LeBron James will take the max after all

After sharing that he could potentially take a paycut to help the Los Angeles Lakers add more talent, LeBron James got snubbed by Klay Thompson, Jonas Valanciunas, Paul George and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. So, he’s going to sign the max instead, or at least, $1 million less than the max to keep the Lakers under the second apron.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope heads to Orlando

After already losing Bruce Brown last season, the Denver Nuggets lost yet another key piece from their 2023 title run in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Pope joins the Orlando Magic’s tantalizing young core as a veteran and championship-winning presence that can help guide Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and the rest of the young Magic.

Paul George takes his talents to Philly

Paul George will officially end his tenure with the LA Clippers and join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey on the Philadelphia 76ers.

George signed a four-year $212 million contract, while Maxey inked himself to a five-year $204 extension.

The tandem of George and Kawhi Leonard ultimately proved fruitless in LA, as the two combined for a 13-13 record in the playoffs while winning only three series over five years, as various injuries to both (especially Leonard) ensured that they rarely had a chance to be on the court together.

James Harden would then choose to stay in LA with a two-year $70 million contract after the announcement of George’s departure.

Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors Split

It felt like it was a long time coming, but Klay Thompson is officially leaving the Golden State Warriors after winning four championships.

He’ll be heading to the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year $50 million contract as he tries to win a fifth ring with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving – who were really missing a third consistent scorer in the 2024 NBA Finals.

Thompson’s last performance saw him go 0 of 10 from the field in a blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings in the 2024 play-ins.

Jayson Tatum and the Celtics agree to a $315 superman

After winning the title this year, there’s no surprise that Jayson Tatum and the Celtics have agreed to a supermax extension for $315 million, helping Tatum surpass teammate Jaylen Brown as the owner of the largest contract in league history.

Derrick White also agreed to an extension with the Celtics as he was rewarded with a four-year $126 million extension after he played a key role in their 2024 title run. 

Isaiah Hartenstein gets his bag from the Oklahoma City Thunder

After signing OG Anunoby to a five-year $212.5 million deal and then trading for Mikal Bridges, the New York Knicks had precious little cap space to offer to breakout big man Isaiah Hartenstein.

This allowed the Oklahoma City Thunder to swoop in with an offer that Hartenstein couldn’t refuse: a three-year $87 million deal that also allows him to join the most promising young core in the league.

Victor Wembanyama finally gets an actual point guard

Victor Wembanyama will get a taste of Lob City next season after Chris Paul joined the San Antonio Spurs. We may finally see his full pick and roll potential unleashed.

Jonas Valanciunas moves to the Wizards

Jonas Valanciunas agreed to a three-year $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards, which is a little strange considering he’s a perfectly servicable center in the age of inflated contracts.