The 2025-26 NBA season ended on Tuesday, marking the beginning of an on-court storyline. However, that doesn’t mean the players weren’t busy off the court during the offseason.
From Lebron James Taking up golf as a new hobby Nikola Jokic The NBA’s biggest names made the most of their offseason, celebrating with their horses. Unlike 2024, which featured the Paris Olympics, this summer had an open schedule, meaning limited NBA action and more time to get on the road.
Here’s a look at the top offseason moments, as told by social media.
Clay makes tough start to new relationship
clay thompson shocked the pop culture world His Instagram post of July 12Captioned “Sweet Bells son”. dallas mavericks Guard posted a photo collage from a recent vacation, but with one change — one photo shows him with rapper Megan Thee Stallion.
Fans immediately speculated that the two were dating, leading to relationship rumors. This prompted comments Kevin Durant And Dwight Howard and Ty JeromeWho wrote: “Wow tough launch.”
A few days later, the two confirmed their relationship on the red carpet in New York.
LeBron, Bronny hit the golf course
One viral development of the offseason centered on LeBron James discovering his love of golfing. His First post came on 4th JulyIt’s his second day playing. James said: “Man, it’s a mind-boggling thing to say the least! But I think I enjoy that part of it a lot.”
He talked openly about it On the “360 with Speedy” podcast last month.
“It’s just as hard—,” James said. “…I wanted a challenge, man, and I like to be uncomfortable. Golf is one of the few places I can go where I don’t get in much trouble.”
LeBron James wasn’t the only one in the family with a golf interest – his eldest son and Los Angeles Lakers Teammate Bronny also took up the sport. Bronny had a smooth swing for someone who started playing four months before the video was posted.
French stars take over the chess board
San Antonio Spurs star Victor WembanyamaHis love for chess is no secret playing center in a park in new york city Last December. He took that intimacy to another level by hosting a “Hoops Gambit” tournament in his hometown of Le Chesne, France, during the offseason.
Dozens of people competed, including minnesota timberwolves center and fellow french Rudy GobertBoth of them faced each other in a game also.
Defense vs Defense ♟️
Rudy Gobert joins Hoop Gambit event to play against Wembley 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/3xsRw10ivi
– Chess.com (@chesscom) 20 July 2025
A celebration echoed across the world
there are not many things denver nuggets star Nikola Jokic loves his horses more than anything – and he had the celebration to prove it.
Jokic celebrates emotionally after his horse won a race in Subotica, Serbia in late July. He cried before jumping over the gate to meet his horse and driver, then threw champagne on the group and himself.
A few days ago, the NBA and the Nuggets also posted a photo of Jokic taking care of horses in Beijing.
Alan makes his wedding dance meaningful
In a summer full of weddings and engagements, cleveland cavaliers Center jarrett allen Actually made the execution successful. He enjoyed his wedding with his wife Jordan with an impressively choreographed dance.
The couple were inspired by the 2006 Disney film “High School Musical.” The ending music of the film is called “We’re All in This Together”, where the school joins in at a dance.
Allen and his wife danced to this song at their wedding. The 6-foot-9-inch Kendra also themed her wedding after the sangeet, Captioned your wedding post on Instagram: “#We’reAllenThisTogether.”
Different continents, same behavior
No opponent is safe from trash talk when it comes to the Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards –Not even a retirement center.
Edwards traveled to China as part of Adidas’ “Believe That” tour with stops in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. During the trip, Edwards met Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Yao Ming.
Of course, the 6-foot-4 guard had to remind the 7-foot-6 Chinese center that he would not be saved from dunking.
Durant trade news came at the perfect time
Possibly the biggest transaction of the offseason phoenix sun trading durant Houston RocketsReported in late June, Houston Sent jalen green, dillon brooksThe No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks for Durant.
Durant has been the subject of trade rumors since the last NBA trade deadline. However, news of the deal broke before the cameras could catch Durant’s reaction.
The two-time NBA champion was being interviewed on the Fanatics Fest stage when the deal was reported. When the crowd went wild he could only smile.
A new way to be prepared
Holidays can sometimes hinder proper workouts, but Russell Westbrook A way was found to avoid this.
the current Sacramento Kings The guard was evacuating on his boat when he was seen on video firing the shot. Westbrook had a hoop where he practiced dribbling and shooting a jumper.
