The NBA tips off its 2025–26 season on Oct. 21, with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder facing the retooled Houston Rockets. Houston enters the season led by veteran superstar Kevin Durant, a likely Hall of Famer, and Turkish center Alperen Şengün. Durant’s move to Houston came as part of a massive trade that sent young star Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns.
This offseason featured a flurry of eye-catching trades, free-agent moves and one of the most anticipated draft classes in recent memory. Across the league, teams have made franchise-altering decisions that could reshape the future of the NBA.
One of the biggest stories centers around rookie Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as one of the most highly touted prospects in league history. Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg steps into the spotlight after the team traded superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks hope Flagg, considered the front-runner for Rookie of the Year, can become the centerpiece of their rebuild.
“I think Cooper Flagg will be an all-time great if he works hard because he is super talented,” said Chase Woloschuk, ’28.
While the Rockets and Suns made headlines for their blockbuster trade, that deal also broke the NBA record for the most teams involved in one transaction, seven in total. Though not every team landed a major star, the trade’s scale captured fans’ attention across the league.
Another major move came when the Orlando Magic acquired guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for several first-round draft picks. Bane, who averaged 19.2 points per game last season, will join a talented young core featuring Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
“I don’t think giving up four future first-round picks for Desmond Bane was a very good trade for the Magic,” said Donovan Gary, ’27.
Despite all the offseason chaos, most sportsbooks list the Thunder as favorites to repeat as champions. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets round out the top three. Regardless of who lifts the trophy, fans are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most exciting NBA seasons in recent memory.
