About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, hosts Niko and Stella analyze the high-stakes 2025 NBA offseason based on Bobby Marks' detailed ESPN article published June 9th, 2025. They explore how star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant face uncertain futures amid complex salary cap constraints affecting top teams such as the Celtics, Nets, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Lakers and more. The discussion covers roster strategies balancing championship aspirations versus financial realities across multiple franchises poised for significant moves this summer.
Article Discussed: "NBA offseason 2025: 10 teams to watch this summer"
Author: Bobby Marks
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45458847/nba-offseason-2025-suns-bucks-lakers-teams-watch-summer
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Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome to Podcasty NBA! Today we're diving into the 2025 NBA offseason, which promises to be as wild and eventful as this season's trade deadline. We've seen some huge stars like Luka Doncic, Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine, and De'Aaron Fox change teams recently. Now all eyes are on big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant as their futures hang in the balance.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. This offseason could reshape the league landscape with ten teams to watch closely, including the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and others. We'll break down each team's situation — from salary cap challenges to potential trades — and what it means for their championship hopes.
Niko: Let's start with the Celtics. Brad Stevens highlighted their massive $500 million projected payroll and roster restrictions due to being $23 million over the second salary cap apron. After losing in the second round of playoffs and Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, their roster is under scrutiny. They can't make a single trade to get under that apron; it'll likely take multiple moves.
Stella: Right, Niko. And key players like Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White are locked in through at least 2028-29, so Boston has to carefully balance cutting costs without compromising its championship window. Plus, if they stay over the apron next season, their 2033 first-round pick will be frozen — adding more pressure to manage finances wisely.
Niko: Switching gears to Brooklyn Nets — Sean Marks emphasized that any max-level talent they pursue must significantly elevate the team’s chances of contending. With four first-round picks in June and over $40 million in cap space, they have assets but aren’t championship-ready yet. They might sign free agents to big contracts or use offer sheets on restricted free agents.
Stella: Brooklyn also faces a salary floor challenge; they need to spend 90% of the salary cap by season start but currently have only $79 million committed including those picks. So they'll need about $60 million more in salaries. Their strategy seems focused on building a contender rather than just filling roster spots.
Niko: Now onto Denver Nuggets — Nikola Jokic stressed the importance of bench depth this offseason since teams with longer rotations tend to win more games. Nuggets president Josh Kroenke agreed there’s urgency here. The starters scored an average of 94.4 points per game last year — highest since ’86-87 — but bench production needs improvement.
Stella: Denver has three paths: develop young draft picks like Jalen Pickett and Peyton Watson; make trades involving Michael Porter Jr., who has a hefty contract; or try free agency though that seems unlikely due to salary constraints with Jokic and Murray’s contracts taking up 82% of payroll.
Niko: Golden State Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr talked about being willing to give up assets but wary of mortgaging their future too much given injury risks early in a season could leave them stuck for years. They have multiple first-round picks available through 2032 plus swap rights but face salary package challenges because Curry, Butler, and Green make up 85% of payroll.
Stella: Jonathan Kuminga is key for Golden State this summer as a restricted free agent expected to get a qualifying offer around $7.9 million for one year. Brooklyn is reportedly willing to offer him a starting salary above $20 million which could lead Golden State exploring sign-and-trade options despite complexities like only half his outgoing salary counting toward trade calculations.
Niko: "Continuity isn't our goal for its own sake," said Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone — signaling an aggressive approach this offseason if it means acquiring an All-NBA player. Houston checks major boxes: five tradeable first-round picks including this year's No.10 pick; controllable rookie contracts for young players; plus sizable contracts from recent rookie extensions that become trade eligible July 1.
Stella: "Fred VanVleet's team option decision by June 29 will impact Houston’s financial flexibility," especially regarding retaining Steven Adams who paired well with Alperen Sengun last postseason when Houston performed best on court together. The Rockets sit right at the first apron level considering current team options and non-guaranteed contracts.
Niko: "The Lakers are juggling a win-now approach with LeBron James while building around Luka Doncic," said Rob Pelinka after trying unsuccessfully at deadline for Charlotte center Mark Williams due to failed physicals. Though lacking cap space for free agents like Myles Turner, Los Angeles holds valuable draft picks and over $70 million in expiring contracts they can use in trades.
Stella: "Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the biggest name this offseason," open to exploring his long-term fit beyond Milwaukee according to ESPN's Shams Charania mid-May report. Under contract through next three seasons with player option in '27-'28 year, Giannis can sign a max four-year extension worth nearly $300 million either with Bucks or elsewhere next offseason."
Niko: "Milwaukee faces challenges improving around Giannis given top-heavy payroll," with Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard (recovering from torn Achilles), and Kyle Kuzma earning $130 million combined out of $164 million total payroll next season plus several key players potentially hitting free agency or holding player options."
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