ESPN’s Kevin Pelton released his annual report card on NBA free agency and extension activity, issuing letter grades for more than 50 transactions that will shape the 2025-26 season. The analysis covers everything from minimum-salary signings to superstar extensions, providing context on salary-cap impact and roster fit.
Key free-agent additions
Chris Boucher to Boston (one year, minimum) — Grade: A
The Celtics shipped Georges Niang and two second-round picks to Utah, then replaced him with Boucher on a veteran minimum deal. The swap saves roughly $6 million in salary and over $30 million in luxury tax while giving Boston a versatile forward who shot 36 percent on threes and 63 percent on twos last season. Pelton ranked Boucher No. 22 on his free-agent board, making him, in Boston’s view, the best realistic pickup after Al Horford signaled interest in Golden State.
Amir Coffey to Milwaukee (one year) — Grade: B+
In need of wing help after a playoff exit highlighted thin small-forward depth, the Bucks turned to Coffey, who logged a career-high 24.3 minutes a night for the Clippers and hit 41 percent from deep. The 27-year-old’s low usage and below-average rebounding mirror the limitations of returning veteran Taurean Prince, but Coffey is younger and cheaper. Milwaukee still may seek a trade deadline upgrade if the club remains in contention.
Major extensions and opt-ins
De’Aaron Fox, Spurs (four-year, $229 million max) — Pass
San Antonio locked up its lead guard through 2030 even after drafting No. 2 pick Dylan Harper. Pelton notes the possibility of diminishing trade value if Fox’s quickness wanes, but calls the move preferable to risking free agency next summer.
Luka Dončić, Lakers (three-year, $165 million) — Pass
Los Angeles secured its new franchise cornerstone with a deal that includes a 2028-29 player option, positioning Dončić for a possible 35 percent-of-cap payday once he reaches 10 seasons of service. The structure preserves future cap flexibility for a roster overhaul in 2027.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder (four-year supermax) — Pass
Oklahoma City utilized the designated veteran rule to keep the reigning MVP under contract through 2031, aligning him with recently extended teammates Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies (five-year, $240 million renegotiation) — Pass
Memphis used cap space created at the trade deadline to raise Jackson’s 2025-26 salary and add four new years, averting the risk of a 2026 supermax if he makes All-NBA.
LeBron James, Lakers (opt-in at $52.6 million)
James chose security over scant cap-space alternatives, enabling an opt-in-and-trade route if he and the franchise later seek a split and clarifying L.A.’s ability to use the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
High-impact sign-and-trade or cap-space deals
Myles Turner to Milwaukee (four years, $107 million) — Grade: B-
In a surprise departure from the defending East-champion Pacers, Turner fills the Bucks’ stretch-five role vacated by Brook Lopez. To create room, Milwaukee waived and stretched Damian Lillard’s $112.6 million extension and moved Pat Connaughton. Turner’s floor spacing and rim protection fit Giannis Antetokounmpo’s window, but the Bucks still lack proven scoring beyond their star duo.
Dorian Finney-Smith to Houston (four years, $53 million) — Grade: A
The Rockets used their full mid-level slot to replace departed stopper Dillon Brooks, landing a 38 percent career three-point shooter who can guard multiple positions alongside newcomer Kevin Durant.
Notable short-term signings
Chris Paul to Clippers (terms undisclosed) — Grade: A
Returning to L.A. in a reserve role behind James Harden, the 40-year-old Paul gives Ty Lue an 11-deep rotation capable of managing regular-season minutes for Kawhi Leonard.
Bradley Beal to Clippers (two years, $11 million) — Grade: B+
After a buyout in Phoenix, Beal accepted a bargain deal with a player option, strengthening Los Angeles’ second unit without the burden of his former max contract.
Damian Lillard to Trail Blazers (three years, $42 million) — Grade: A-
Following an Achilles rupture and release by Milwaukee, the franchise legend returns to Portland on a below-market pact that includes a no-trade clause and a 2028-29 player option.
Pelton’s top grades of the week
- Chris Boucher, Celtics — A
- Nikola Batum, Clippers (two-year, $11.5 million) — A
- Bruce Brown Jr., Nuggets (veteran minimum) — B+
- Ty Jerome, Grizzlies (three-year, $28 million) — A-
With training camps two months away, several ranked free agents remain unsigned, including Malik Beasley (under federal investigation) and veteran big man Al Horford, whose next move hinges on Golden State’s negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Pelton will update grades as additional transactions are finalized.
Source: ESPN
