Predicting 8 major deals that may occur in the 2025 offseason

There are many teams entering the 2025 offseason ahead of schedule. For these teams, some major deals may need to be made next season to change the team's overall strength and achieve the team's expected goals.

For this reason, Eddie Bitar, the author of the US media "Fadeaway World", predicts the 8 most likely major deals in the 2025 offseason. Let's take a look!

1. Antetokounmpo joins the New York Knicks, making him a favorite to win the championship

New York Knicks win: Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks win: Towns, Mikal Bridge, 2025 first-round draft pick (WAS), 2026 second-round draft pick (DET/ORL)

Knicks bet on Towns and Mikal Bridges in the 2025 offseason, and paid a lot of luxury tax this season, but fortunately they entered the second round of the playoffs. If they lose this season, they should not consider breaking up the team and getting Antetokounmpo in trade. They will try to have another season. Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists this season, and is also a superstar player that many teams want to win.

2. Durant makes the Houston Rockets a playoff team

Houston Rockets win: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns win: Jaylen Green, Jabarry Smith Jr., Cameron Whitmore, 2027 first-round draft pick (PHX), 2029 first-round draft pick (PHX)

Phoenix Suns want to trade to send Kevin Durant away and get a large number of young players and future draft picks, it depends on which team is willing to take over. However, Kevin Durant is 36 years old, averaging 26 points per game this season and shooting 52% from the field. The Rockets lost to the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs because they lacked a final scorer. They could not count on Jaylen Green, and Kevin Durant was indeed a good choice. However, this chip needs to overdraw the team's future, which is worth discussing.

3. The Miami Heat bet on Embiid

Miami Heat won: Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers won: Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson (signed first and then exchanged), Nikolajovic, Jaime Jaquez

Pat Riley was a bit over the offseason because Jimmy Butler led the Golden State Warriors to the second round of the playoffs, and the Heat missed the second round of the playoffs. It is almost impossible to bet on Embiid. Pat Riley is not as confused as Morey. He can accept a sick man with a three-year, $190 million super maximum salary contract. Moreover, Jimmy Butt had to ask for $121 million for two years, but they all refused.

4. Jamorant brought his talent to the Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic won: Jamorant

Memphis Grizzlies won: Jaren Sages, Tristanda Silva, 2026 first-round draft pick, 2027 first-round draft pick, 2030 first-round draft pick, 2025 second-round draft pick and 2026 second-round draft pick

Jamorant was injured in the 2024-25 season's playoffs, resulting in the Grizzlies being eliminated early into the offseason. The Grizzlies may be time to trade to send Jamorant away and support Desmond Bain and Jaren Jackson Jr. The Magic wins Jamorant and can also consider giving up Cole Anthony and others. However, given the Magic's performance in the playoffs this season, they should not need to adjust their roster configuration.

5. The Brooklyn Nets bet on Zion

Brooklyn Nets win: Zion

New Orleans Pelicans win: Cameron Johnson, Ziaire Williams (sign first and then exchange), 2026 first-round draft pick (BKN), 2030 first-round draft pick (BKN)

The Nets can indeed bet on Zion, mainly because they are unlikely to rise in the next few seasons. So you can consider winning Zion, increasing the team's ticket sales rate, and attracting audiences. Moreover, if Zion recovers and does not continue to be injured, it will be a good thing for their future.

6. The San Antonio Spurs won Markanen and Vampaniama to form a double tower combination

San Antonio Spurs won: Markanen

Utah Jazz won: Devin Vassel, Kelden Johnson, 2025 first-round draft pick (ATL), 2027 first-round draft pick (ATL)

let Markanen partner Vampaniama, which is a bit like the Spurs made David Robinson partner with Tim Duncan back then. This is the Spurs' 2.0 version of the inside double tower combination. In fact, Wenban Yama needs some inside help, but considering Markanen's maximum salary contract, it is difficult for a small urban team like the Spurs to accept him. Moreover, Markkanin's performance has also declined a lot.

7. The Detroit Pistons bet on Zach Laven

Chicago Bulls win: Zach Laven

Sacramento Kings win: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, 2027 first-round draft pick (top 5 protected), 2027 second-round draft pick

Detroit Pistons bet on Zach Laven, not much advice. Mainly because Zach Laven’s contract is too big, and his personal scoring ability has not been proved in the playoffs, which can help the team go further. This season, averaged 23.3 points per game, which can only be considered a fairly average.

8. The Los Angeles Lakers won the Brooklyn Nets starting center Clarkston

The Los Angeles Lakers won: Clarkston

Brooklyn Nets won: Hachimura Base, Vincent, 2031 first-round draft pick

Clarkston is the starting center that many teams want to win, averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists this season. The Lakers were beaten in the playoffs this season, and they urgently needed a center to help them go further. However, Clarkston is a little thin and still doesn't feel reliable.