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The Craziest NBA Free Agency Signings…So Far

  • Writer: Joel Piton
    Joel Piton
  • Jul 11
  • 10 min read

Two weeks into NBA free agency, chaos has taken the wheel. Perennial All-Star candidates remain unsigned, fan favorites have parted ways with the franchises that made them household names, and high-impact role players are suddenly donning the jerseys of big-market contenders. It’s a frenzied offseason where all bets are off and every team is scrambling to build something sustainable—something that can compete at the level we just saw from the reigning champs in Oklahoma. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most eye-catching signings and trades of free agency so far.



Myles Turner (C) — Milwaukee Bucks

2024-25 Stats — 15.6 PPG — 6.5 RPG — 1.5 APG — 2.0 BPG — 48.1 FG %

In one of free agency’s more surprising moves, Myles Turner brings his decade-long run in Indiana to a close, leaving behind over 600 games as the longest-tenured Pacer. With Isaiah Jackson off the roster and James Wiseman's injury return still a mystery, Indiana suddenly finds itself thin at the five. Meanwhile, Milwaukee lands a huge win. With Brook Lopez gone, Turner steps in as one of the league’s elite shot blockers who also offers floor spacing. Pairing him with Giannis creates a defensive nightmare for opponents—and a frontcourt with serious two-way potential.



Kristaps Porzingis (PF/C) — Atlanta Hawks

2024-25 Stats — 19.5 PPG — 6.8 RPG — 2.1 APG — 1.5 BPG — 48.3 FG %

Not far off an NBA championship, Kristaps Porzingis brings size, experience, and a winning mindset to an Atlanta Hawks team that lacked true interior presence. At nearly 7'3", he immediately becomes the tallest player on the roster—and perhaps the most versatile big they've had in years. Despite battling injuries during his Boston tenure, Porzingis was highly effective when healthy, shooting over 40% from three and anchoring the paint on both ends. As he turns 30 this summer, Atlanta is banking on his health and leadership to help elevate a team still trying to find its identity.



Lonzo Ball (PG/SG) — Cleveland Cavaliers

2024-25 Stats — 7.6 PPG — 3.4 RPG — 3.3 APG — 1.3 SPG — 36.6 FG %

It’s been a long road back for Lonzo Ball. After spending more than two years away from the game, the former No. 2 pick finally returned to the court this season—though understandably still a step behind his old form. He averaged just 7 points on 36% shooting, but his elite vision, defensive instincts, and vocal leadership never left. Ball’s basketball IQ continues to shine, even if his body is still catching up. In Cleveland, he won’t be asked to carry the weight of being a franchise savior. Instead, he can thrive as a high-IQ sixth man and steady presence off the bench—a role that might finally let him just play. This is a low-pressure, high-upside fit for both sides.



Desmond Bane (SG) — Orlando Magic

2024-25 Stats — 19.2 PPG — 6.1 RPG — 5.3 APG — 1.2 SPG — 48.4 FG %

Grizzlies fans have every reason to be frustrated—they just lost one of their most consistent offensive weapons. Desmond Bane heads to Orlando, bringing his elite sharpshooting and playmaking to a young, rising squad. The 6'5" guard is a walking bucket, averaging around 20 points per game on absurd efficiency: a career-best 48.4% from the field this season and north of 40% from three for his career. He’s also a willing, above average passer who plays unselfish basketball. This move likely pushes Anthony Black back to a bench role, but that’s a small price to pay for a player of Bane’s caliber. With KCP's contract off the books, Orlando now boasts a more dynamic, playoff-ready starting five.



CJ McCollum (SG) — Washington Wizards

2024-25 Stats — 21.1 PPG — 3.8 RPG — 4.1 APG — .8 SPG — 44.4 FG %

The perennial All-Star snub is on the move again—this time joining Khris Middleton on a Washington Wizards team desperate to climb back into playoff contention. CJ McCollum brings exactly what this team needs: leadership, scoring, and a high basketball IQ. He’s averaged over 20 points per game for the past decade, and his smooth shot creation and veteran poise will elevate a young, developing roster. McCollum has proven he can adapt to any system, and under Brian Keefe, he should slide in seamlessly. He’s one of the league’s most respected pros and while the Wizards might still be finding their way, it’s easy to root for a guy who’s given so much to the game and still has hopes of contending.



Jordan Poole (SG) — New Orleans Pelicans

2024-25 Stats — 20.5 PPG — 3.0 RPG — 4.5 APG — 1.3 SPG — 43.2 FG %

If this team can stay healthy, look out. A backcourt of Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray, alongside a fully available Zion Williamson, gives the Pelicans more than enough offensive firepower to make noise in the West. But health remains the big question mark. Zion has missed more games than he’s played, and Murray has yet to be cleared for basketball activities. In the meantime, Poole will have the green light, and while he’s not the ideal player to build a team around, he is capable of being the leading scorer on a playoff-caliber roster. He’s got a ring to prove it. After two frustrating seasons in Washington, this fresh start in New Orleans could finally let Poole remind everyone just how dangerous he can be when things click.



Deandre Ayton (C) — Los Angeles Lakers

2024-25 Stats — 14.4 PPG — 10.2 RPG — 1.6 APG — 1.0 BPG — 56.6 FG %

The Lakers finally land the dominant big man fans and analysts have been calling for. Deandre Ayton, a walking double-double with a smooth midrange game, brings size, scoring, and rebounding to a team that desperately needed help in the paint. He’s capable of putting up 20 and 10 on any given night and thrives around the free-throw line and at the rim. But with the talent comes baggage. Ayton’s brief stint in Portland was rocky—not due to injury, but reportedly due to off-court issues. Reports surfaced of missed rehab appointments, tardiness to practices and flights, and an overall lack of engagement. Is Ayton simply a high-maintenance talent who needs a winning environment to stay locked in? Or is the narrative missing context? For now, the Lakers are betting that a championship culture—and LeBron’s leadership—can bring out the best in him.



Anfernee Simons (PG/SG) — Boston Celtics

2024-25 Stats — 19.3 PPG — 2.7 RPG — 4.8 APG — .9 SPG — 42.6 FG %

Though Anfernee Simons is reportedly still shipped around the league, should he remain in Boston, the Celtics are adding a pure scorer with serious upside. Simons brings electric athleticism, a smooth jumper, and emerging playmaking instincts—all wrapped in a 6'3" frame with a vertical leap that makes highlight reels easy to come by. As Portland’s primary offensive option post-Dame, he proved he can carry a scoring load with confidence. Still, there’s a defensive trade-off. Simons is far from a great defender, and with Jrue Holiday gone, Boston will undoubtedly feel the sting of losing one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders. The hope is that Simons' offensive firepower can help offset that loss—but in a championship-or-bust environment, that’s a tall order.



Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SG) — Atlanta Hawks

2024-25 Stats — 9.4 PPG — 3.2 RPG — 2.7 APG — .6 SPG — 43.8 FG %

One of the few players to suit up for all 82 games last season, Nickeil Alexander-Walker brings rare durability and relentless energy to an Atlanta Hawks team in need of backcourt depth. He’s the kind of player who can come off the bench, spark a run, and instantly shift momentum with his hustle. Offensively, he’s a capable scorer who can pull up in rhythm, but it’s his defense that often goes overlooked. A sneaky-good perimeter defender, NAW has the versatility to guard positions 1 through 4 and make life difficult for opposing scorers. With Atlanta’s bench lacking reliable guard play, this is a smart, under-the-radar addition.



Brook Lopez (C) — Los Angeles Clippers

2024-25 Stats — 13.0 PPG — 5.0 RPG — 1.5 APG — 1.9 BPG — 50.9 FG %

Even at 37, Brook Lopez continues to anchor the paint like few others—finishing top 3 in blocks yet again last season. Now on a two-year, $18 million deal with the Clippers, Lopez brings championship experience, rim protection, and elite floor spacing to a team that’s always flirting with contention. His role alongside Ivica Zubac remains a bit unclear—both are strong defensive anchors, but only Lopez can reliably stretch the floor from deep. That offensive versatility could give L.A. more flexibility in closing lineups and playoff matchups. This may be the final chapter of a remarkable NBA career, but Lopez still has enough in the tank to make a real impact on a team with title aspirations.



Michael Porter Jr. (SF) — Brooklyn Nets

2024-25 Stats — 18.2 PPG — 7.0 RPG — 2.1 APG — .6 SPG — 50.4 FG %

In a dramatic shift from his days with the title-winning Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. heads to Brooklyn with a fresh mindset and something to prove. Embracing the challenge of leading a rebuilding Nets squad, MPJ admitted he had “plateaued” in Denver—and now, entering his prime, he’s ready to expand his game. Known mostly as a deadly catch-and-shoot threat, Porter has quietly flashed the ability to play above the rim, create his own shot, and even initiate offense when given the chance. Brooklyn may be far from playoff-ready, but giving MPJ the freedom to grow into a more complete offensive weapon is a calculated step in the right direction.



Jordan Clarkson (SG) — New York Knicks

℅ to sltrib.com
℅ to sltrib.com

2024-25 Stats — 16.2 PPG — 3.2 RPG — 3.7 APG — .8 SPG — 40.8 FG %

Former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson is coming off a tough season in Utah— limited to just 37 games and shooting a career-low from the field. But despite the dip in efficiency, he remains one of the league’s most dangerous heat-check scorers. When he’s on, few players can swing momentum like Clarkson. Even more encouraging: he posted a career high in assists during the 2023–24 campaign, evolving into more of a playmaker and locker room leader. For a Knicks team short on reliable bench scoring, this is a savvy pickup. At 33, Clarkson’s experience and scoring punch could be exactly what New York needs to stay competitive deep into the season.



Collin Sexton (G) — Charlotte Hornets

℅ to nba.com
℅ to nba.com

2024-25 Stats — 18.4 PPG — 2.7 RPG — 4.2 APG — .7 SPG — 48.0 FG %

Another Jazz guard on the move, Collin Sexton lands in Charlotte looking for a fresh start—and possibly a bigger role. While he hasn’t matched the explosive scoring numbers he posted in Cleveland, Sexton has quietly become a more efficient offensive weapon, shooting over 40% from three this past season and continuing to improve his shot selection. His defense remains a concern, but offensively, he’s a true three-level threat. He can slash to the rim, knock down midrange pull-ups, and create contact to get to the line. For a Hornets team starving for consistent scoring and long overdue for a playoff appearance, Sexton could be the jolt they need.



Norman Powell (G-F) — Miami Heat

2024-25 Stats — 21.8 PPG — 3.2 RPG — 2.1 APG — 1.2 SPG — 48.4 FG %

At 32, Norman Powell just played the best basketball of his career—averaging 22 points per game on a deep Clippers roster without being forced into a high-usage role. Now in Miami, he brings that same scoring punch to a reloaded Heat backcourt alongside Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro. Powell is a proven offensive weapon, shooting 40% from three while also thriving in the midrange and attacking off the dribble. He’s no slouch on defense either, capable of guarding multiple positions and bringing gritty intensity that fits right into Heat culture. With Jimmy Butler gone, this is a timely and underrated pickup—one that keeps Miami firmly in the playoff conversation.



Duncan Robinson (SG) — Detroit Pistons

℅ to espn.com
℅ to espn.com

2024-25 Stats — 11.0 PPG — 2.3 RPG — 2.4 APG — .5 SPG — 43.7 FG %

Longtime Heat sharpshooter and fan favorite Duncan Robinson is headed to Detroit in search of a fresh opportunity. Now 31, Robinson remains one of the NBA’s most reliable three-point specialists, capable of dropping 10–15 points on any given night with just a few clean looks. With Malik Beasley removed from the roster due to an ongoing investigation and Tim Hardaway Jr. touching down in Denver, Robinson has a clear path to claim the role of Detroit’s go-to floor spacer. This is a quietly strong pickup for a young Pistons team that desperately needs shooting to balance out their lineup—and Robinson brings experience, spacing, and a specialist’s mindset that could pay off big.



Kevin Durant (PF) — Houston Rockets

℅ to kget.com
℅ to kget.com

2024-25 Stats — 26.6 PPG — 6.0 RPG — 4.2 APG — 1.2 BPG — 52.7 FG %

Kevin Durant’s departure from Phoenix didn’t come as a huge shock—but his arrival in Houston? That turned heads. The Rockets had to part ways with 23-year-old potential franchise player Jalen Green, but let’s be honest: it’s Kevin Durant. Even at nearly 37, KD remains one of the smoothest, most efficient three-level scorers the game has ever seen. With a core of Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet, Alperen Sengün, and now Durant, the Rockets didn’t just reload—they catapulted into title contention. The big question is whether they can thrive and adjust without a fan favorite in Green, but this roster is deep, versatile, and now features a generational talent hungry for one last championship run. If this is KD’s final stretch, Houston basketball just became must-watch every night.


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The summer offseason is far from over, and if the first two weeks are any indication, we’re in for a whirlwind of moves that are sure to shake up the competition for the 2025-26 season. From unexpected waives to under-the-radar signings, there’s no telling what’s coming next—but one thing’s for sure: we’re just getting started.

What signing or trade do you think will make the biggest impact on your team this season? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we want to hear from you.


The NBA's Summer League is ramping up to be super competitive. Can't catch the games? Stay locked in to FOSN for your nonstop hoops coverage, breakdowns, and all the latest sports buzz this offseason.



Thanks for reading!



Joel Piton



@jp7ton

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