Big Moves: NBA Stars Shake Up the League

The NBA free agency period kicked off with a flurry of activity, as big names made major decisions about their futures.

Superstars Staying Put

LeBron James

• Opted into his contract for the 2025-26 season
• Stays with the Los Angeles Lakers
• Age: 39
• Role: League's all-time leading scorer

James Harden

• Plans to opt out of his current deal
• Re-signs with the Clippers for $81.5 million
• Location: Los Angeles (since 2022)
• Role: Former MVP

Big Moves Around the League

Deandre Ayton

• Portland Trail Blazers buy out his contract
• Becomes a free agent
• Drafted: 2018 (No. 1 overall pick)

Julius Randle

• Minnesota Timberwolves agree to a three-year, $100 million extension
• Role: All-Star forward
• Tenure: Since 2022

Bobby Portis

• Declines player option for 2025-26
• Signs three-year, $44 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks
• Role: Top reserve
• Tenure: Since 2020

Jaylin Williams

• Oklahoma City Thunder sign him to an extension
• Deal: Up to $24 million over three years
• Drafted: 2022

Conclusion

These moves show that the NBA is always changing, with players and teams making big decisions to shape their futures. It's an exciting time for fans, as they watch their favorite stars and teams navigate the free agency period.