The directive is unmistakable: If an NBA team has either won 50 games or is very close and boasts several star players (or promising talents), the moment to pursue a championship is now.

Since the Golden State Warriors clinched back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018, no team has managed to win consecutive titles, nor has any team returned to the Finals after appearing the previous season.

This has led to new champions being crowned and different teams competing in the Finals, beginning in 2019.

Contending teams recognize that the window of opportunity for championships can open and close swiftly.

Here are five intriguing free-agent signings this 2024-25 NBA season that could significantly influence the championship landscape:

Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks

During the Finals battle between Boston and Dallas, it was apparent that the Mavericks needed enhanced 3-point shooting; their average of just 9.6 successful 3s at a 31.6% rate wasn’t enough for a championship. Klay Thompson, whose long tenure with Golden State ended last season, has joined the Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal. While he may not be the All-Star version of himself, Thompson still managed a 38.7% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, sinking 3.5 threes per game, ranking him at No. 4 for total threes made last season. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving forming a dynamic duo, Thompson won’t have to take on a primary scoring role, but his shooting and solid defense are essential for Dallas to progress past the Western Conference rounds.

Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers are determined to secure a championship with former MVP Joel Embiid leading the charge. With Embiid and emerging star Tyrese Maxey, acquiring George could provide Philadelphia its best opportunity to win the Eastern Conference since the days of Allen Iverson in 2001. The 76ers have not claimed a title since the great Julius Erving and Moses Malone did in 1983. Consequently, much of their postseason destiny rests on Embiid’s health. Paul George, a nine-time All-Star, had a stellar season, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 47.1% overall, 41.3% from 3-point range, and 90.7% from the charity stripe. His impact for Philadelphia comes via a four-year, $211.5 million contract that the Los Angeles Clippers were reluctant to invest in.

DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings

The Kings are aiming to establish their position in the competitive Western Conference. After a first-round exit in 2023 and falling short in last season’s play-in tournament, they have signed DeMar DeRozan, a veteran entering his 16th season. DeRozan aims to assist a team that won 48 games in 2022-23 and 46 in 2023-24 to secure its first playoff series victory since 2004. Last season, DeRozan performed at an All-Star level for Chicago, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals, with shooting percentages of 48% from the field. The Kings targeted him to support stars Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox in reaching new heights, and he signed a three-year, $73.8 million contract.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Orlando Magic

The Denver Nuggets’ loss is a big opportunity for the Orlando Magic. The youthful and potential-filled Magic had a successful season with 47 wins but stumbled against Cleveland in the first round. They, like Dallas, are in need of improved 3-point shooting (30.9% in playoffs, 35.2% in the regular season). Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has hit at least 40% of his 3s in three of the past four seasons, is a perfect fit and also strengthens their defensive capabilities on an already solid squad. With championship experience from his stints with the Lakers and Nuggets, his leadership will be invaluable to rising stars Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. Caldwell-Pope has joined the Magic on a three-year, $66 million deal.

Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder

During a challenging playoffs for the New York Knicks due to injuries, Isaiah Hartenstein stepped up significantly on both ends of the court. The Oklahoma City Thunder secured the center with a three-year, $87 million contract, adding depth to their roster after achieving the best record in the West last season at 57-25. Hartenstein averaged 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and nearly a block per game while shooting an impressive 59.2% from the field in 13 playoff appearances. With a 7-foot, 250-pound frame, he brings much-needed physicality to the Thunder.