Overview
- Luka Dončić’s February move to the Lakers defined 2025, triggering Dallas’ collapse, GM Nico Harrison’s ouster and an unlikely lottery jackpot that delivered No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder capped a 68-win season with the 2025 title and closed the calendar year with their 86th win, underscoring a young core’s sustained dominance.
- Tyrese Haliburton’s torn Achilles in the Finals and Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear in the East semis reshaped contenders’ paths, with Tatum expected to return in the early months of 2026.
- Federal indictments in illegal gambling cases ensnared Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups; both pled not guilty, are on unpaid leave, and face renewed NBA scrutiny as the league reopens its probe.
- New Year’s action added fresh notes: Victor Wembanyama exited late with a hyperextended knee as the Spurs rallied past the Knicks, OKC rolled again, Denver began a stretch without Nikola Jokić (knee), and 2026 opens with a Flagg–VJ Edgecombe rookie rematch as Anthony Davis could return.