By Ren Cai
As the 2025–26 NBA preseason tips off, the league landscape looks dramatically reshaped. From blockbuster trades and bold extensions to a talent-rich draft and high-stakes preseason matchups, here’s your all-in-one breakdown of what’s changed, and what to watch.
Blockbuster Trades and Franchise Shakeups
- Kevin Durant to Houston: In a stunning seven-team trade, Durant left Phoenix for Houston, signaling a full reset for the Suns and a win-now push for the Rockets.
- Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix: The Suns acquired two high-volume scorers from Houston, giving Green a chance to reboot his career in a new system.
- Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson: Denver and Brooklyn swapped scoring wings, betting on fit over flash.
- Desmond Bane to Orlando: The Magic added toughness and shooting to their rising core in a multi-player deal with Memphis.
- Jordan Poole to New Orleans: The Pelicans took a flyer on Poole’s scoring upside, hoping he thrives alongside Zion and Ingram.
- Lonzo Ball to Cleveland: If healthy, Ball could be the perfect connector for Mitchell and Garland, boosting defense and transition play.
Free Agency Spotlight: Best Signings of the Summer
- Myles Turner to Milwaukee: The most impactful free agent signing. Turner joins Giannis on a 4-year, $108M deal, giving the Bucks elite rim protection and floor spacing.
- Damian Lillard back to Portland: After leaving Portland in 2023, he is returning after the Bucks waived him. He adds strength to the backcourt of the Trail Blazers. Unfortunately, he will be injured for probably the entirety of the 2025-26 season due to his Achilles injury in the 2025 playoffs.
Other notable signings:
- Caris LeVert to Detroit – Veteran scoring for a young Pistons squad
- Gary Trent Jr. and Bobby Portis re-sign with Bucks – Continuity for a contender
- Spencer Dinwiddie and Mason Plumlee to Charlotte – Stabilizing pieces for a rebuilding roster
- Seth Curry, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton to Golden State – Depth and playoff experience for the aging Warriors
Veteran Depth and Strategic Signings
- Golden State Reloads: The Warriors added shooting, defense, and leadership to support Steph and Draymond. Horford’s IQ and Curry’s spacing could be pivotal.
- Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta: The Hawks added rim protection and floor spacing in a three-team deal, hoping Porzingis can stay healthy and elevate their offense.
- Jrue Holiday to Portland: A defensive anchor and locker room leader joins a young Blazers squad looking to climb the standings.
- Luke Kornet to San Antonio: A quiet but savvy signing, Kornet offers depth and tactical flexibility behind Victor Wembanyama.
Mega Extensions and Franchise Commitments
- OKC’s Core Locked In: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams all signed massive extensions, cementing the Thunder’s long-term vision.
- Paolo Banchero and Jaren Jackson Jr.: Orlando and Memphis secured their rising stars with five-year deals worth over $200 million each.
Injury Updates and Preseason Drama
- Memphis Setbacks: Jaren Jackson Jr. and rookie Zach Edey will miss the start of the season due to surgeries, testing the Grizzlies’ depth early.
- Philadelphia’s Rookie Woes: Jared McCain, once a Rookie of the Year favorite, faces another setback with a thumb injury after missing most of last season.
NBA Draft Recap: 2025 Class Headlines and Rookie Watch
The 2025 NBA Draft was loaded with high-upside wings, versatile guards, and international intrigue. Here are the top picks and storylines to track as the season begins.
Top 10 Picks:
- Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg (Duke) A generational two-way forward with elite instincts, Flagg joins Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis in Dallas, forming one of the most exciting young duos in the league.
- San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper (Rutgers) A crafty combo guard with elite feel, Harper pairs with Wembanyama and Castle to give San Antonio a terrifying young core.
- Philadelphia 76ers – VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) Explosive scorer and slasher, Edgecombe adds athleticism to a Sixers team looking for backcourt depth behind Maxey.
- Charlotte Hornets – Kon Knueppel (Duke) A sharpshooting wing with high IQ, Knueppel fits perfectly next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
- Utah Jazz – Ace Bailey (Rutgers) Bailey brings length, scoring, and defensive upside to a Jazz team in transition.
- Washington Wizards – Tre Johnson (Texas) A smooth scorer with three-level potential, Johnson will get plenty of touches in Washington’s rebuild.
- New Orleans Pelicans – Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma) A dynamic guard with deep range, Fears joins Jordan Poole and Zion in a high-octane offense.
- Brooklyn Nets – Egor Demin (BYU) The Russian-born wing is a versatile playmaker with size and feel—Brooklyn’s long-term bet.
- Toronto Raptors – Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina) A physical forward with rebounding and defensive chops, Murray-Boyles fits Toronto’s gritty identity.
- Houston Rockets – Khaman Maluach (Duke) → Traded to Phoenix, the 7’2″ shot-blocker from South Sudan adds rim protection to a Suns team that lost Ayton and Nurkić.
Notable Trades:
- Derik Queen (Maryland): Drafted by Atlanta, traded to New Orleans
- Will Riley (Illinois): Drafted by Utah, traded to Washington
- Asa Newell (Georgia): Drafted by New Orleans, traded to Atlanta
What to Watch as Preseason Begins
- Can Durant elevate Houston into contention
- Will Porzingis stay healthy and unlock Atlanta’s offense
- How will Golden State’s veteran additions mesh with their aging core
- Which rookies and role players will seize the spotlight in the preseason
Key Games to Watch: Early Season Matchups That Matter
Eastern Conference Highlights:
- Oct. 22 – Raptors at Hawks: Porzingis makes his Atlanta debut against Scottie Barnes
- Oct. 25 – Wizards at Magic: Desmond Bane’s Orlando debut and Paolo’s post-extension opener
- Oct. 31 – Pacers vs. Hawks (NBA Cup): Haliburton vs. Trae Young
- Nov. 3 – Bucks at Wizards (NBA Cup): Giannis and Turner test Washington’s youth
- Nov. 7 – Raptors at Hawks (NBA Cup): Daniels , Young, and NAW vs. Barnes
- Nov. 19 – Nets at Cavaliers (NBA Cup): MPJ vs. Mitchell
Western Conference Showdowns:
- Oct. 22 – Lakers at Warriors: LeBron vs. Steph
- Oct. 24 – Rockets at Suns: Durant returns to Phoenix
- Oct. 25 – Spurs at Nuggets: Wembanyama vs. Jokic
- Oct. 26 – Clippers at Mavericks: Kawhi and Harden vs. Luka, LeBron, and Ayton
- Oct. 31 – Thunder vs. Grizzlies (NBA Cup): SGA vs. short-handed Memphis
- Nov. 5 – Warriors at Lakers (NBA Cup): Round 2 of LeBron vs. Steph
- Nov. 8 – Pelicans at Timberwolves (NBA Cup): Poole vs. Edwards
- Nov. 20 – Nuggets at Kings (NBA Cup): Jokic vs. Sabonis
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