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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.
