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The Rockets have a good news, the Lakers sign the center again, and the Clippers have new goals to strengthen

8:53am, 5 July 2025【Basketball】

On July 4, 2025, on the fourth day of the NBA free agent open day, in order to strengthen the lineup, each team has tried his best to show the management's superb operational level. The Rockets participated in the deals of seven teams in Durant's trade, which also set a historical record. Of course, what excited them was that the White Demon finally didn't have to leave the team. The Clippers also have new goals in strengthening. The Lakers signed a center and Ayton finally had a reliable substitute. Lillard is also expected to make a decision this summer to determine his next home. Let’s take a look at the specific situation today:

1, the Nuggets may lose Valan, which is said to be interested in returning to Europe to play.

Valanciunas, who has fought for 13 seasons, is about to bid farewell to the NBA. Stein said that returning to Europe is very attractive to Valan, who may seek to buy out his contract and join Panasinacos. However, this deal between the Nuggets management and the Kings will not be delayed by Valan's decision. If Valan chooses to return to Europe, this will be a huge loss for the Nuggets. Valanciunas is 33 years old, 211cm tall and weighs 120kg. He played in 81 games in the 2024-25 season, and averaged 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. His shooting percentage was as high as 55.2%, his three-point shooting percentage was 22.1%, and his free throw shooting percentage was 88.2%. After all, after getting Valan, Teacher Yo will have a strong substitute and have a better rest time, and the Nuggets' bench strength will also be greatly improved. Previously, they once became two powerful teams to challenge the Thunder with the Rockets. If Valan leaves, the Nuggets will suffer heavy losses.

2, the Rockets also received good news.

They signed Harris while leaving the White Demon. Harris played in the Development League last season, and averaged 19 + 7 per game and was named the Newcomer MVP. In the previous season, he played 36 games for the Magic, averaging 12.9 minutes per game, scoring 4.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.5 steals. The shooting percentage reached 44.5%, the three-point shooting percentage was 37.2%, and the free throw shooting percentage was 75.6%. His performance is pretty good, 1.98 meters tall, he is relatively young, and he has the opportunity to provide firepower to the Rockets' outside line. After all, after Jaylen Green left, the Rockets' guards were insufficient.

The Rockets have reached a two-way contract with Kevin Harris. Last season, he signed a 10-day short-term contract with the Hawks. Harris was the 2020 draft pick. He is 198cm tall and weighs 100kg. He plays as a forward guard and swingman on the court. Now that the White Demon stays in the team and Harris joins, this may be an excellent reinforcement for the Rockets.

In addition, after Lillard is bought out by the Trail Blazers, he will return to the Trail Blazers to reunite with his family while maintaining himself. However, he also reported that he was expected to make a decision this summer to determine his future. After Lillard was bought out, it was rumored that more than 10 teams were interested in him. Lillard will definitely choose a team that has the opportunity to compete for the championship. After the Rockets got Durant, they are more attractive to free agents. At the same time, Durant and Lillard have a good relationship and are expected to help the Rockets recruit Lillard. If Lillard can join, it will be of great benefit to the Rockets' external firepower. After all, the Rockets' defensive team is quite strong, and Lillard only needs to be responsible for the offense with Durant.

Today, the Rockets also cut off their inside center Randale. In the 2024-2025 season, Randall played 42 regular season games for the Rockets, averaging 11.9 minutes per game to score 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds. Langdale's previous contract with the Rockets was extended to July 8. After the Rockets cut Randall, they will have more cap space for subsequent strengthening. Langdale performed well last season for the Rockets' substitute, especially his three-point shooting percentage is as high as 42%, and he also has a certain ability to open up space. It is reported that the Warriors and the Lakers have a strong desire to sign Langdale after he has passed the clarification period.

3, after signing Ayton, the Lakers reached a basic salary renewal contract with their inside center Hayes today.

This is Hayes' third one-year contract signed with the Lakers, so he will have a trade veto next season. He performed well with the Lakers last season. As the main center, his shooting percentage is as high as 72.2%, which is also a new high in his career. Now he has returned to the Lakers and continues to play with Doncic and James, and has a strong partner Ayton in the interior, which is also a great benefit to him. Last season, he played 56 games for the Lakers, averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, and his shooting percentage was a career high. After the Lakers signed Ayton and renewed Hayes, their inside strength has been improved to a certain extent. Of course, they also need an inside player with strong defense, so that they have a higher probability of hitting the championship.

4, the Clippers have new goals for strengthening.

Previously, the Clippers were very interested in getting veteran Paul. In the 2024-2025 season, Paul played 82 regular season games for the Spurs, averaging 28 minutes per game, scoring 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.3 steals, and his free throw shooting percentage reached 92.4%. Paul is also happy to play in Los Angeles, after all, it is closer to his home. However, the Bucks made a squad and their senior officials approached Paul to take the veteran point guard to Milwaukee. If the Clippers ultimately cannot get Paul, they will turn their compensation targets to Brogdon.

Brogden was born on December 11, 1992, and as of July 2025, he is 32 years old.. In the 2024-2025 season, Brogg averaged 23.5 minutes per game, scoring 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Although Brogden suffered serious injuries, his experience and ability remain. Being a substitute is easy. If you can get one of Paul or Brogdon, then Harden will be considered a capable substitute, and the Clippers are worth looking forward to next season.