The NBA offseason has officially entered its next phase, with teams now able to complete trades, finalise free-agent agreements and make roster moves following the conclusion of the league’s July moratorium period.
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The annual moratorium provides a short window at the beginning of the new league year where teams and players can negotiate deals, but most transactions cannot become official until the restriction is lifted.
With the pause now over, a wave of previously agreed moves have been processed, allowing franchises to officially reshape their rosters ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Two of the biggest moves to become official involved two of the NBA’s biggest stars, with Jaylen Brown joining the Philadelphia 76ers after his blockbuster trade from the Boston Celtics, while Giannis Antetokounmpo’s move from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat was also confirmed.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown.Source: getty
Celtic boss addresses Jaylen Brown trade — and Tatum’s future
The Celtics’ decision to move on from Brown marked the end of one of the NBA’s longest-running superstar partnerships, with Brown and Jayson Tatum spending nine seasons together and helping Boston capture the 2024 NBA championship.
Boston acquired Paul George and multiple future draft picks in the deal, signalling a new direction built around Tatum as the franchise’s cornerstone.
Following the trade becoming official, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens addressed speculation that Tatum had any involvement in the decision.
Stevens said the franchise keeps players separate from major roster decisions, explaining that he does not seek input from the playing group when making moves.
“I have a rule that I don’t ask players about personnel decisions.”
While Tatum was not involved in the process, Stevens acknowledged the significance of separating two players who had grown together throughout their careers.
“Jayson is a friend of Jaylen.”
Stevens also recognised the impact Brown’s departure would have on Tatum, who had spent almost his entire NBA career alongside his former teammate.
“This is a big change for him.”
The Celtics executive added that he did not want to put the responsibility of the decision on Tatum or the rest of the playing group.
“I didn’t want to put that on him or anyone else in the playing group.”
Boston now enters a new era centred around Tatum, with Stevens believing the move was necessary to create more flexibility under the NBA’s restrictive salary cap system while continuing to compete for championships.
Brown, meanwhile, officially began his next chapter in Philadelphia, joining the 76ers as the franchise unveiled its new star acquisition.
Giannis closes Bucks chapter with emotional farewell
While Boston begins a new era, Milwaukee has officially moved on from the greatest player in franchise history.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has closed the door on his 13-year Bucks career after his blockbuster trade to the Miami Heat became official.
Drafted as a raw teenager with the 15th overall selection in the 2013 NBA Draft, Antetokounmpo transformed himself into one of the league’s most dominant players, becoming an eight-time All-Star, two-time MVP and Finals MVP.
His defining moment came in 2021, when he led Milwaukee to its first NBA championship in 50 years.
The superstar shared an emotional tribute video reflecting on his journey from an unknown prospect to a champion, thanking the city and fans who supported him throughout his career.
“Milwaukee will always be my city, my team, my family.”
Antetokounmpo also spoke about the deep connection he built with Milwaukee, describing the city as a place that shaped his life both on and off the court.
“This is my home.”
The trade sends Antetokounmpo and veteran forward Bobby Portis to Miami, giving the Heat a franchise-changing superstar to pair with Bam Adebayo.
In return, Milwaukee receives a rebuilding package headlined by Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis and multiple future draft assets.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst acknowledged the difficulty of moving on from a player who changed the direction of the franchise.
“There are few players who have elevated a franchise, a city and a fan base the way Giannis has.”
The departure marks the end of Milwaukee’s most successful era in recent memory, but Antetokounmpo now begins a new chapter in Miami, where the Heat immediately become one of the NBA’s biggest championship contenders.
With Brown joining Philadelphia and Giannis heading to Miami, the NBA’s offseason has wasted no time delivering franchise-altering moves.
NBA offseason tracker: Trades, free agent signings and contract extensions
Several major moves have already reshaped the landscape ahead of the 2026-27 season, including blockbuster deals involving some of the league’s biggest names.
Trades
Free agent signings
Two-way contract signings
Contract extensions
With the moratorium now lifted, more moves are expected as teams continue to build their rosters ahead of training camp and the start of the new season.