The NBA's free agency period has been open for more than three weeks, yet the basketball world is still waiting to learn where LeBron James will be playing next season.
During this interminable wait, plenty has happened elsewhere around the league that will shape next season's competitive landscape. To boil down the key developments, here's one thing we've learned about all 30 teams -- including those that are still vying for a certain four-time MVP.
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Atlanta Hawks
What we've learned: Zaccharie Risacher was the biggest draft miss in years.
The Hawks traded Risacher, the No. 1 pick in 2024, to the Dallas Mavericks this month after two unremarkable seasons. The 21-year-old French forward alluded to challenges in Atlanta, writing on Instagram that "some nights were everything I dreamed of," while "others were harder than I ever imagined."
The last No. 1 pick to be traded this quickly was Markelle Fultz, but his exit from Philadelphia was hastened by his lack of availability. Whereas Fultz, the top pick in 2017, played in just 20% of the 76ers' games before he was dealt to the Orlando Magic in February 2019, Risacher had appeared in 87% of Atlanta's games since he was drafted.
Evidently, Onsi Saleh, who was promoted to general manager last summer, had seen enough. The 46-win Hawks were better with Risacher off the court last season, and he seemingly lacks the burst, playmaking and takeover mentality to develop into a lead scoring option. While the 2024 draft was regarded as weak at the time, Risacher ranks 20th in his class by career win shares and has been outperformed by Stephon Castle and several other lottery picks, plus a few players drafted 20-plus spots after him, including Baylor Scheierman, Kyle Filipowski and Oso Ighodaro.
Risacher's value dropped to the point that the Hawks didn't recoup a first-round pick in their three-team trade with the Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder. Instead, they added guards Luguentz Dort and Ryan Nembhard as they continue to build out their depth in the post-Trae Young era.
Boston Celtics
What we've learned: The second apron can break hearts.
The NBA's harsh second apron penalties and restrictions have caused multiple contenders to shed salary and lose talent. This summer, the 2025 champion Oklahoma City Thunder traded away Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, and the reigning champion New York Knicks watched Mitchell Robinson leave in free agency.