The first week of NBA Free Agency came and went with plenty of tantalizing transactions. The All-Sauce Team breaks down their early winners and losers below. Let’s talk hoops!
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2025 NBA Free Agency
Free agency in the NBA began on July 1st and does so every year. However, this year in particular we have had some fireworks that have blown away pundits. NBA Free Agency has had perplexing trades, interesting signings and surprising buyouts. Both Damian Lillard and Deandre Ayton shocked the NBA world when being bought out by their respective clubs. The waive-and-stretch provision is seldom used on max level contracts but here we are.
There are still several notable unrestricted free agents on the board at the time of writing including Al Horford, Chris Paul, and Malcolm Brogdon. These veterans could serve as complimentary pieces for contending franchises. Furthermore, there are several notable restricted free agents available. The Bulls have yet to sign Josh Giddey despite his incredible run to end out the regular season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are still your betting favorite for the 2026 NBA Championship at (+275) on BetOnline. Except, teams are playing catchup so if you like the field then Denver at (+800) looks nice or even the Los Angeles Lakers at (+1400).
There is a lot more movement to come but check out our early WINNERS & LOSERS:
Daniel Collins (@SweatpantJesus) NBA Free Agency Reaction
- Winner: Houston Rockets – A very good western conference team that added an all-time great to an elite defense and young roster.
- Loser: Boston Celtics – The championship window has closed and they’re unlikely to be competitive in the playoffs as the roster stands.
The Houston Rockets currently have (+850) championship odds on BetOnline.
Varun Sharma (@Vsaaauce) NBA Free Agency Reaction
- Winner: Atlanta Hawks – Trae Young is surrounded by complimentary pieces, they added an All-Star in Kristaps Porzingis, and have a potential All-Star in Jalen Johnson.
- Loser: Miami Heat – Always in all the talks but haven’t made a significant move in a number of years. Is Pat Riley washed?
The Atlanta Hawks currently have (+2200) championship odds on BetOnline.
Sukh Brar (@JustSukh) NBA Free Agency Reaction
- Winner: Phoenix Suns – Devin Booker is a superstar. They now have lob threats and 3-and-D options. They have very little leverage in the Durant deal and still got back two rotational players from last years two-seed in the West.
- Loser: Los Angeles Lakers – DO SOMETHING!*
Since recording the video the Lakers shocked everyone and signed Ayton who was once the first overall pick. The center could have signed an non-taxpayer mid-level exception worth $14 million with Indiana, but he ultimately chose the purple & gold. He was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers despite being solid in limited games the last two years.
The Phoenix Suns currently have (+30000) championship odds on BetOnline.
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