The Oklahoma City Thunder have claimed their first NBA title in 2025, a remarkable achievement largely credited to GM Sam Presti's astute trading strategies. Presti’s pivotal decision to trade Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019 has redefined the franchise's trajectory. The Thunder's return from the Clippers was monumental, including franchise cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and multiple high-value draft picks.

Gilgeous-Alexander has since blossomed into an MVP, and fellow draft pick Jalen Williams has also emerged as an All-NBA talent. This duo has not only led the Thunder to championship glory, but they also represent two of the brightest stars in the league today.

The Philadelphia 76ers have opted to leave Jared McCain off their Summer League roster, signaling his ongoing recovery from a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee. McCain, selected 16th overall in the 2024 draft, showcased immense potential during his rookie season, averaging 15.3 points and 2.6 assists in just 23 games, along with a commendable 38.3% shooting from beyond the arc. The decision to sideline him is strategic, prioritizing his health for the upcoming regular season over a brief Summer League appearance.

The 76ers are wisely choosing not to rush McCain back, as his performance could be crucial for their success. If he can regain his shooting touch, even without extensive ball-handling, he could significantly contribute to the team's offensive strategies. The organization appears focused on long-term outcomes, fostering a healthy return rather than a quick fix.

Eric Gordon has officially re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year, veteran minimum contract, following his decision to decline a $3.4 million player option. This strategic move allows him to return at a lower cap hit of approximately $2.3 million. With extensive NBA experience, Gordon's role is expected to shift as he mentors rookie VJ Edgecombe, with whom he shares national team ties. However, Gordon's recent performance raised concerns; he faced injury setbacks, limiting him to just 39 games last season with a career-low average of 6.8 points. Yet, his three-point shooting percentage remains impressive, particularly during a strong stretch in January where he shot over 52%.

The Sixers' challenging season, marked by injuries to key players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, resulted in a disappointing 24-58 record. Gordon's ability to adapt to a younger roster and regain form post-surgery will be closely observed as the 76ers aim to rebound in the upcoming season.

The Philadelphia 76ers have officially re-signed veteran guard Eric Gordon, who declined his player option for the 2025-26 season but opted to return to the team. After undergoing wrist surgery, Gordon played in just 39 games last season, averaging 6.8 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 rebounds, with a notable shooting percentage of 40.9% from three-point range. In January, he showcased his scoring ability by hitting 52.6% of his three-point attempts before his injury.

Gordon's return brings valuable experience to the 76ers, especially as he mentors rookie VJ Edgecombe, whom he knows well from their time with the Bahamian national team. Although not expected to be a constant in the rotation, Gordon will be an asset for head coach Nick Nurse, providing needed shooting depth when called upon.

The NBA offseason is seeing significant shifts for the Philadelphia 76ers as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. The team has secured Trendon Watford with a two-year, $5.3 million extension and made a splash by selecting Baylor guard V.J. Edgecomb as the No. 3 overall pick in the recent draft. However, trade discussions are reportedly underway regarding veteran center Andre Drummond, with speculation surrounding his potential movement as the team seeks to clear space for Quentin Grimes, who impressed during the previous season.

With Drummond averaging 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds last season, he proved to be a valuable asset during Joel Embiid's absence due to knee injuries. The 76ers exercised Drummond's $5 million player option, but with new additions to the roster, his position may be at risk. Other offseason moves include Eric Gordon and Kelly Oubre Jr. opting into their contracts. The 76ers are expected to continue their roster reshaping as they strive to reclaim their status as title contenders.