The NBA’s 2024-25 season promises excitement, with several teams looking to turn free-agent acquisitions into championship runs. Recent history shows how quickly title windows can open and shut. Since Golden State’s back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2018, no team has repeated as champions, and no finalist has returned the following year. This season features intriguing signings that might alter the playoff landscape. Here are five free agents who could be the key to their team’s title aspirations:
The Dallas Mavericks identified a major need after their Finals loss to Boston: better 3-point shooting. Signing Klay Thompson on a three-year, $50 million deal may be the perfect solution. After an illustrious 11-year run with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson’s shooting and defense make him a strategic asset. Although not at his All-Star peak, Thompson shot 38.7% from beyond the arc last season, hitting 3.5 threes per game. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, Thompson won’t need to carry the scoring load but will be pivotal to Dallas’ championship ambitions.
With Joel Embiid and emerging star Tyrese Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers have added another key piece: Paul George. Inking a four-year, $211.5 million contract, George brings elite scoring and defensive skills. Philadelphia hasn’t seen an NBA title since 1983, and their postseason success hinges on Embiid’s health. George, a nine-time All-Star, posted impressive numbers last season, averaging 22.6 points and shooting 41.3% from 3-point range. His arrival could help the Sixers dominate the East and make their strongest title push in decades.
The Sacramento Kings have struggled to make deep playoff runs, but the addition of DeMar DeRozan might change that. The Kings haven’t won a playoff series since 2004, and DeRozan’s experience and scoring could propel them beyond the first round. Last season, he averaged 24 points per game and provided the Chicago Bulls with consistent offensive firepower. Now, Sacramento is banking on his three-year, $73.8 million deal to bolster their roster alongside Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox. In the highly competitive Western Conference, DeRozan’s leadership could make all the difference.
Orlando is emerging as a promising team in the East, winning 47 games last season. Still, their 3-point shooting needed improvement, especially in the playoffs. Enter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Known for his championship experience with the Lakers and Nuggets, Caldwell-Pope shot over 40% from three in three of the last four seasons. The Magic signed him on a three-year, $66 million contract, hoping his skills can complement their young stars, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. His defense and veteran presence make Orlando a serious playoff contender.
After a strong season, finishing as the top seed in the West, Oklahoma City made a strategic move by signing Isaiah Hartenstein. The 7-foot center, who stood out during the New York Knicks’ injury-ridden playoff run, was picked up by the Thunder on a three-year, $87 million contract. With his solid defense, rebounding, and playmaking, Hartenstein adds valuable depth to a young core featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Last season, he averaged 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and nearly one block per game, making him a key addition to the Thunder’s frontcourt.
These free-agent signings signal a shift in strategies for teams looking to contend for the NBA title. With fresh faces in new places, the upcoming season could be one of the most unpredictable and thrilling in years. Keep an eye on these players as they attempt to lead their teams to playoff glory.
