Off-Season Recap for Eastern Conference Teams

The 2024-25 season is upon us and there were a lot of changes in the landscape of the NBA this off-season. With free agency, trades, and the draft, it’s difficult to keep up with everything that has happened for every team. So, I am recapping the off-season of every team in the league. In my previous post, I covered the western conference, which you can find in the link below. Now, let’s get into the eastern conference teams.
 
 

Atlanta Hawks

Incoming Players:
  • Dyson Daniels – Trade
  • Larry Nance Jr. – Trade
  • Cody Zeller – Trade
  • David Roddy – Trade
  • Zaccharie Risacher – Draft
  • Nikola Djurisic – Draft
Departing Players:
  • Dejounte Murray
  • Saddiq Bey
  • AJ Griffin
  • Bruno Fernando
  • Wesley Matthews
  • Trent Forrest
Players Re-Signed:
  • Vit Krejci – 4-Year Contract
Options:
  • Garrison Matthews – Exercised Team Option
The Trae Young and Dejounte Murray experiment didn’t work out as the Hawks planned. They decided to move on from Murray and trade him to the New Orleans Pelicans for Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller and 2 first-round picks.
 
The Hawks won the lottery getting the first pick in the draft, where they selected Zaccharie Risacher. As the number 1 pick in the draft, he’s expected to start and play a big role for this team. They also drafted Nikola Djurisic, who will likely play the majority of the season in the G-League but has potential to be a solid playmaker off the bench.
 
There is still speculation on the direction of the team and if Trae Young will be part of the team’s future plans. With the emergence of Jalen Johnson and drafting Zaccharie Risacher, they could start a rebuild or try to remain competitive. They have Clint Capela and DeAndre Hunter as possible trade candidates as well.

Boston Celtics

Incoming Players:
  • Baylor Scheierman – Draft
Departing Players:
  • Oshae Brissett – Team Option Declined
  • Svi Mukhailiuk
Players Re-Signed:
  • Luke Kornet – 1-Year Contract
  • Xavier Tillman – 2-Year Contract
  • Neemias Queta – Team Option Declined and Signed 3-Year Contract
Extensions:
  • Jayson Tatum – 5-Year Extension
  • Derrick White – 4-Year Extension
  • Sam Hauser – Team Option Exercised and Signed 4-Year Extension
Following the championship run, the Celtics had a proactive off-season. They brought back most of their team from last season, extending Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Sam Hauser, while re-signing Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and Neemias Queta.
 
They drafted Baylor Scheierman, and they have one more roster spot available to make another move. As long as they still have that competitive edge, they should be just as dominant as they were last season.

Brooklyn Nets

Incoming Players:
  • Bojan Bogdanovic – Trade
  • Shake Milton – Trade
  • Ziaire Williams – Trade
Departing Players:
  • Mikal Bridges
  • Keita Bates-Diop
  • Dennis Smith Jr.
  • Lonnie Walker IV
Players Re-Signed:
  • Nicolas Claxton – 4-Year Contract
  • Keon Johnson – 2-Year Contract
  • Trendon Watford – 1-Year Contract
It’s the start of a rebuild for the Brooklyn Nets after trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. They received Bojan Bogdanovic and Shake Milton in that trade and also acquired Ziaire Williams. They also received their 2025 and 2026 first-round picks back from Houston after gambling on James Harden.
 
The Nets decided to re-sign their starting center, Nicolas Claxton, to a 4-year contract. They also re-signed Keon Johnson and Trendon Watford. 
 
The Nets will be at the bottom of the league this year, vying for the number one draft pick to select Cooper Flagg. They still have a handful of trade candidates on their roster, so they could look to make a few more moves and acquire more draft assets.

Charlotte Hornets

Incoming Players:
  • Taj Gibson – Free Agency
  • Josh Green – Trade
  • DaQuan Jeffries – Trade
  • Tidjane Salaun – Draft
Departing Players:
  • Davis Bertans
  • Aleksej Pokusevski
  • Bryce McGowens
  • JT Thor
Players Re-Signed:
  • Miles Bridges – 3-Year Contract
  • Seth Curry – 1-Year Contract
New Staff:
  • Head Coach: Charles Lee
The Charlotte Hornets have been in a rebuild for a long time and they now have a dynamic duo with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. They drafted Tidjane Salaun with the 6th overall pick this year, giving them a wing player with a lot of potential. They have a lot of young talented players that can grow and develop into a great team in a few years.
 
Miles Bridges and Seth Curry were re-signed to new contracts and Josh Green was acquired via trade. They parted ways with a few young players along with veteran Davis Bertans.
 
The Hornets have made a lot of changes to their management and coaching staff this summer. As a first-time head coach, Charles Lee will look to steer this team in the right direction towards winning basketball. There is a lot of optimism with the new front office that the franchise will turn a corner.

Chicago Bulls

Incoming Players:
  • Jalen Smith – Free Agency
  • Talen Horton-Tucker – Free Agency
  • Josh Giddey – Trade
  • Chris Duarte – Trade
  • Matas Buzelis – Draft
Departing Players:
  • DeMar DeRozan
  • Alex Caruso
  • Andre Drummond
  • Javonte Green
  • Onuralp Bitim
Players Re-Signed:
  • Patrick Williams – 5-Year Contract
Options:
  • Torrey Craig – Exercised Player Option
The Chicago Bulls are an interesting team with a mix of veterans and young players. One of the big moves they made this summer was trading Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey. Caruso is one of the best role players in the league, but is 30 years old, while Josh Giddey is only 21 years old with a higher ceiling. Giddey needs the ball in his hands to maximize his talents, so figuring out the backcourt rotation will be a major focal point this season.
 
The Bulls completed a sign-and-trade involving star player DeMar DeRozan to the Kings for Chris Duarte and 2 second-round picks. Moving on from DeRozan and Caruso, while adding Giddey, points towards a rebuild and focusing on the development of young players. They have a few more veteran players that could be traded mid-season as well.
 
Matas Buzelis was drafted 11th overall in this year’s draft and has all-star level potential. He may be able to crack the starting lineup mid-season and be a contributor from the jump. The Bulls also signed Jalen Smith as frontcourt depth and a potential floor-spacing big and re-signed Patrick Williams to a 5-year contract.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Incoming Players:
  • Jaylon Tyson – Draft
Departing Players:
  • Damian Jones
  • Marcus Morris Sr.
Players Re-Signed:
  • Tristan Thompson – 1-Year Contract
  • Isaac Okoro – 3-Year Contract
Extensions:
  • Donovan Mitchell – 3-Year Extension
  • Evan Mobley – 5-Year Extension
  • Jarrett Allen – 3-Year Extension
New Staff:
  • Head Coach: Kenny Atkinson
The Cavaliers were one of the best teams last year when fully healthy but were plagued with injuries throughout the season. They were able to retain most of the players from last year, re-signing Isaac Okoro and Tristan Thompson. The Cavs extended Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen to 3-year extensions, despite the rumors of them being on the trade market. They also extended Evan Mobley to the rookie max extension. Jaylon Tyson was drafted in the first round and will look to contribute immediately and provide solid wing depth.
 
The most significant change for the Cavs was the hiring of new head coach Kenny Atkinson. He will look to make the core group of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen more cohesive as an offensive unit. Pairing their top 10 defense with a more dynamic offense could vault them into championship contention.

Detroit Pistons

Incoming Players:
  • Tobias Harris – Free Agency
  • Malik Beasley – Free agency
  • Tim Hardaway Jr. – Trade
  • Wendell Moore Jr. – Trade
  • Paul Reed – Claimed Off Waivers
  • Ron Holland – Draft
  • Bobi Klintman – Draft
Departing Players:
  • Quentin Grimes
  • James Wiseman
  • Stanley Umude
  • Taj Gibson
  • Troy Brown Jr.
  • Malachi Flynn
  • Evan Fournier
Players Re-Signed:
  • Simone Fontecchio – 2-Year Contract
Extensions:
  • Cade Cunningham – 5-Year Extension
New Staff:
  • General Manager: Trajan Langdon
  • Head Coach: JB Bickerstaff
The Pistons had a lot of cap space this off-season, and they added veteran role players that are able to help grow and mentor the young players on this team. They signed Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley in free agency, acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. and Wendell Moore Jr. in trades, and claimed Paul Reed off of waivers. These players will add floor spacing, veteran leadership and experience that are much needed for a young team like this.
 
Cade Cunningham signed a 5-year extension and is primed for a breakout season with the added veteran presence and floor spacing. They drafted Ron Holland and Bobi Klintman in this year’s draft, while re-signing Simone Fontecchio to a 2-year contract.
 
The Pistons revamped their front office by acquiring a new general manager and head coach Trajan Langdon and JB Bickerstaff, respectively. There is optimism they will help this organization turn things around, as they haven’t made the playoffs in 6 years.

Indiana Pacers

Incoming Players:
  • James Wiseman – Free Agency
  • Johnny Furphy – Draft
 
Departing Players:
  • Jalen Smith
  • Kendall Brown
 
Players Re-Signed:
  • Pascal Siakam – 4-Year Contract
  • Obi Toppin – 4-Year Contract
  • James Johnson – 1-Year Contract
 
Extensions:
  • Andrew Nembhard – 3-Year Extension
  • T.J. McConnell – 4-Year Extension
The Pacers had one of the best offenses in the league last season, and they brought back mostly the same team. They re-signed Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin to 4-year contracts and James Johnson to a 1-year deal. Locking in Pascal to a long-term contract was crucial since he’s a big part of their core group of players. This will be his first full season with the Pacers after they acquired him via trade mid-season.
 
They also extended Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell to long-term contracts, both of whom play a vital role for this team. They signed James Wiseman in free agency to replace Jalen Smith’s departure as the backup center. The Pacers drafted Johnny Furphy in this year’s draft, hoping he can contribute this season as a floor-spacing wing.

Miami Heat

Incoming Players:
  • Kel’el Ware – Draft
  • Pelle Larsson – Draft
  • Alec Burks – Free Agency
 
Departing Players:
  • Caleb Martin
  • Orlando Robinson
  • Delon Wright
  • Patty Mills
 
Players Re-Signed:
  • Kevin Love – 2-Year Contract
  • Thomas Bryant – 1-Year Contract
  • Haywood Highsmith – 2-Year Contract
 
Extensions:
  • Bam Adebayo – 3-Year Extension
 
Options:
  • Josh Richardson – Exercised Player Option
The Miami Heat were rumored to go star hunting this off-season to maximize the championship window with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo still on this team. However, those rumors didn’t pan out. The Heat seems to have taken a step back in terms of overall talent losing quality role players like Caleb Martin, Delon Wright, Orlando Robinson, and Patty Mills.
 
The Heat kept a few role players by re-signing Kevin Love and Haywood Highsmith to 2-year contracts, and Thomas Bryant to a 1-year deal. They drafted Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson, the former ready to make an immediate impact off the bench as the backup center, while the latter could turn into a sharp-shooting role player by the end of the season. Joash Richardson is coming back after exercising his player option and they signed Alec Burks as guard depth.
 
Miami was another team that dealt with a lot of injuries last season, leading them to drop into the play-in tournament. With a relatively healthy team this season, Coach Spoelstra, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo could make one more push for a championship.

Milwaukee Bucks

Incoming Players:
  • Gary Trent Jr. – Free Agency
  • Delon Wright – Free Agency
  • Taurean Prince – Free Agency
  • A.J. Johnson – Draft
  • Tyler Smith – Draft
 
Departing Players:
  • Malik Beasley
  • Patrick Beverley
  • Jae Crowder
  • Thanasis Antetokounmpo
  • Danilo Gallinari
The Milwaukee Bucks’ off-season went under the radar. They are operating over the 2nd apron, meaning there are restrictions to how the team can make transactions. They signed Taurean Prince, Delon Wright, and Gary Trent Jr. to veteran minimum contracts. All three guys will be quality role players and bring value off the bench.
 
The Bucks drafted AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith, both of whom will likely be project players that will take time to develop and spend the majority of the season in the G League.
 
This will be the first full season with Doc Rivers as the head coach. After he was hired mid-season last year, there were mixed results through the rest of the season. Now, he had a full off-season and training camp implementing his system. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard look to lead this team to another championship run.

New York Knicks

Incoming Players:
  • Mikal Bridges – Trade
  • Karl Anthony-Towns – Trade
  • Cameron Payne – Free Agency
  • Pacome Dadiet – Draft
  • Tyler Kolek – Draft
 
Departing Players:
  • Julius Randle
  • Donte DiVincenzo
  • Isaiah Hartenstein
  • Bojan Bogdanovic
  • Alec Burks
  • Shake Milton
  • Mamadi Diakite
  • DaQuan Jeffries
 
Players Re-Signed:
  • OG Anunoby – 5-Year Contract
  • Precious Achiuwa – 1-Year Contract

 

Extension:
  • Jalen Brunson – 4-Year Extension
 
Options:
  • Jericho Sims – Exercised Team Option
The New York Knicks were one of the most active teams this off-season, pulling off two of the biggest trades in the league. In the first trade, they acquired Mikal Bridges from the Nets in exchange for a handful of players and picks. In the second trade, they acquired Karl Anthony-Towns from the Timberwolves in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a 1st round pick. Losing DiVincenzo and Randle shouldn’t be taken lightly, as they were both important players that fit well with this team. However, adding Bridges and Towns could negate, and even improve, some aspects of the Knicks play.
 
They also lost Isaiah Hartenstein, who had a breakout season last year after Mitchell Robinson missed time due to injuries. Losing his post defense and rebounding may be what hurt’s this team the most this season.
 
They added Cameron Payne in free agency and drafted Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek. Payne and Kolek will give the Knicks solid point guard depth and more options as playmakers, while Dadiet will likely spend most of the year developing in the G League.
 
Jalen Brunson agreed to sign a 4-year extension this summer instead of waiting until next year, giving the Knicks more financial flexibility in the future. The Knicks re-signed OG Anunoby to a 5-year contract and Precious Achiuwa to a 1-year deal. They also exercised the player option for Jericho Sims.
 
The Knicks will be an exciting team to watch with the new additions to this roster. As long as health isn’t an issue like last year, they will be in contention for the top of the eastern conference.

Orlando Magic

Incoming Players:
  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Free Agency
  • Cory Joseph – Free Agency
  • Tristan Da Silva – Draft
 
Departing Players:
  • Joe Ingles
  • Markelle Fultz
  • Chuma Okeke
 
Players Re-Signed:
  • Moritz Wagner – 2-Year Contract
  • Gary Harris – 2-Year Contract
  • Goga Bitadze – 3-Year Contract
 
Extensions:
  • Franz Wagner – 5-Year Extension
  • Jonathan Isaac – 5-Year Extension
  • Jalen Suggs – 5-Year Extension
  • Wendell Carter Jr. – 3-Year Extension
The Orlando Magic made a significant jump last season and were one of the best defensive teams in the league. Their biggest weakness was shooting and offensive consistency, so they went out and signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. KCP will be able to space the floor, provide consistent shooting and will bring veteran leadership to this young team. They also signed Cory Joseph and drafted Tristan Da Silva, adding depth at the guard and wing positions.
 
The Magic had a lot of decisions to make this off-season regarding their young players. They extended Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, and Wendell Carter Jr. to long-term contracts. This keeps their young core intact for the foreseeable future. They also re-signed Mo Wagner, Gary Harris, and Goga Bitadze keeping their depth and chemistry from last season. They moved on from Joe Ingles, Markelle Fultz, and Chuma Okeke in free agency.
 
The Orlando Magic gained valuable playoff experience last season, and they will look to build upon last year’s success. They are in position to make another leap this year and fight for a top playoff spot.

Philadelphia 76ers

Incoming Players:
  • Paul George – Free Agency
  • Caleb Martin – Free Agency
  • Reggie Jackson – Free Agency
  • Andre Drummond – Free Agency
  • Eric Gordon – Free Agency
  • Guerschon Yabusele – Free Agency
  • Jared McCain – Draft
  • Adem Bona – Draft
 
Departing Players:
  • Tobias Harris
  • Nicolas Batum
  • Buddy Hield
  • De’Anthony Melton
  • Paul Reed
  • Cameron Payne
  • Mo Bamba
 
Players Re-Signed:
  • Tyrese Maxey – 5-Year Contract
  • Kyle Lowry – 1-Year Contract
  • Kelly Oubre Jr. – 2-Year Contract
  • KJ Martin – 2-Year Contract
The Philadelphia 76ers started out the summer with just 2 players on the roster, Joel Embiid and Ricky Council IV. They had to sign almost an entire roster this off-season. First of all, they lost Tobias Harris, Nicolas Batum, Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, Paul Reed, Cameron Payne, and Mo Bamba. Most of these players were valuable role players and had a major role for this team last season.
 
The biggest move the 76ers made this off-season was signing Paul George, the best free agent on the market this season, to a 4-year contract. They also added Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon in free agency. They signed Guerschon Yabusele after his standout performance during the Olympics for France’s national team. They drafted Jared McCain and Adem Bona in this year’s draft; the former garnering a lot of praise leading up to the season, while the latter will need time to develop but will provide depth at the center position.
 
They re-signed their star point guard Tyrese Maxey to a five-year deal, as well as re-signing Kelly Oubre Jr, Kyle Lowry, and KJ Martin. The 76ers now have their big 3 for the next 4 seasons, and their overall talent has improved from last season with the addition of Paul George. It may take some time for this team to gain chemistry, but if they stay healthy, they could be in contention for the best in the eastern conference.
 
 

Toronto Raptors

Incoming Players:
  • Davion Mitchell – Trade
  • Bruno Fernando – Free Agency
  • Ja’Kobe Walter – Draft
  • Jamal Shead – Draft
  • Jonathan Mogbo – Draft
 
Departing Players:
  • Gary Trent Jr.
  • Jalen McDaniels
  • Mouhamadou Gueye
  • Malik Williams
  • Jordan Nwora
 
Players Re-Signed:
  • Immanuel Quickley – 5-Year Contract
  • Garrett Temple – 1-Year Contract
 
Extensions:
  • Scottie Barnes – 5-Year Extension
 
Options:
  • Bruce Brown – Exercised Player Option
The Toronto Raptors are in a rebuild right now, building their team around Scottie Barnes, who signed a 5-year extension this summer. They moved on from OG Anunoby last season and received Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett among other assets. They re-signed Immanuel Quickley to a 5-year contract, hoping he will become the long-term answer at point guard.
 
The Raptors got involved in the DeMar DeRozan deal and acquired Davion Mitchell from the Kings in exchange for Jalen McDaniels. They also signed Bruno Fernando, while drafting Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead and Jonathan Mogbo. The biggest loss for them was Gary Trent Jr, who left in free agency. Bruce Brown is coming back this year after exercising his player option.
 
The Raptors are focusing on the future and developing their young players this year. They hope to be in the running for the top pick in next year’s draft to get Cooper Flagg.

Washington Wizards

Incoming Players:
  • Jonas Valanciunas
  • Malcolm Brogdon
  • Saddiq Bey
  • Alex Sarr
  • Bub Carrington
  • Kyshawn George
 
Departing Players:
  • Deni Avdija
  • Tyus Jones
  • Landry Shamet
 
Players Re-Signed:
  • Richaun Holmes
  • Anthony Gill
The Washington Wizards are in a rebuild and have a solid group of young players that could potential be their core of the future. Last year, they drafted Bilal Coulibaly. He showed promised and potential in his rookie season and looks like he could become an All-Defense caliber player. This year, they drafted Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George, all of whom have a high ceiling and could be part of their core group of the future.
 
They moved on from Deni Avdija after he had a breakout season, trading him to the Portland Trail Blazers for Bub Carrington (14th pick in the draft), Malcolm Brogdon and few other draft picks. They lost Tyus Jones in free agency and waived Landry Shamet. The Wizards signed Jonas Valanciunas to start at center and be a mentor to Alex Sarr. They also signed Saddiq Bey as wing depth and re-signed a couple of other depth pieces.
 
The Wizards now have a lot of young talent on this roster, but it will take time for them to grow together and become competitive. They will continue to develop their young players and look at acquiring more talent in next year’s draft.

 

Sources:

Spotrac, Basketball Reference, NBA.com

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