Day: May 27, 2025

LeBron James has yet to confirm whether he will return to play next season, but all signs point to him continuing his career and doing so with the Los Angeles Lakers. Last offseason, James declined his option to become a free agent where he re-signed with the Lakers on a two-year, $104 million contract that also contained a no-trade clause. The current expectation is for James to pick up his option for $52.6 million in 25-26.

“I’m told he’s likely to opt-in,” “That’s likely. That’s the plan. His option day is June 29th. There’s going to be some hard conversations between him and the Lakers. LeBron James, whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment.”

James and the Lakers could sign an extension off his current contract as opposed to being a free agent. The Lakers also hope to acquire a center this offseason and then will present Luka Doncic an extension offer in August.

James, who is represented by Rich Paul, averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists at the age of 40 for the Lakers. James was also an All-NBA Second Team selection.

The San Antonio Spurs have been linked with a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they could also consider a more affordable shorter term deal for Kevin Durant. The Spurs hold the No. 2 and No. 14 pick in the draft along with a number of additional future draft assets they could use in a deal for Antetokounmpo, Durant or another player.

“There was mutual interest at the deadline,” said Shams Charania about Durant and the Spurs. “I think they’re going to be looking very actively to see if there’s a wing player we can bring in that could take us over the top.”

The Phoenix Suns were also close to a deal involving Durant with the Golden State Warriors, but he expressed a reluctance to return to one of his former teams. Durant played collegiately at the University of Texas in Austin, which is approximately 75 minutes north of San Antonio. Durant would give the Spurs a versatile scorer they could slot beside Victor Wembanyama in multiple lineup configurations.

Durant is signed through the 25-26 season and could sign for up to $120 million over two seasons. The Suns reportedly have initiated Durant trade talks as they also search for a new head coach.

During the 24-25 season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 62 games for the Suns. Durant was traded by the Brooklyn Nets to the Suns at the 2023 trade deadline.

While the 2025 NBA free agency class is a down one and there are only a few teams with cap space, the offseason is expected to still be an intriguing and consequential one in terms of player movement via trades. Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently deciding his future with the Milwaukee Bucks, while Kevin Durant will be in trade conversations, and the Boston Celtics could make significant moves with their core due to luxury tax and apron concerns.

“This is the most anticipation team executives have had over an offseason,” said Shams Charania on Tuesday’s Pat McAfee Show. “I think this offseason might be the most craziest ever.”

The anticipated offseason moves follow a significant trade deadline where Luka Doncic was traded for Anthony Davis before All-Star players such as De’Aaron Fox, Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram also were dealt.

“You have the parity in the league. It’s so thin right now. You can win a championship or you might be falling into the lottery. I think the ability to go out there and improve you team and get to a championship level is on the minds of everyone around the league. So how can you elevate your team?”