NBA offseason 2025 - 10 teams to watch this summer - ESPN

If the 2025 NBA offseason resembles this season's trade deadline, then there will be no shortage of storylines.

Earlier this season, in a one-week period leading into Feb. 6, All-Stars Luka Doncic, Jimmy Butler III, Zach LaVine and De'Aaron Fox were all traded. Now, the focus turns to Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant and a number of stars with uncertain futures.

The Bucks and Suns are among the 10 teams we're watching closely this summer — a list that also includes the 2024 champion Boston Celtics — that could change the landscape of the offseason.

Jump to a team:
Celtics | Nets | Nuggets
Warriors | Rockets | Lakers
Bucks | Magic | Suns | Spurs

«The CBA has been well known for years. So there are penalties associated with being at certain levels, and we know that. You just weigh that. You weigh where we are. You weigh everything else, then you make those decisions.»

— Brad Stevens, May 2025

Stevens, the Celtics' president of basketball operations, is well aware of their $500 million projected payroll and the roster restrictions that come with being over the salary cap's second apron.

However, unlike last season, when winning an NBA championship justified its high payroll, Boston's roster is under the microscope after losing in the second round of the playoffs, during which superstar Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles.

The Celtics are $23 million over the second apron, and unless the Brooklyn Nets are willing to absorb the $30.7 million expiring contract of center Kristaps Porzingis, there is no direct path to getting under it with one singular trade. Shedding salary will likely happen in multiple moves.

Considering that Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are under contract