are here! View the 2025 winners

NBA Offseason: Draft Drama, Free Agency, and a Critical Owners Meeting

The NBA’s board of governors will meet next month in Las Vegas to discuss topics including league expansion.

David Banks-Imagn Images

The NBA Finals are in the rearview mirror, but the league’s calendar continues to move along.

The 2025 NBA draft starts Wednesday, and Cooper Flagg is expected to be the first American in three years to be selected with the No. 1 pick. However, there could be chaos across the board, especially as projected top-five pick Ace Bailey has refused to work out for teams.

The league couldn’t even wait for the Finals to wrap up before some major shake-ups, as two blockbuster trades occurred over one week. The Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies for a package that included four first-round picks last Sunday. A week later, the Suns sent Kevin Durant to Houston in a deal involving Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.

The No. 10 pick in Wednesday’s draft will move to Houston in the deal, but the trade won’t be finalized until at least July 6 due to a restriction in Green’s rookie extension.

Several big names could be on the move, including Jazz star Lauri Markkanen and former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who, last month, was reportedly “open-minded” about moving on from the Bucks

“People think this offseason is going to be crazy. In talking to teams, there’s way more chatter on trade discussions at this point in the calendar than there is in most years,” ESPN senior NBA writer Brian Windhorst said earlier this month.

Even the NBA finalists face major decisions. Thunder stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are extension-eligible this offseason, while the Pacers need to decide on the future of Myles Turner, an unrestricted free agent who may put them over the luxury tax for the first time in two decades

Among the key dates on the NBA offseason calendar:

  • June 25–26: 2025 NBA draft
  • June 30: Teams may begin negotiating with all free agents
  • July 1: New salary cap and tax levels apply
  • July 6: Teams can begin signing free agents
  • July 10–20: Las Vegas Summer League

Critical Owners Meeting

The NBA’s board of governors is expected to meet in Las Vegas during Summer League next month, and several key topics need to be discussed.

Approval for the two most expensive sales in NBA history should also be on the table in July. The Celtics were sold at a $6.1 billion valuation in March, while the Lakers were sold at a $10 billion valuation last week. 

League expansion is another topic, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month on The Dan Patrick Show that the league will look at expansion this summer. When exactly the expansion will happen is up in the air.

“It’s not obvious to me [that] we should expand. … I don’t mean to tease people with this, [but] this is the summer we’re going to look at it seriously,” Silver said. 

The NBA’s expansion in Europe will also be discussed in Las Vegas. Silver announced in March that the league is “ready to explore” options for expansion across the pond.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.

Mark Cuban on Why NBA Expansion Isn’t Imminent

Cuban said the next CBA could help solve some expansion issues.
Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley Says She Would Have Left South Carolina for Knicks

Staley says she would have made the NBA leap “for women.”
Mat Ishbia

Suns, Mat Ishbia Sued by Minority Owners Looking to Open Books

The limited partners have been seeking a buyout from Ishbia.
Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban Wishes He Had Put Mavs on Open Market

Cuban also thinks private equity has shifted the NBA’s priorities. 

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.

Selig Backs MLB Salary Cap, but Warns Against Labor Fight

The league’s former commissioner cites salary-cap success in other leagues.
August 27, 2025

Keegan Bradley Declines Rare Ryder Cup Playing Captain Role

Bradley did not choose himself with one of his six captain’s picks.
Aug 24, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half at Target Center.
August 27, 2025

Caitlin Clark Still Out With 2 Weeks Left in WNBA Season

The WNBA regular season ends Sept. 11.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
August 26, 2025

NFL Roster Cut Deadline Passes After Backup QB Carousel

Several high-profile backups were traded or signed with new teams.
August 26, 2025

MLB Unveils 2026 Schedule As Big Changes Loom Soon After

Next year’s slate could be among the last in the current format.
August 26, 2025

Masters, Open Championship Offer New Paths for Qualifying in 2026

Winner of select national opens will now earn invitations.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Scottie Scheffler takes his shot on the first hole during the final round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 25, 2025

Nine PGA Tour Players Earned More Than $10M During 2025 Season

The 2025 season ended at the Tour Championship on Sunday.