NBA Free Agency Sees Mavericks, 76ers Add Players, Celtics Lose Star Big to Spurs

During the 2025 NBA offseason, the Dallas Mavericks made notable moves by drafting Cooper Flagg and signing free agent guard D'Angelo Russell to a two-year, $13 million contract to compensate for Kyrie Irving's ACL injury, though the signing received criticism for Russell's recent inefficiency and the Mavericks' overall free agency performance. The Brooklyn Nets lost forward Trendon Watford, who signed a two-year, $5.3 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he is expected to play a key role after demonstrating increased ball-handling and playmaking abilities under head coach Jordi Fernandez. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs secured a significant frontcourt addition by signing free agent center Luke Kornet to a four-year, $41 million contract, a move Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens had hoped to prevent but could not match financially. Kornet, coming off his best professional season, leaves the Celtics after taking a pay cut last year, marking a major career earnings increase and reflecting the Spurs' aggressive roster strengthening. These transactions highlight strategic roster adjustments across multiple NBA teams as they prepare for the 2025-26 season.