2025 NBA Free Agency: Winners and Losers Revealed

Your winners and losers from a (mostly) dud of a night on the opening of the NBA's free-agency period ...

WINNER: Houston Rockets

The Rockets made significant moves early in the free-agency period, acquiring Kevin Durant in a trade and signing key players like Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr. They also extended their head coach's contract, showing their commitment to building a competitive team.

As free agency began, the Rockets secured Dorian Finney-Smith from the Lakers, adding depth and flexibility to their roster.

WINNER: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks faced challenges with the departure of Brook Lopez but made a strong move by signing Myles Turner to bolster their frontcourt. This signing, along with other acquisitions, shows the Bucks' determination to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.

WINNER: Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets made strategic moves to strengthen their roster, including acquiring Cameron Johnson and re-signing Bruce Brown. These additions will complement Jokić and improve the team's performance.

SHRUGGING THUMBS UP: Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies made significant roster changes, including extending Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract and adding key players like Santi Aldama and Ty Jerome. These moves position the Grizzlies as a team to watch in the Western Conference.

LOSER: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers faced challenges in free agency, losing key players and making less impactful signings. The team's future direction and ability to compete for a championship remain uncertain.

WINNER: Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks made strategic moves to strengthen their roster, adding Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard. With a talented lineup, the Hawks are poised to be a competitive force in the Eastern Conference.

LOSER: The NBA (again)

The NBA's free-agency period was underwhelming, with limited cap space and fewer high-profile signings. The league's decision-making processes and timing of player negotiations impacted the excitement of the event.

SHRUGGING THUMBS DOWN: Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks faced challenges in their roster decisions, including signing D'Angelo Russell after recent draft picks. The team's direction and management decisions raise questions about their future success.

WINNER: Good dudes

Players like Luke Kornet and Kevon Looney received well-deserved contracts for their contributions to their teams. The trend of rewarding hardworking players is a positive development in the NBA.

According to the source: Yahoo Sports.