Many believe that major NBA changes are driven by blockbuster star trades. The basketball world often speculates on where top players like Giannis Antetokounmpo might land, even without concrete evidence of their departure.
Following this idea, trades like Kevin Durant to Houston, Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks last summer, or Jimmy Butler to the Warriors at the trade deadline were the summer`s biggest news. Similarly, Luka Dončić joining the Lakers was a surprising move.
However, the 2025 NBA title was claimed by the Oklahoma City Thunder, thanks to non-star acquisitions that proved pivotal. Their signings of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein last summer transformed them from a second-round contender into champions.
In this context, which contending teams made the most impactful, yet understated, offseason moves this summer that could elevate them to championship status next May and June? I`ve identified four such contenders.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire Lonzo Ball
The Cavaliers are on the verge of greatness. While winning 64 games last year makes this evident, it`s often overlooked that the Cavs were arguably the NBA`s top team for significant periods last season, though their playoff run was hampered by injuries.
Realistically, the Cavs are just one crucial move away from contention, similar to the Thunder`s situation after their 2024 second-round exit. Ball`s acquisition is precisely that move. Beyond the financial benefit of trading Isaac Okoro (owed over $11 million) for Ball`s expiring $10 million contract, Cleveland finally gains the versatile two-way player they`ve long desired.
Stats: 7.6 PPG, 3.3 APG, 1.34 SPG, 1.914 3P/G
While Okoro showed improvement, Ball was a sharpshooter before his career-threatening injury. He`s expected to regain that form, benefiting from the attention Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley draw in the paint.
Furthermore, Ball`s exceptional court vision and basketball IQ will elevate his teammates. He`s a natural fit for Cleveland`s deliberate pace and precise passing game. And defensively…
Though it feels like ages ago, Ball and Alex Caruso formed a disruptive defensive pairing in Chicago, constantly deflecting passes. Both remain long, agile defenders capable of applying intense pressure that stifles offensive possessions early. While Ball isn`t the defender Caruso is, and Caruso lacks Ball`s offensive prowess, they offer comparable overall value.
Currently, Ball isn`t an everyday player, likely skipping back-to-back games with closely managed minutes throughout the season. However, if healthy, his impact could be amplified in the playoffs due to increased rest and fewer restrictions. While he might not be the sole reason Cleveland triumphs in the East, he could be crucial in pushing them to championship contention.
2. Los Angeles Clippers Bolster Frontcourt with Brook Lopez
While acquiring Bradley Beal at a discount, trading for John Collins (who could fill an Aaron Gordon-like role), and Chris Paul`s return were smart moves, the most significant Clippers transaction this summer was securing Brook Lopez as the league`s top backup center.
Lopez might not be at his peak, but he`s still highly effective. Last season, he shot 37% from three-point range on high volume, making him a valuable asset for pick-and-pop plays with James Harden and potentially Paul against opposing benches. He also continues to be an elite shot contester with excellent verticality.
Stats: 13 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.85 BPG
Although he struggled in last year`s playoffs and might no longer be a primary defensive anchor, Lopez provides exceptional depth at the center position in limited minutes. Last season, the Clippers often relied on Ben Simmons and Nic Batum for backup center minutes, forcing them to play small whenever Ivica Zubac was off the court. This was a significant weakness in an NBA increasingly favoring larger lineups.
Consider the numerous twin-tower lineups the Clippers could encounter in a Western Conference playoff series:
| TEAM | BIG-MAN COMBOS |
|---|---|
| Thunder | Chet Holmgren/Isaiah Hartenstein |
| Rockets | Alperen Sengun/Steven Adams/Clint Capela |
| Mavericks | Anthony Davis/Dereck Lively III/Daniel Gafford |
| Timberwolves | Rudy Gobert/Naz Reid |
| Grizzlies | Jaren Jackson Jr./Zach Edey |
| Nuggets | Nikola Jokić/Jonas Valančiūnas |
| Spurs | Victor Wembanyama/Luke Kornet |
This doesn`t even account for the Eastern Conference teams, including the Cavs (Evan Mobley/Jarrett Allen), Knicks (Karl-Anthony Towns/Mitchell Robinson), Hawks (Onyeka Okongwu/Kristaps Porzingis), Bucks (Giannis Antetokounmpo/Myles Turner), and Heat (Bam Adebayo/Kel`el Ware).
Now, the Clippers possess the flexibility to counter any opponent lineup. They can opt for small-ball, a strategy they`ve utilized previously, or provide Ivica Zubac with 48 minutes of conventional single-center play by substituting Lopez. Alternatively, they can deploy Zubac and Lopez together as a complementary pairing, leveraging Lopez`s floor-spacing ability. This addition could be a game-changer for the Clippers in playoff series, potentially even beyond that.
3. New York Knicks Strengthen Bench with Guerschon Yabusele
I initially thought the Knicks might trade Mikal Bridges before his extension, and that remains a possibility. However, aside from a major trade, their primary summer goal was clear: upgrade the bench. They achieved this by acquiring Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
Clarkson is a known scoring talent. He can consistently provide points for about 20 minutes per game, potentially easing the load on Jalen Brunson in certain lineups, but more likely serving as a far more potent second-unit threat than Cam Payne.
However, for Knicks fans, Yabusele should be the most exciting addition. If you haven`t followed him since his standout performance for the French national team at the Paris Olympics (which many non-76ers fans likely haven`t), he was signed by the Sixers last summer and performed admirably in both starting and reserve roles.
Stats: 11 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.34 BPG
His stats of 11 points and just under six rebounds per night are solid for a player expected to play 20-25 minutes in New York. However, his three-point shooting is what could truly benefit new coach Mike Brown`s different lineups.
Josh Hart is a strong player, but when the Knicks deploy a lineup with three wings (OG Anunoby, Bridges, and Hart) alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, Hart`s inconsistent shooting can become a weakness. Defenses can sag off him, congesting the paint for Brunson and Towns. In contrast, Yabusele, who shot 38% from three on four attempts per game last season, cannot be left open.
Beyond Yabusele`s general bench contributions, Coach Brown can strategically substitute him for Hart, potentially even in crunch time, to provide New York with five dangerous shooters while maintaining strong defense. This acquisition is excellent for the Knicks, both overall and for the new lineup possibilities it offers Brown, who should aim to utilize his reserves more extensively than previous coach Tom Thibodeau did in the postseason.
4. Atlanta Hawks Add Versatility with Kristaps Porziņģis
Atlanta enjoyed a remarkable offseason. While Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a highly sought-after free agent despite the weak class, could also be highlighted, the focus here is on Kristaps Porziņģis, who has the potential to elevate the Hawks significantly if he remains healthy.
As noted, size is once again crucial in the NBA. The Hawks now boast two centers, Onyeka Okongwu and Porziņģis, whose skills complement each other well enough to play together, rather than merely substituting for one another as Okongwu and Clint Capela did previously.
Furthermore, Porziņģis`s synergy with Trae Young holds immense offensive potential. With Young`s penetration abilities and Porziņģis`s range extending far beyond the three-point line, opposing defenses will struggle to cover the expansive court and simultaneously contain Jalen Johnson`s cuts to the basket. Every offensive option they present is a significant threat.
Stats: 19.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.5 BPG
Defensively, envision a closing lineup featuring Young alongside Johnson, Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Porziņģis. Last season, Porziņģis limited opponents to a 42% shooting percentage as the primary defender, surpassing even Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Davis. This impressive defensive presence, combined with his offensive contributions, makes Porziņģis a key unifying force for the team.
The Hawks have meticulously constructed a team designed to support Trae Young. Their wing defense has transformed into an elite, adaptable unit, and with Porziņģis, they now possess a premier rim protector. If Young cannot achieve success with this roster, assuming they remain healthy, there will be no other excuses.
