In the world of the NBA, blockbuster trade deals often grab the headlines. But on many occasions, the real difference-makers were the ones who could be found little further down the news scroll. While superstars changed their zip codes in 2025, many underrated signings are quietly setting the stage for the coming season. These offseason trade deals might get overlooked, but they can make a big difference for their new franchises.
Under-the-Radar Offseason Moves
Tyus Jones to the Orlando Magic
This can possibly be one of the savviest signings in the offseason. The Orlando Magic have traded for a game changer in Tyus Jones without drawing the biggest headlines. In a solid last season with the Phoenix Suns, Jones averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 81 games. His shooting reached a career-high 41.4% from three-point range, and his assist-to-turnover ratio ranked second best in the NBA, trailing only Tyrese Haliburton.
The Orlando Magic ranked last in terms of assists in 2024-25. They almost found themselves in the rock bottom when it comes to points per game last season. The addition of Jones in the Magic squad injects playmaking efficiency and shooting stability.
His professionalism and basketball IQ is a perfect blend for the roster’s young core, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Many would see Tyus Jones as a backup. But history tells us that the two-time Sixth Man of the Year finalist can thrive in any court scenario (both as a starter or reserve.)
Jake LaRavia to the Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers surprised many by making Jake LaRavia their first free agency call. They did not delay in signing the 23-year-old quickly for a two-year, $12 million deal. Despite his young age, LaRavia’s defensive versatility and accurate outside shot gave the Lakers a new forward for their rotation. In his previous season split between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacremento Kings, LaRavia averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 66 games. Crucially, he shot an outstanding 42.3% from three-point range (hitting 45.5% on wide-open threes), a major jump from his previous seasons.
Following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith, the Lakers required a player who could guard bigger wings while spacing the floor. Unsurprisingly, LaRavia fits that mold, where he provides fresh energy along with tactical flexibility for coach JJ Redick.
Other Moves Flying Under the Radar
Along with the trade of Jones and LaRavia, other notable underappreciated moves include
Jay Huff to Indiana Pacers
The 2025 NBA runners-up traded for the Memphis Grizzlies stretch big. In the 64 games he played, Huff averaged 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds in just 11.7 minutes per game.
Davion Mitchell to Miami Heat
Davion Mitchell joins the Miami Heat following a 79-game season in 2024-25 with the Sacramento Kings. In the last season, he averaged 7.9 points, 4.9 assists and 2.3 rebounds.
While the front-page trades tend to capture the hype, it is ultimately these underrate deals that can change the affair of the championship. Injuries and long grinds always possess the risk of taking a toll on the teams. This is where the squad depth comes into play and matters more than ever. Therefore, these folks might not capture the big headlines, but they can possibly make an impact for their franchise (and their opponents), as the 2025-26 season unfolds soon.
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