By Bobby Marks | ESPN, 2025-06-03 20:00:00
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
NBA 2025年的自由球员市场曾被誉为历史级别。
杰森·塔图姆 (Jayson Tatum)、吉米·巴特勒三世 (Jimmy Butler III)、多诺万·米切尔 (Donovan Mitchell)、劳里·马尔卡宁 (Lauri Markkanen)、杰伦·布伦森 (Jalen Brunson)、安东尼·戴维斯 (Anthony Davis)、达米安·利拉德 (Damian Lillard)、贾马尔·穆雷 (Jamal Murray)、鲁迪·戈贝尔 (Rudy Gobert)、阿隆·戈登 (Aaron Gordon)、德里克·怀特 (Derrick White) 和布兰登·英格拉姆 (Brandon Ingram) 等众多球星，原本预计都将在今年休赛期成为自由球员。
然而，2017年和2023年的劳资协议中对续约规则的修改，促使这12名球员选择不进入自由市场，提前一年锁定有保障的合同。自2022年休赛期以来，已有65名老将完成了续约，仅去年一年就有26名球员。
今年休赛期，包括谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) 和尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokic) 这两位近两届MVP在内的超过100名球员，都有资格进行续约。
以下是对16位值得关注的、有资格续约的球员的展望，以及他们未来的联盟前景。
超级顶薪资格
谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大，雷霆
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 10月20日
吉尔杰斯-亚历山大在2024年休赛期达到了超级顶薪的绩效标准（连续入选最佳阵容），但他必须等到现在才有资格续约，因为他的联盟球龄不足7年。
现在，这位新科MVP预计将加入自2017年以来签署超级顶薪合同的13名球员的精英行列。
如果吉尔杰斯-亚历山大签下一份为期四年、价值2.934亿美元的续约合同，这将是前所未有的，因为7330万美元的平均年薪将是NBA历史上的最高纪录。他在第一年的6550万美元薪水将从2027-28赛季开始生效。
由于他被评为MVP，还有一个不太可能出现的情况，即吉尔杰斯-亚历山大等到2026年休赛期再签署续约合同。届时，他将被允许增加第五个赛季，并在今年夏天他已经有资格获得的薪资基础上增加8600万美元。续约合同的总金额将达到3.79亿美元。
吉尔杰斯-亚历山大本赛季以场均32.7分领跑联盟得分榜，并连续71场比赛得分超过20分，这是NBA历史上第四长的纪录。
预期： 吉尔杰斯-亚历山大成为联盟历史上第14位签署超级顶薪合同的球员。
7月续约候选
特雷·杨，老鹰
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 2026年6月30日
老鹰队如何处理与特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 的谈判将决定球队未来几个赛季的阵容构成。从表面上看，特雷·杨有资格签下一份为期四年、价值2.29亿美元的续约合同。2026-27赛季的5100万美元薪水将取代他4890万美元的球员选项。特雷·杨本赛季以场均11.6次助攻领跑联盟，是自2020-21赛季的拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克 (Russell Westbrook) 以来最高的。特雷·杨在第四节送出200次助攻，是自1996-97赛季的约翰·斯托克顿 (John Stockton) 以来最多的。
反对新合同的理由与阵容构建以及长期承诺特雷·杨的舒适度有关。亚特兰大老鹰优先考虑围绕年轻球员戴森·丹尼尔斯 (Dyson Daniels)、杰伦·约翰逊 (Jalen Johnson) 和扎卡里·里萨谢 (Zaccharie Risacher) 构建阵容。特雷·杨在篮下的命中率创下职业生涯新低的53%，有效投篮命中率也是职业生涯第二差。他还以355次失误领跑联盟。
如果没有续约，如果特雷·杨拒绝执行球员选项，他可能会在2026年休赛期成为一名不受限制的自由球员。另一个需要考虑的因素是，如果亚特兰大老鹰将特雷·杨摆上货架，可供选择的交易伙伴有限。后场位置存在明显空缺的球队只有布鲁克林篮网和萨克拉门托国王。
预期： 除非特雷·杨愿意在新合同上做出妥协（例如，三年1.2亿美元），否则很难看到老鹰队向这位26岁的全明星球员开出一张2.29亿美元的支票。
凯里·欧文，独行侠
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 2026年6月30日
凯里·欧文 (Kyrie Irving) 可能会出现在今年夏天的两个名单上：关键续约候选人和值得关注的自由球员。
如果凯里·欧文在6月24日之前选择执行他4300万美元的薪水，双方将被允许谈判一份最长四年、价值2.67亿美元的合同。
考虑到凯里·欧文在三月份年满33岁，并且刚从一次严重的膝伤中恢复过来，以及队友安东尼·戴维斯在接下来的三个赛季都有合同在身，因此很难看到独行侠队承诺一份超过两年的续约合同，起薪为5900万美元。
预期： 凯里·欧文选择跳出合同，并与独行侠队签署一份新合同。
尼古拉·约基奇，掘金
有资格签约： 7月8日
续约截止日： 10月21日
距离约基奇在丹佛掘金赢得首个NBA总冠军后签署一份为期五年、价值2.76亿美元的超级顶薪续约合同，还不到三年时间。
现在，这位三届MVP有资格再增加三个赛季和2.12亿美元。由于2027-28赛季的球员选项将被新的薪水所取代，因此新增资金的总价值将达到1.52亿美元。
但是，约基奇今年休赛期签署新合同不应成为丹佛掘金的既定结论。他坦诚地评估了目前的阵容，认为还不够好，深度也不足以赢得总冠军。
“我们绝对需要找到一种方法来增加阵容深度，”约基奇在掘金队在西部半决赛中以七场比赛被俄克拉荷马城雷霆队淘汰后说道。“似乎拥有更长轮换阵容、更长板凳深度的球队才是获胜的球队。看看印第安纳步行者队、俄克拉荷马城雷霆队和明尼苏达森林狼队，他们都是很好的例子。”
在10月21日截止日期之前推迟签署续约合同将给球队所有者和管理层带来压力。如果约基奇等到2026年休赛期，他可以额外获得8100万美元。
预期： 尽管1.52亿美元的额外保障资金是一个不错的福利，但约基奇最好等到10月21日临近时再做决定。请记住，他在下个赛季之后还有两年的合同，并且通过等待可以获得更多的经济利益。
诺曼·鲍威尔，快船
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 2026年6月30日
快船队精心构建了他们的阵容，既着眼于现在的竞争力，又保持了未来的灵活性。
例如：科怀·伦纳德 (Kawhi Leonard) 在2024年签署的三年续约合同以及詹姆斯·哈登 (James Harden) 的短期合同。快船队在2027-28赛季的账面上唯一有保障的薪水是欠伊维察·祖巴茨 (Ivica Zubac) 的2100万美元。
与诺曼·鲍威尔 (Norman Powell) 的续约谈判将考验快船队未来如何消费。鲍威尔即将进入他合同的最后一年，毫无疑问，他已经超出了他1920万美元的薪水。在全明星赛之前，他场均得到24.2分，投篮命中率为49.6%，三分球命中率为42.8%。
然而，承诺3000万美元或更高的年薪——他有资格签署一份为期四年、价值1.285亿美元的续约合同——应该让快船队暂停。鲍威尔最近年满32岁，并且在过去四个赛季中只有一次出场超过60场比赛。
预期： 如果鲍威尔仍然是快船队的优先事项，那么一份为期两年、价值5000万美元的续约合同对双方来说都是一种妥协。2027-28赛季每年2500万美元的薪水仍然会让快船队有超过1.2亿美元的薪金空间可用于自由球员市场。
奥斯汀·里夫斯，湖人
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 2026年6月30日
这不是任何人的错，但奥斯汀·里夫斯 (Austin Reaves) 和湖人队可能会在新合同上陷入僵局。
里夫斯在2023年与湖人队签署了一份为期四年、价值5380万美元的合同，这是当时允许的最大金额，因为他当时的自由球员身份。他在2025-26赛季的1390万美元薪水低于球员平均薪水和非奢侈税中产特例。
两年后，这份划算的合同可能会让这位后卫在2026年休赛期成为一名自由球员。由于他友好的薪水，湖人队可以提供的最高续约合同为四年8920万美元。第一年的1990万美元是球员平均薪水的140%，这是劳资协议允许的最大值。
预期： 里夫斯应该跳过签署续约合同，并在2026年进入自由球员市场。拒绝执行2026-27赛季的1490万美元球员选项将使他在与湖人队签订一份新合同时拥有更多的财务选择。
小贾伦·杰克逊，灰熊
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 2026年6月30日
由于小贾伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.) 错过了最佳阵容的荣誉，灰熊队需要在与这位2023年最佳防守球员续约时发挥创造力。
由于杰克逊在2021年签署的新秀续约合同递减，因此允许的最大续约合同将是四年1.468亿美元，这比他2026年作为自由球员与孟菲斯灰熊队签约少1.5亿美元，并且比他与其他拥有薪金空间的球队签约少7500万美元。
一个可行的解决方案是利用薪金空间重新谈判他2330万美元的薪水，然后将他额外续约四个赛季。例如，灰熊队可以使用他们现有的690万美元空间将他的薪水提高到3030万美元。孟菲斯将被允许再续约他四年和1.9亿美元。杰克逊与安东尼·戴维斯和维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 一同成为常规赛期间场均得到20分和1.5个盖帽的球员。
预期： 重新谈判和续约。如果续约第一年的目标是从5100万美元开始（第一年的最高薪水），那么孟菲斯将需要1400万美元的空间来增加他在2025-26赛季的薪水。
贾·莫兰特，灰熊
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 6月30日
与贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 的续约谈判有很多层面。鉴于他仍然有三年合同在身，这份合同是他2022年签署的为期五年、价值1.97亿美元的续约合同，因此没有紧迫感。存在关于耐用性的问题，因为伤病和禁赛导致莫兰特在过去三个赛季中总共只打了120场比赛。为什么要为一个无法留在球场上的球员续约两年和1.284亿美元？
还有一种信念，即孟菲斯灰熊队仍然将这位前全明星球员视为不仅在下个赛季，而且在可预见的未来都可以围绕他来构建球队的球员。
这位25岁的球员本赛季连续18场比赛得分超过20分，这是他职业生涯中第三长的纪录。莫兰特的场均失误数也创下职业生涯新高，投篮命中率为45.4%，这是自2019年选秀以来的第二低百分比。
预期： 孟菲斯灰熊队打完本赛季，并在下个休赛期进行续约谈判。
锡安·威廉姆森，鹈鹕
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 10月20日
锡安·威廉姆森 (Zion Williamson) 的续约不太可能，原因有两个。第一个原因在于长期承诺给一位在场下花费的时间比在场上花费的时间更多的球员。自从他在2019年被选中以来，威廉姆森只参加了46%的常规赛比赛，并且从未参加过季后赛。他只打了两次超过30场比赛。
第二个原因是威廉姆森目前的合同以及如果签署续约合同，新奥尔良鹈鹕队将失去的杠杆作用。威廉姆森下赛季的3940万美元合同（790万美元受到保护）将于7月15日得到保障。接下来的两个赛季（4220万美元和4490万美元）仍然没有保障。如果威廉姆森确实签署了一份为期两年、价值1.284亿美元的续约合同，那么他最初的合同将完全得到保障。
预期： 没有续约，威廉姆森将在2028年进入自由球员市场。
米卡尔·布里奇斯，尼克斯
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 2026年6月30日
如果我们只看耐用性，那么米卡尔·布里奇斯 (Mikal Bridges) 肯定会获得一份新合同。他有资格在今年休赛期签署一份最长四年、价值1.561亿美元的续约合同。
自从2018年进入联盟以来，布里奇斯没有错过一场比赛。他本赛季场均出场37分钟，是他职业生涯中最高的。
在常规赛中，布里奇斯的投篮命中率为50%，这是他自菲尼克斯太阳队最后一年以来的第一次。效率的提高是他在纽约的角色与之前两个赛季在布鲁克林的角色不同的副产品。在尼克斯队第二轮战胜波士顿凯尔特人队的比赛中，布里奇斯的投篮命中率为56.5%，在第四节共得到29分。
杰伦·布伦森去年夏天签署的对球队友好的续约合同为布里奇斯获得一份新合同以及纽约尼克斯队保持其财务灵活性铺平了道路。如果布里奇斯的续约合同从3400万美元开始，尼克斯队预计将在2026-27赛季低于第二条奢侈税线3000万美元。
预期： 问题将归结为尼克斯队是否愿意在接下来的四个赛季中向他们的第四好球员提供接近4000万美元的平均薪水。如果他们愿意，很难看到布里奇斯拒绝在下个赛季增加1000万美元的薪水和超过1.5亿美元的保障资金。
卡尔-安东尼·唐斯，尼克斯
有资格签约： 7月7日
续约截止日： 10月20日
卡尔-安东尼·唐斯 (Karl-Anthony Towns) 在进攻端继续保持着全NBA级别的水平，因此应该参与讨论以获得一份新合同。他与尼古拉·约基奇一同成为本赛季场均得到20分、10个篮板和三分球命中率达到40%的球员。唐斯的56次两双是联盟第三多的。
但事情在这里变得复杂起来。
唐斯还有三个赛季的合同（5310万美元、5710万美元和6100万美元）。最后一年是球员选项。通过将他的合同额外延长两年和1.5亿美元，纽约尼克斯队将向一位30多岁的球员支付7500万美元的平均薪水。
预期： 考虑到杰伦·布伦森在2027-28赛季的4300万美元薪水可能会增加到超过7000万美元（布伦森在该赛季拥有球员选项），因此很难看到纽约尼克斯队向唐斯投入大量资金。
德文·布克，太阳
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 10月20日
没有哪个有资格续约的球员拥有比德文·布克 (Devin Booker) 更多的杠杆。原因：太阳队老板马特·伊什比亚公开表示布克不会离开。
“永远不会发生，”伊什比亚在谈到他是否会考虑交易布克时告诉ESPN。“这很愚蠢。所以我告诉你：我拥有处于巅峰时期的德文·布克。为了赢得NBA总冠军，你必须拥有一位超级巨星。你必须拥有一位伟大的球员。” 德文·布克连续第八个赛季场均得分至少25分，投篮命中率超过45%。他出战的75场比赛是他自2016-17赛季以来最多的。
尽管在2022年签署的价值2.2亿美元的超级顶薪续约合同还剩三年，但布克有资格再增加两个赛季。这两个赛季7500万美元的平均薪水将是联盟历史上最高的。
预期： 考虑到菲尼克斯太阳队将围绕这位后卫构建球队的重要性，一份为期两年、价值1.5亿美元的续约合同是理所当然的。
凯文·杜兰特，太阳
有资格签约： 7月6日
续约截止日： 2026年6月30日
凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant) 的未来，以及密尔沃基雄鹿队球星扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 的未来，将主导今年休赛期。
由于凯文·杜兰特还有一个赛季的合同，菲尼克斯太阳队必须决定是继续围绕杜兰特和德文·布克构建球队，还是重置阵容并探索交易。
凯文·杜兰特将在九月份年满37岁，他有资格与菲尼克斯太阳队签署一份为期两年、价值1.24亿美元的续约合同。但是，如果他以该薪水续约，他将在六个月内没有资格被交易。
“我希望我的职业生涯以我自己的方式结束，这是唯一的事情，”杜兰特上个月在“德雷蒙德·格林 (Draymond Green) 与拜伦·戴维斯 (Baron Davis) 的节目”中说道。“这是我唯一担心的事情。因为我看到很多家伙没有得到这个机会，所以我希望继续努力工作，以便自己做出这个选择。”
如果杜兰特被交易，他将被允许立即与他的新球队签署一份为期两年、价值1.11亿美元的续约合同，或者与菲尼克斯太阳队签署一份相同的为期两年、价值1.24亿美元的续约合同，但在交易后六个月。
预期： 与吉米·巴特勒三世在迈阿密热火队的任期结束类似，杜兰特与菲尼克斯太阳队签署一份为期两年、价值1.11亿美元的续约合同，然后被交易。
等待到八月
卢卡·东契奇，湖人
有资格签约： NBA总决赛后或8月2日
续约截止日： 6月30日
东契奇和湖人队可以在NBA总决赛结束后同意一份为期三年、价值1.6亿美元的续约合同。但是，由于他在2月2日被交易，如果目标是以允许的最大年限续约他：四年2.29亿美元，湖人队必须等到8月2日。
东契奇的新续约合同有多种变体：
一份为期四年、价值2.29亿美元的顶薪合同，其中2026-27赛季的第一年薪水5100万美元将取代该赛季的球员选项。更可能的是：一份为期三年、价值1.65亿美元的续约合同，其中包括第三年的球员选项。这份短期续约合同将使东契奇能够更快地重新进入自由球员市场，并有可能弥补他从独行侠队交易后损失的3.45亿美元。
东契奇本人在季后赛前接受ESPN记者马利卡·安德鲁斯 (Malika Andrews) 的采访时证实，他的意图是留在湖人队。但虽然应该对东契奇续约有信心，但向他展示勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James) 之后的阵容会是什么样子是首要任务。
预期： 东契奇签署一份为期三年、价值1.65亿美元的合同，并在2028-29赛季拥有球员选项。
达龙·福克斯，马刺
有资格签约： 8月3日
续约截止日： 2026年6月30日
达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox) 在二月份被交易后坚称圣安东尼奥马刺队不会成为他职业生涯中的一个中转站。
“没有他妈的名单，”福克斯在交易截止日期前告诉ESPN关于他与前球队萨克拉门托国王队的交易谈判。“只有一支球队。我想去圣安东尼奥。”
与东契奇类似，福克斯有资格在总决赛结束后同意续约，但在年限和总价值上受到限制。从8月3日开始，三年1.402亿美元的续约合同增加到四年2.29亿美元。
预期： 福克斯签署一份为期四年、价值2.29亿美元的续约合同。
等待到十月
泰勒·希罗，热火
有资格签约： 10月1日
续约截止日： 10月20日
泰勒·希罗 (Tyler Herro) 在本赛季结束后表示，与迈阿密热火队续约是当务之急。
“管理层、球队、这座城市，每个人都知道我有多爱迈阿密，”希罗告诉《迈阿密先驱报》。“我从18、19岁起就来到这里。我在这里有两个孩子。”
从10月1日开始，希罗有资格在他的合同中再增加三年，价值1.497亿美元，他的合同还剩下两年（3100万美元和3300万美元）。如果在10月20日之前没有达成协议，希罗将有资格在下个休赛期签署一份为期四年、价值2.069亿美元的续约合同。如果他在2025-26赛季入选全NBA阵容，他将有资格获得超级顶薪（五年3.8亿美元）。
希罗不仅赢得了他的第一次全明星之旅，而且始终如一地打出了全NBA级别的表现。希罗连续第四个赛季场均得分至少20分，并在2024-25赛季完成了5场至少35分的比赛，投篮命中率创下职业生涯最佳的47.2%，场均助攻5.5次。球场上的数据被过去困扰希罗的事情所掩盖——保持健康。但希罗在本赛季出战了职业生涯最高的77场比赛。迈阿密热火队输掉了他缺席的所有五场比赛。
预期： 有保障的资金再次胜出，希罗签署了一份为期三年、价值1.497亿美元的续约合同。
点击查看原文：NBA offseason 2025 - SGA, Jokic, Luka among top extension candidates
NBA offseason 2025 - SGA, Jokic, Luka among top extension candidates
The NBA’s 2025 free agent class was once billed as historic.
Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler III, Donovan Mitchell, Lauri Markkanen, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Jamal Murray, Rudy Gobert, Aaron Gordon, Derrick White and Brandon Ingram, among other stars, were expected to become free agents this offseason.
Instead, changes to extension rules in the 2017 and 2023 collective bargaining agreements have incentivized each of those 12 players to not enter free agency, taking guaranteed money one year early. Since the 2022 offseason, 65 veterans have extended their contracts, including 26 players last year alone.
This offseason, more than 100 players, including the past two MVPs in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, are eligible to extend.
Here’s what to expect from 16 notable players who will be eligible for extensions, and what their futures in the league could look like.
Supermax eligible
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: Oct. 20
Gilgeous-Alexander reached the supermax performance criteria (All-NBA in consecutive seasons) in the 2024 offseason but had to wait until now because he didn’t have seven years of service.
Now eligible, expect the newly crowned MVP to join the elite group of 13 players who have signed supermax contracts since 2017.
A four-year, $293.4 million extension for Gilgeous-Alexander would be unprecedented, as the $73.3 million average would be the highest in NBA history. His $65.5 million salary in the first year would start in 2027-28.
Because he was named MVP, there is also the unlikely scenario that Gilgeous-Alexander waits until the 2026 offseason to sign the extension. He would then be allowed to add a fifth season and an additional $86 million to what he is already eligible for this summer. The total amount of the extension would be $379 million.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring at 32.7 points per game this season and had 71 straight 20-plus point games, the fourth-longest streak in NBA history.
What to expect: Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the 14th player in league history to sign a supermax deal.
July extension candidates
Trae Young, Hawks
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
How the Hawks handle talks with Young will dictate how the roster is shaped in future seasons. On the surface, Young deserves the four-year, $229 million extension he is eligible to sign. The $51 million salary in 2026-27 would replace his $48.9 million player option. Young averaged a league-high 11.6 assists this season, the most since Russell Westbrook in 2020-21. Young’s 200 assists in fourth quarters were the most since John Stockton in 1996-97.
The counterargument to a new contract is pinned to roster construction and comfort level to committing long term to Young. Atlanta has prioritized building a roster centered on younger players Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher. Young shot a career low 53% at the rim and had the second-worst effective field goal percentage of his career. He also led the league in turnovers with 355.
Without an extension, Young could become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason if the player option is declined. Another factor to consider is the limited trade partners available if Atlanta were to make Young available. The only teams with significant vacancies in their backcourt are Brooklyn and Sacramento.
What to expect: Unless Young is willing to compromise on his next contract (at three years, $120 million, for example), it is hard to see the Hawks writing a $229 million check to the 26-year-old All-Star.
Kyrie Irving, Mavericks
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
Irving will likely be on two lists this summer: key extension candidates and free agents to watch.
If Irving opts in to his $43 million salary prior to June 24, both sides will be allowed to negotiate a deal for up to four years and $267 million.
Considering Irving turned 33 in March and is coming off a significant knee injury and teammate Anthony Davis is under contract for the next three seasons, however, it is difficult to see the Mavericks committing more than two years on an extension starting at $59 million.
What to expect: Irving opts out of his contract and signs a new deal with the Mavericks.
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
Eligible to sign: July 8
Extension deadline: Oct. 21
It was not even three years ago that Jokic signed a five-year, $276 million supermax extension after Denver won its first NBA championship.
Now, the three-time MVP is eligible to tack on an additional three seasons and $212 million. Because the player option in 2027-28 would be replaced with a new salary, the total value of new money would be $152 million.
But Jokic signing a new contract this offseason should not be a foregone conclusion in Denver. He was honest in assessing the current roster as not good enough or deep enough to win a championship.
“We definitely need to figure out a way to get more depth,” Jokic said after the Nuggets were eliminated in seven games by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. “It seems like the teams that have longer rotations, the longer benches, are the ones winning. You look at Indiana and OKC and Minnesota, and they have been great examples of that.”
Holding off on signing an extension prior to the Oct. 21 deadline would put pressure on ownership and management. Jokic could earn an additional $81 million if he waits until the 2026 offseason.
What to expect: Though an extra $152 million in guaranteed money is a nice perk, Jokic would be better served holding off until closer to Oct. 21 to make a decision. Remember that he still has two years left on his contract after next season and would benefit more financially by waiting.
Norman Powell, Clippers
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
The Clippers have carefully constructed their roster with an eye on being competitive now while keeping their future flexibility.
Cases in point: the three-year extension Kawhi Leonard signed in 2024 and the short-term deal for James Harden. The only guaranteed salary on the Clippers’ books in 2027-28 is the $21 million owed to Ivica Zubac.
Extension talks with Powell will test how the Clippers spend into the future. Powell is entering the last year of his contract, and there is no question he has outplayed his $19.2 million salary. Before the All-Star break, he averaged 24.2 points, 49.6% shooting from the field and 42.8% on 3-pointers.
However, committing an annual salary of $30 million or more – he is eligible to sign a four-year, $128.5 million extension – should give the Clippers pause. Powell recently turned 32 and has played in more than 60 games just once over the past four seasons.
What to expect: If Powell remains a priority, a two-year, $50 million extension is a compromise for both sides. The $25 million-per-year salary in 2027-28 would still leave the Clippers with more than $120 million in cap space available to use in free agency.
Austin Reaves, Lakers
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
It’s nobody’s fault, but Reaves and the Lakers could be in a holding pattern on a new contract.
Reaves signed a four-year, $53.8 million deal with the Lakers in 2023, the maximum allowed because of his free agent status at the time. His $13.9 million salary in 2025-26 is below the average player salary and nontax midlevel exception.
Two years later, that bargain contract could play a role in the guard becoming a free agent in the 2026 offseason. Because of his team-friendly salary, the maximum extension the Lakers can offer is four years, $89.2 million. The $19.9 million for the first year is 140% of the average player salary, the most allowed under the CBA.
What to expect: Reaves should bypass signing an extension and enter free agency in 2026. Declining the $14.9 million player option in 2026-27 would give him more financial options on a fresh contract with the Lakers.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
With Jackson missing out on All-NBA honors, the Grizzlies will need to get creative as it relates to an extension for the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
Because the rookie extension Jackson signed in 2021 declines, the maximum extension allowed would be four-years, $146.8 million, which is $150 million less than what he could sign for with Memphis as a free agent in 2026 and $75 million less than he could get with another team that has cap space.
A workable solution is to renegotiate his $23.3 million salary with cap space and then extend him an additional four seasons. For example, the Grizzlies could use their $6.9 million in available room to increase his salary to $30.3 million. Memphis would then be allowed to extend him for another four years and $190 million. Jackson joined Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama as the only players to average 20 points and 1.5 blocks during the regular season.
What to expect: A renegotiation and extension. If the goal for Year 1 of the extension starts at $51 million (the max first-year salary), Memphis will need to have $14 million in room to increase his pay in 2025-26.
Ja Morant, Grizzlies
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30
There are layers to extension talks with Morant. There is no sense of urgency given that he still has three years left on the five-year, $197 million extension he signed in 2022. There are questions of durability, as injuries and suspension have led to Morant play a total of 120 games the past three seasons. Why extend a deal by two years and $128.4 million for a player that cannot stay on the court?
Then there is the belief that Memphis still views the former All-Star as a player to build around not just next season but in the foreseeable future.
The 25-year-old had 18 straight 20-plus-point games this season, the third-longest streak in his career. Morant also averaged a career high in turnovers and shot 45.4% from the field, the second-lowest percentage since he was drafted in 2019.
What to expect: Memphis plays out the season and entertains extension talks next offseason.
Zion Williamson, Pelicans
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: Oct. 20
An extension for Williamson is unlikely for two reasons. The first comes in committing long term to a player who has spent more time on the sideline than on the court. Since he was drafted in 2019, Williamson has played in just 46% of regular-season games and has never appeared in the playoffs. He has played more than 30 games twice.
The second is Williamson’s current contract and the leverage New Orleans loses if an extension is signed. Williamson’s $39.4 million contract ($7.9 million protected) for next season is guaranteed July 15. The following two seasons ($42.2 million and $44.9 million) remain non-guaranteed. If Williamson does sign a two-year $128.4 million extension, his original contract will become fully guaranteed.
What to expect: No extension, and Williamson enters free agency in 2028.
Mikal Bridges, Knicks
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
If we are going on durability alone, Bridges is a shoo-in for a new contract. He is eligible to sign up to a four-year, $156.1 million extension this offseason.
Since entering the league in 2018, Bridges has not missed a game. His 37 minutes per game this season were the highest in his career.
In the regular season, Bridges shot 50% from the field for the first time since his last year in Phoenix. The increased efficiency is a byproduct of the different role in New York from that in Brooklyn the previous two seasons. In the Knicks’ second-round win against Boston, Bridges shot 56.5% from the field, totaling 29 points in the fourth quarter.
Jalen Brunson’s team-friendly extension signed last summer paves the way for Bridges to receive a new contract and for New York to retain its financial flexibility. The Knicks will be a projected $30 million below the second apron in 2026-27 if the Bridges extension starts at $34 million.
What to expect: The question will come down to whether the Knicks are willing to offer their fourth-best player an average salary of nearly $40 million over the next four seasons. If they are, it is hard to see Bridges turning down a $10 million pay increase next season and over $150 million in guaranteed money.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks
Eligible to sign: July 7
Extension deadline: Oct. 20
Towns continues to play at an All-NBA level offensively, and as a result should be in the discussion to receive a new contract. He joined Nikola Jokic as the only players this season to average 20 points, 10 rebounds and 40% shooting on 3-pointers. Towns’ 56 double-doubles were the third most in the league.
But here is where things get complicated.
Towns is under contract for the next three seasons ($53.1 million, $57.1 million and $61 million). The last year is a player option. By extending his contract an additional two years and $150 million, New York would be paying a player in his mid-30s an average salary of $75 million.
What to expect: Considering Brunson’s $43 million salary in 2027-28 could increase to more than $70 million (Brunson has a player option that season), it is difficult to see New York committing significant money to Towns.
Devin Booker, Suns
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: Oct. 20
There is no extension-eligible player with more leverage. The reason: Suns owner Mat Ishbia saying on the record that Booker is not going anywhere.
“Never happen,” Ishbia told ESPN on whether he would consider trading Booker. “It’s silly. So here’s what I’ll tell you: I have Devin Booker in the prime. In order to win an NBA championship, you have to have a superstar. You have to have a great player.” For an eighth straight season, Booker averaged at least 25 points per game and shot over 45% from the field. His 75 games played were his most since 2016-17.
Despite having three years left on the $220 million supermax extension signed in 2022, Booker is eligible to add two more seasons. The $75 million average salary over both years would be the highest in league history.
What to expect: A two-year, $150 million extension is only fitting considering the importance Phoenix has placed on building its roster around the guard.
Kevin Durant, Suns
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
The future of Durant, along with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, will dominate this offseason.
With Durant under contract for one more season, Phoenix must decide whether it wants to continue building around Durant and Devin Booker or reset the roster and explore trades.
Durant, who will turn 37 in September, is eligible to sign a two-year, $124 million extension with Phoenix. However, he will become ineligible to be traded for six months if he is extended at that salary.
“I want my career to end on my terms, that’s the only thing,” Durant said last month on “The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.” “That’s the only thing I’m worried about. Because I see a lot of dudes that don’t get that opportunity, so I want to keep putting in that work to make that choice on my own.”
If Durant is traded, he will be allowed to sign a two-year, $111 million extension right away with his new team, or the same two-year, $124 million extension he could sign with Phoenix but six months after the trade.
What to expect: Similar to the end of Jimmy Butler III’s tenure with the Miami Heat, Durant signs a two-year, $111 million extension with Phoenix and is then traded.
Waiting until August
Luka Doncic, Lakers
Eligible to sign: After NBA Finals, or Aug. 2
Extension deadline: June 30
Doncic and the Lakers can agree to a three-year, $160 million extension after the NBA Finals conclude. But because he was traded Feb. 2, the Lakers have to wait until Aug. 2 if the goal is to extend him for the maximum allowed: four years and $229 million.
There are multiple variations of a new extension for Doncic:
A four-year, $229 million max, where the $51 million first-year salary for 2026-27 replaces the player option for that season. And, more likely: a three-year, $165 million extension that includes a player option in the third year. The short-term extension would allow Doncic to reenter free agency sooner and potentially recoup the $345 million he lost when he was traded from the Mavericks.
Doncic, for his part, confirmed to ESPN’s Malika Andrews in an interview before the postseason that his intention is to remain with the Lakers. But while there should be confidence in Doncic extending, showing him what a post-LeBron James roster could look like is a major priority.
What to expect: Doncic signs a three-year, $165 million deal with a player option for 2028-29.
De’Aaron Fox, Spurs
Eligible to sign: Aug. 3
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
Fox was adamant after he was traded in February that San Antonio was not going to be a pit stop in his career.
“There was no f—ing list,” Fox told ESPN regarding trade talks with his former team, the Kings, at the trade deadline. “There was one team. I wanted to go to San Antonio.”
Similar to Doncic, Fox is eligible to agree to an extension after the Finals conclude but is restricted on the amount of years and total value. The three-year, $140.2 million extension increases to four-years, $229 million starting on Aug. 3.
What to expect: Fox signs a four-year, $229 million extension.
Waiting until October
Tyler Herro, Heat
Eligible to sign: Oct. 1
Extension deadline: Oct. 20
Herro made it known after the season that signing an extension in Miami is a priority.
“The front office, the organization, the city, everyone knows how much I love Miami,” Herro told the Miami Herald. “I’ve been here since I was 18, 19. I’ve got two kids here.”
Starting Oct. 1, Herro is eligible to tack on a three-year, $149.7 million extension to the two years ($31 million and $33 million) he has left on his contract. If no agreement is reached before Oct. 20, Herro would then be eligible to sign a four-year, $206.9 million extension next offseason. He is supermax eligible (five years, $380 million) if he is selected All-NBA in 2025-26.
Herro not only earned his first All-Star appearance but consistently put up All-NBA-caliber numbers. For a fourth straight season, Herro averaged at least 20 points, and finished 2024-25 with five games of at least 35 points, a career-best 47.2% shooting from the field and 5.5 assists per game. The stats on the court are outweighed by what has plagued Herro in the past – staying healthy. But Herro played a career-high 77 games this past season. Miami lost all five games he sat out.
What to expect: Guaranteed money once again wins out and Herro signs a three-year, $149.7 million extension.
By Bobby Marks | ESPN, via ESPN