With the NBA free agency period now settling down, a clear picture is emerging of which teams are banking on teamwork and which are shaking things up. The reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, are leading the way in stability, choosing to keep the vast majority of their title-winning squad together for the next season. This move shows their confidence in the players who brought them to the top.
Team stability, or “continuity,” is a key focus for many front offices. It’s measured by looking at the percentage of playing time from the previous season that belongs to players still on the roster. While many teams are making significant changes, the league-wide average for returning players is at its second-highest point in 15 years, showing a trend towards teams valuing chemistry and experience.
🥇 Champions Lead in Team Stability
For the second year in a row, the NBA champions have chosen to keep their team largely the same. The Thunder are bringing back players who accounted for an incredible 95% of their on-court minutes from their 2024-25 championship season. This follows a similar strategy by the 2024 champions, the Celtics, who retained 93% of their players’ minutes but were unable to win a second consecutive title. By keeping their core, the Thunder hope their proven formula will lead to more success.
🤔 Does Sticking Together Guarantee Success?
While keeping a successful team together seems like a logical move, it isn’t always a surefire path to victory. History shows mixed results. For instance, the Pistons saw a huge improvement last season despite ranking near the bottom in team stability and making many roster changes. On the other hand, the Magic had one of the most stable rosters but saw their performance decline. This shows that while continuity can help build team chemistry, other factors like player development and strategy are just as important.
🔄 Teams with the Biggest Changes
At the other end of the spectrum, some teams are undergoing major transformations. The Pelicans currently have the lowest continuity in the league, with only half of their 2024-25 player minutes returning. The Suns and Nets are also near the bottom, signaling significant roster overhauls. Interestingly, while the Warriors have only nine players under contract, several other teams are set to experience even bigger changes, proving that this offseason has been a time of major rebuilding for many.
✍️ Top Players Still Available
The offseason action isn’t over yet, as several well-known players are still free agents. Teams looking to add experience or skill still have some great options. Notable veterans like Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook are on the market, along with talented players like Josh Giddey and Malik Beasley. Where these players land could impact team lineups and their chances for the upcoming season. Additionally, there are still many skilled 3-point shooters available, which could be valuable for teams needing to improve their long-range scoring.
