From Doncic’s transfer to Oklahoma’s domain: a 2025 that redefined the NBA

UNITED STATES.– The year 2025 will be marked as one of the most impactful and transformative in the recent history of the NBA, a period shaken by unexpected movements, unprecedented champions, and strategic decisions that redefined the landscape of professional basketball.

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The starting point was the surprising transfer of Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, in exchange for Anthony Davis, an operation that shook the foundations of the league. The news, revealed in the early hours of February 2nd, generated disbelief among fans and analysts, to the point of initially being considered an informational error. Months later, fan pressure led Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont to dismiss general manager Nico Harrison, identified as the main person responsible for a transaction that was never forgiven by the Texan fanbase. Paradoxically, Dallas ended up winning the draft lottery with just a 1.8% chance, selecting the promising Cooper Flagg, one of the biggest prospects in college basketball.

The birth of a dynasty in Oklahoma

The year 2025 also saw a new champion crowned: the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was chosen as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of both the regular season and the Finals. Built primarily through the draft, the Thunder managed to consolidate a young core led by Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, laying the groundwork for a sustainable project that defies the league’s strict financial rules, designed precisely to prevent dynasties.

After conquering the championship, Oklahoma started the following season with a smashing start, matching the best start in NBA history with a record of 24 wins and one loss, a record that had previously only been achieved by the Golden State Warriors.

Knicks Break Historic Drought

In the East, the New York Knicks starred in another of the year’s great chapters. After dismissing coach Tom Thibodeau after losing the Conference Finals, the franchise bet on Mike Brown, a risky decision that quickly paid off. In December, the Knicks were crowned champions of the NBA Cup, ending a 52-year title drought, since the 1973 championship.

Changes in the NBA Cup and international expansion

The recently introduced NBA Cup was hailed as a success, although the league announced adjustments to its format starting in 2026. The semi-finals and quarter-finals will be played on the courts of the best-ranked teams, while the final will maintain a neutral venue, yet to be defined between Las Vegas or other alternative scenarios.

Internationally, the NBA took historic steps by announcing, together with FIBA, negotiations to create a new league in Europe, an ambitious project that excludes the Euroleague and could change the map of continental basketball.

“We believe that now is the time,” declared commissioner Adam Silver, when presenting the initiative in March.

Record Sales and Extracurricular Shakes

The year 2025 was also marked by million-dollar franchise sales. The Boston Celtics were acquired for $6.1 billion, while the Los Angeles Lakers changed hands for a record $10 billion, showcasing the economic growth of the league. This was followed by other high-impact moves, such as the arrival of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. However, the year was not without controversy, with arrests involving player Terry Rozier and coach Chauncey Billups, related to illegal gambling and illicit activities, episodes that also marked a dark chapter in the season.