NBA offseason results: Knicks, Rockets, Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder – Basketball insider
To end this NBA offseason series, we have the elite of last season.
The New York Knicks hope to take a step further with their new head coach. The Houston Rockets have won the game’s legend and rooted their inner circle. Faced with playoff adversity, the Cleveland Cavaliers exuded calm and the thunder were cool, but behind the top of the mountain.
Then there’s the Boston Celtics. One team unfortunately lost the best player to injury throughout the season and was forced into a hub.
Here are the details of how they do business in the summer of 2025.
New York Knicks
Noteworthy additions: Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele
Notable departures: The precious Achiuwa
Just like the Knicks who started five times, the lack of depth left the team losing the last two playoffs.
Clarkson now offers the team a microwave rating option that needs to be insulated on the other end of the floor. After a strong Olympic Games in 2024, Yabusele performed well in the return league last season. These are important in grand plans.
The most important thing is how new head coach Mike Brown transforms the offense and uses the depth of improvement to play to his strengths.
It was a big moment for Brown and the Knicks. Brown cannot ask for a better opportunity to push a team above the current ceiling. Meanwhile, the likes of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns will know that the next few years of their careers may be the definition of legacy.
Even small amounts can allow Mikal Bridges to enjoy discounts, and even if it is small, it can also bring important benefits.
Level: b-
Houston Rockets
Noteworthy additions: Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, Josh Okogie
Notable departures: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, Jock Landale
One of the worst half-court offenses is one of the most effective scorers in game history. They also did this in exchange for a Jalen Green, who was arguably the most efficient and ineffective scorer in last year’s playoffs, and a expendable Dillon Brooks.
In addition, the Rockets were able to steal Finney-Smith from the Los Angeles Lakers. This strengthens their defense, but also adds solid external catch threats. Clint Capela, along with Steven Adams, paved along the center depth on the bench behind Alperen Sengun.
They were also able to make Jabari Smith’s ink extension over five years, up from $122 million.
The only thing I question here is that if the money might have been better spent on Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The Rockets currently have a shooting guard depth map, which is by default at Amen Thompson, followed by Josh Okogie.
Houston has a lot of forwards, so the potential lack of depth is the only reason they haven’t gained full marks this offseason.
grade:
Boston Celtics
Noteworthy additions: Anfernee Simons, Georges Niang, Luka Garza, Hugo Gonzalez, Josh Minott
Notable departures: Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet
It’s no way to sugar-coated, and for the recent Celtics, it’s a brutal offseason.
Pozingis and Kornet lost their entire holiday, at least this season to eliminate Boston’s stuffing from Boston. According to rumors, the Celtics are still looking to move forward from Simons even after getting Simmons.
It must be admitted that the Celtics went this way due to the rupture of the fatal weakness suffered by Jayson Tatum. This terminates any hopes for the title next season and ownership and the front desk has shifted the focus to minimize taxes.
So, in the event of expiration, the Celtics succeeded in doing this. Brad Stevens and Co.’s deal cut tax bills by about $200 million. Unfortunately, the second apron forces a team to organically build the core team’s hands.
Level: b
Cleveland Cavaliers
Noteworthy additions: Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr.
Notable departures: Ty Jerome, Isaac Okoro
The Cavaliers showed a lot of calm in not overreacting playoff exports. It seems they’ve been on the side of the fence and telling them it’s a team that has been injured by a toe that is crucial to Darius Garland, and the game against Evan Mobley missed.
Meanwhile, Cleveland also admitted that they lacked size in the backcourt and moved on from Ty Jerome to get Lonzo Ball. The latter’s health will play a big role in the success of the transaction, but there is little doubt in the process. This is obviously the right idea.
Will the Cavaliers consider moving forward from Garland if the right player shows themselves? possible. For now, the damage of the East means that the measurement may be required.
Level: b
Oklahoma City Thunderbolt
Noteworthy additions: N/A.
Notable departures: N/A.
You can’t blame the champion for focusing on securing the long-standing Big Three. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren all signed for expansion, Oklahoma City can compete for at least a few years.
Holmgren’s extension is an extension of concern. He missed his entire rookie season and played only 32 regular season games last year. His talent deserves the rookie Max Extension he received, but now there needs to be a corresponding availability.
However, thanks to the Nuggets and Rockets’ activities this offseason, it does give the impression that any gap before the offseason is resolved in a big way.
The old motto is that champions need some fresh blood to bring back the fire next season. There has been no team duplication since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018.
The experience of winning the championship alone will make the young Thunder roster better, but it’s fair to wonder that alone will suffice.
Level: b-
