The NBA offseason is already buzzing with activity as teams make strategic moves to reshape their rosters ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Fresh off their first-ever NBA championship, the Oklahoma City Thunder are making notable roster adjustments, highlighted by a trade involving promising young guard Dillon Jones. Meanwhile, several other teams are navigating free agency decisions and contract options, signaling a dynamic summer in the league.
On June 29, 2025, the Thunder traded Dillon Jones along with a second-round pick to the Washington Wizards, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. In exchange, Oklahoma City is receiving guard Colby Jones, who is expected to be released shortly after the trade, effectively creating an open roster spot for the Thunder. This move not only provides Oklahoma City with financial flexibility, moving them $9.5 million under the luxury tax, but also opens the door for further roster enhancements.
Dillon Jones, the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft from Weber State, is coming off his rookie season with the Thunder. Although his role was limited, Jones contributed in 54 games during the championship run, averaging 2.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 38.3% from the field and 25.4% from beyond the arc in 10.2 minutes of play. His minutes dwindled as the season progressed, and he did not play in 10 of Oklahoma City's 23 playoff games. Despite these challenges, Jones showed promise, especially in the latter part of the season where he averaged 9.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists over his final 14 games, shooting an efficient 46.6% from the field.
Jones's collegiate career was distinguished; he was the Big Sky Player of the Year, a three-time First-team All-Big Sky selection, and Big Sky Freshman of the Year at Weber State. His transition to the NBA has been cautious, spending significant time with the Oklahoma City Blue in the G League, but the trade to Washington could offer a fresh start and a chance to carve out a larger role.
On the flip side, Colby Jones, the 34th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Xavier, has spent two seasons in the league with the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds across 69 games, shooting 43.5% from the field and matching Dillon's three-point percentage at 25.4%. However, with the Thunder’s roster depth and core players expected to return, Colby Jones is set to become an unrestricted free agent after being released by Oklahoma City.
Financially, this trade is significant for both teams. The Thunder's move places them comfortably under the luxury tax threshold, with one open roster spot, while the Wizards move to $10.2 million under the luxury tax with 17 players on standard contracts, indicating that more moves are likely from Washington as they seek to improve after missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
Elsewhere around the league, the Orlando Magic announced they are declining team options on Moe Wagner ($11 million) and Caleb Houstan ($2.1 million) but retain their Bird Rights, allowing them the possibility to re-sign these players. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies tendered restricted free agent Santi Aldama a one-year, $5.94 million qualifying offer. Aldama enjoyed a career year, averaging 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, shooting an impressive 48.3% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range.
The Cleveland Cavaliers declined the $2.55 million team option on Chuma Okeke, making him an unrestricted free agent. Okeke appeared in nine games split between the Philadelphia 76ers and Cavaliers this season, averaging 5.9 points and 5.2 rebounds.
In a headline-grabbing move, 11-time NBA All-Star James Harden declined his player option and is set to sign a new two-year, $81.5 million contract to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, a significant commitment from both player and franchise that will keep Harden in a starring role in Los Angeles.
On the women's side, Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever continues to shine, having received the most votes for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game and earning a captaincy alongside Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx. The All-Star Game is scheduled for July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, promising a showcase of elite talent.
The Thunder's championship victory over the Indiana Pacers has set high expectations for the franchise, but their recent trade activity underscores a commitment to maintaining a competitive and flexible roster. For Dillon Jones, the trade to Washington represents a pivotal moment to establish himself in the NBA, while the Wizards aim to rebuild and return to playoff contention after several disappointing seasons.
As the NBA offseason progresses, fans can expect further roster maneuvers as teams balance financial constraints, player development, and championship aspirations. The moves by the Thunder and other franchises highlight the ever-evolving landscape of the league, where strategic decisions in the front office can be just as impactful as performances on the court.
