Day 1 of NBA Free Agency is currently in the book, but which teams have walked away better and which teams have gotten worse?
NBA free agency is ongoing as teams scramble to acquire players ahead of the new season. Each team enters a free agency with different goals based on the ceiling.
Some teams are going to hit most, if not all, of the target, and they’re doing really well, landing some key players to help the team.
Meanwhile, the other aspects end up trying to sign some stars outbid. Free agency is extremely gambling for all 30 NBA teams.
There was the first day of NBA free agency in the book, which teams got better and which teams got worse? Let’s take a look at the biggest winners and losers so far.
- Top Signature: Dorian Finney Smith, Clint Capella, Aaron Holiday, Jess Sheen Tate, Jeff Green
- Player exit: n/a
- Total cost: $30.01 million (2025-26), $84.1 million (total)
The Houston Rockets were active long before the free agency began. Of course, the big news was Kevin Durant’s Rockets deal last week.
However, since then, they also extended Jabari Smith Jr., offering a five-year, $122 million contract. And they re-signed Fred Vanvriet to a team-friendly two-year, $50 million contract.
By landing Clint Capella and Dorian Finney Smith, Rocket brings together a well-balanced team with the youth and experience. Hopefully the Rockets will be contenders next season.
- Top Signature: JCLARAVIA
- Player exit: Dorian Finney Smith
- Total cost: $6 million (2025-26), $12 million (total)
La Lakers put a lot of pressure on his free agency. It was revealed that he is about to compete in the NBA Championship after LeBron James chose the $52.6 million player option.
However, the Lakers failed to address their great needs. After losing Dorian Finney Smith, the Lakers signed Jake Laravia.
In addition to that, the Lakers’ two center targets, Brook Lopez and Clint Capella, signed the LA Clippers and the Houston Rocket, respectively. Rob Perinka needs to work very hard on the rest of the day to sign strong players on the team.
- Top Signature: Luke Kennard, Nickaire Alexander Walker (sign and trade)
- Player exit: Clint Capella, Charis Products
- Total cost: $26.5 million (2025-26), $73 million (total)
The Atlanta Hawks were very active this offseason. One of the big moves they made was when the Hawks landed Kristapsporzingis earlier in the week.
Since then they have been active in free agency, landing Sharpshooter Luke Kennard for just $11 million and acquired Nichl Alexander Walker via Sign and Trade.
Now, the Hawks are firmly positioned as a candidate for the Eastern Conference, which has been made much weaker due to changes in the roster between the Celtics, Pacers and Bucks.
- Top Signature: none
- Player exit: none
- Total cost: $0
Given the amount of weaknesses the New York Knicks have on their roster, the lack of activity in a free agency is quite surprising.
They seem to be more focused on head coach Hunt, with the Knicks focusing on South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley.
The Knicks could later sign Jordan Clarkson in free agency if the Utah Jazz Guard clears the exemption on Wednesday. But so far, Leon Rose hasn’t done enough to improve his team.
- Top Signature: Bruce Brown, Cam Johnson (Trade)
- Player exit: Michael Porter Jr.
- Total cost: $25.5 million (2025-26), $48.3 million (total)
The Denver Nuggets knew they had to make some changes to their roster after firing Michael Malone early.
A big move for them was trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson. Johnson offers the same production as Porter, but he has a better deal and is much more efficient.
The Nuggets also signed Bruce Brown, an integral player for the 2023 NBA Championship Run. However, the nuggets are not taking place there.
Russell Westbrook rejected his player’s options, but he is still a possible option for them to pursue. And they are likely aiming to land 76ers star Guerschon Yabusele at a free agency.
Don’t worry too much if the team you support ends up as a loser on this list. There are still a few days left for the free agency, and the team can make some powerful moves over time.
It’s not too early to call these teams for an approach. Rather, calling them now is an opportunity to help them with the right course and ensure they correct their methods.
Be sure to keep an eye on the upcoming NBA Analysis Network as it relates to free agents, as it has the best and latest.