The NBA`s 2025 free agent class was initially anticipated as a historic group.
Many stars, including 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, were expected to hit free agency this offseason.
However, changes made to extension rules in the 2017 and 2023 collective bargaining agreements have significantly encouraged these players to sign extensions early, opting for guaranteed income sooner rather than entering free agency. Since the 2022 offseason, a total of 65 veterans have extended their contracts, with 26 doing so just last year.
This offseason, over 100 players are eligible to sign extensions, including the last two league MVPs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
Here`s an overview of what to expect from 16 notable players who are eligible for extensions and how their futures in the league might unfold.
Supermax Eligible
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: Oct. 20
Gilgeous-Alexander met the supermax performance criteria (All-NBA in consecutive seasons) during the 2024 offseason but had to wait until now due to not yet having seven years of service time.
Now eligible, the reigning MVP is expected to join the exclusive group of 13 players who have signed supermax contracts since 2017.
A potential four-year, $293.4 million extension for Gilgeous-Alexander would be unprecedented, with an average salary of $73.3 million, the highest in NBA history. His $65.5 million salary in the first year of the extension would begin in the 2027-28 season.
Due to his MVP award, there is a less likely possibility that Gilgeous-Alexander could wait until the 2026 offseason to sign. This would allow him to add a fifth season and an additional $86 million to his potential extension, totaling $379 million.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring this season with 32.7 points per game and recorded 71 consecutive games with 20 or more points, the fourth-longest streak in NBA history.
What to expect: Gilgeous-Alexander is likely to become 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
The Hawks` approach to extension talks with Young will significantly influence their future roster construction. On the surface, Young appears deserving of the four-year, $229 million extension he is eligible for. A $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. His 200 assists in the fourth quarter were the most since John Stockton in 1996-97.
The counterargument against a new contract centers on roster fit and long-term commitment comfort. Atlanta seems to be prioritizing a roster built around younger players like Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher. Young had a career-low 53% shooting percentage at the rim and his second-worst effective field goal percentage. He also led the league in turnovers with 355.
Without an extension, Young could become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason if he declines his player option. Limited trade partners could also be a factor if Atlanta considers moving Young, with significant backcourt openings only appearing in Brooklyn and Sacramento.
What to expect: Unless Young is open to a smaller, potentially three-year, $120 million contract, it seems unlikely the Hawks will commit $229 million to the 26-year-old All-Star.
Kyrie Irving, Mavericks
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
Irving is expected to be on both the list of key extension candidates and prominent free agents this summer.
If Irving opts into his $43 million salary before June 24, he and the Mavericks could negotiate a deal worth up to four years and $267 million.
However, given that Irving turned 33 in March and has had injury concerns, and with teammate Anthony Davis under contract for three more seasons, it`s improbable the Mavericks would commit more than a two-year extension starting at $59 million.
What to expect: Irving is likely to opt out of his current contract and sign a new deal with the Mavericks.
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
Eligible to sign: July 8
Extension deadline: Oct. 21
Less than three years ago, Jokic signed a five-year, $276 million supermax extension shortly after Denver secured its first NBA championship.
Now, the three-time MVP is eligible to add an additional three seasons worth $212 million. Since his player option in 2027-28 would be replaced by a new salary, the total value of new money would be $152 million.
However, a new contract for Jokic this offseason in Denver shouldn`t be considered a certainty. He openly assessed the current roster as lacking the depth needed to win a championship.
“We definitely need to figure out a way to get more depth,” Jokic stated after the Nuggets were eliminated 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.”
Delaying the extension until closer to the Oct. 21 deadline would pressure ownership and management. Jokic could potentially earn an additional $81 million if he waits until the 2026 offseason.
What to expect: Although an extra $152 million in guaranteed money is appealing, Jokic may find it financially beneficial to wait closer to Oct. 21 to make his decision, especially since he still has two years left on his current contract after next season.
Norman Powell, Clippers
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
The Clippers have strategically built their roster to be competitive currently while maintaining future financial flexibility.
Examples include Kawhi Leonard`s three-year extension signed in 2024 and James Harden`s short-term deal. The only guaranteed salary on the Clippers` books for 2027-28 is the $21 million owed to Ivica Zubac.
Extension talks with Powell will reveal the Clippers` future spending intentions. Powell is entering the final year of his contract, and he has undeniably outperformed his $19.2 million salary. Before the All-Star break, he averaged 24.2 points on 49.6% field goal shooting and 42.8% from 3-point range.
However, committing to an annual salary of $30 million or more – he is eligible for a four-year, $128.5 million extension – should cause the Clippers to pause. Powell recently turned 32 and has only played more than 60 games once in the last four seasons.
What to expect: If retaining Powell is a priority, a two-year, $50 million extension could be a compromise. A $25 million annual salary in 2027-28 would still leave the Clippers with over $120 million in available cap space for free agency.
Austin Reaves, Lakers
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
Due to contract specifics, Reaves and the Lakers may be in a holding pattern regarding a new deal.
Reaves signed a four-year, $53.8 million contract with the Lakers in 2023, the maximum allowed at the time based on his free agent status. His $13.9 million salary in 2025-26 is below both the estimated average player salary and the non-tax midlevel exception.
Two years later, this team-friendly contract could influence the guard`s decision to enter free agency in the 2026 offseason. Because of his current salary, the maximum extension the Lakers can offer is four years, $89.2 million. The $19.9 million for the first year of the extension is 140% of the estimated average player salary, the limit allowed under the CBA.
What to expect: Reaves is likely to bypass signing an extension this year and enter free agency in 2026. Declining the $14.9 million player option in 2026-27 would provide him with more financial flexibility on a new contract with the Lakers or another team.
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 creativity regarding an extension for the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
Because the rookie extension Jackson signed in 2021 declines in salary, the maximum extension allowed this offseason would be four years, $146.8 million. This is $150 million less than he could potentially sign for with Memphis as a free agent in 2026 and $75 million less than he could receive from another team with cap space.
A potential solution is to renegotiate his $23.3 million salary using cap space and then extend him for an additional four seasons. For example, the Grizzlies could use their $6.9 million in available cap room to increase his salary to $30.3 million. Memphis would then be permitted 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 followed by an extension is the most likely outcome. For the first year of the extension to start at the maximum $51 million salary, Memphis would need $14 million in cap room to increase his pay in 2025-26.
Ja Morant, Grizzlies
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30
Extension talks with Morant involve several complexities. There is no immediate urgency as he still has three years remaining on the five-year, $197 million extension he signed in 2022. There are significant durability concerns, as injuries and suspensions have limited Morant to playing only 120 games over the past three seasons. Extending his current deal by two years and $128.4 million for a player who has struggled to stay on the court raises questions.
Despite this, there is still a strong belief within Memphis that the former All-Star is a foundational player for the foreseeable future, not just next season.
The 25-year-old had a streak of 18 consecutive games with 20 or more points this season, the third-longest of his career. However, Morant also averaged a career-high in turnovers and shot 45.4% from the field, his second-lowest percentage since being drafted in 2019.
What to expect: Memphis is likely to let the season play out and potentially entertain extension talks next offseason.
Zion Williamson, Pelicans
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: Oct. 20
An extension for Williamson appears unlikely for two main reasons. Firstly, there is hesitancy in making a long-term commitment to a player who has spent significantly more time sidelined than playing. Since being drafted in 2019, Williamson has played in only 46% of regular-season games and has never appeared in the playoffs. He has only played over 30 games twice in his career.
Secondly, Williamson`s current contract structure provides the Pelicans with leverage that they would lose if an extension is signed. Williamson`s $39.4 million contract for next season ($7.9 million protected) becomes guaranteed on July 15. The following two seasons ($42.2 million and $44.9 million) remain non-guaranteed. If Williamson were to sign a two-year, $128.4 million extension, his original contract would become fully guaranteed.
What to expect: No extension is anticipated, and Williamson is expected to enter free agency in 2028.
Mikal Bridges, Knicks
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
Based purely on durability, Bridges is a prime candidate for a new contract. He is eligible to sign an extension worth up to four years and $156.1 million this offseason.
Since entering the league in 2018, Bridges has played in every single game. His average of 37 minutes per game this season was a career high.
During the regular season, Bridges shot 50% from the field for the first time since his final year in Phoenix. This increased efficiency is partly due to his different role with the Knicks compared to his previous two seasons in Brooklyn. In the Knicks` second-round series victory, Bridges shot 56.5% from the field, scoring a total of 29 points in fourth quarters.
Jalen Brunson`s team-friendly extension signed last summer helps pave the way for Bridges to receive a new contract while allowing New York to retain financial flexibility. If the Bridges extension starts at $34 million, the Knicks are projected to be $30 million below the second apron in 2026-27.
What to expect: The main question is whether the Knicks are willing to offer their arguably fourth-best player an average salary close to $40 million over the next four seasons. If they are, it`s difficult to envision Bridges declining 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 perform at an All-NBA level offensively and should therefore be considered for a new contract. This season, he joined Nikola Jokic as the only players to average 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 40% shooting from 3-point range. Towns` 56 double-doubles were the third most in the league.
However, the situation is complex.
Towns is currently under contract for the next three seasons ($53.1 million, $57.1 million, and $61 million). The final 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 potentially rise to over $70 million (Brunson holds a player option for that season), it`s challenging to see New York committing significant additional funds to Towns.
Devin Booker, Suns
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: Oct. 20
Among extension-eligible players, none has more leverage. The reason is Suns owner Mat Ishbia publicly stating that Booker is not going anywhere.
“Never happen,” Ishbia told reporters regarding 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 consecutive 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 these two years would be the highest in league history.
What to expect: A two-year, $150 million extension seems fitting given the importance Phoenix has placed on building their team around the guard.
Kevin Durant, Suns
Eligible to sign: July 6
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
Durant`s future, along with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, is expected to be a major storyline this offseason.
With Durant under contract for only one more season, Phoenix faces a decision: continue building around Durant and Devin Booker or restructure the roster and explore trade options.
Durant, who turns 37 in September, is eligible to sign a two-year, $124 million extension with Phoenix. However, signing this extension would make him ineligible to be traded for six months.
“I want my career to end on my terms, that`s the only thing,” Durant said recently. “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 would be allowed to sign a two-year, $111 million extension immediately with his new team, or the same two-year, $124 million extension he could sign with Phoenix, but only six months after the trade occurs.
What to expect: Similar to the end of Jimmy Butler III`s tenure with the Miami Heat, Durant might sign a two-year, $111 million extension with Phoenix and then be 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. However, because he was traded on February 2, the Lakers must wait until August 2 if their goal is to extend him for the maximum allowed: four years and $229 million.
There are several possible variations for a new extension for Doncic:
A four-year, $229 million maximum deal, where the $51 million first-year salary for 2026-27 replaces the player option for that season. More likely is a three-year, $165 million extension that includes a player option in the third year. This shorter-term extension would allow Doncic to potentially re-enter free agency sooner and recoup some of the estimated $345 million he lost when he was traded from the Mavericks.
Doncic himself confirmed his intention to remain with the Lakers in a pre-playoff interview. While there should be confidence in Doncic signing an extension, showing him what the roster could look like in the post-LeBron James era is a key priority.
What to expect: Doncic is expected to sign a three-year, $165 million deal with a player option for the 2028-29 season.
De`Aaron Fox, Spurs
Eligible to sign: Aug. 3
Extension deadline: June 30, 2026
Fox was resolute after being traded in February that San Antonio was not just a temporary stop in his career.
“There was no f—ing list,” Fox told ESPN about trade discussions 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, but with restrictions on the years and total value until August 3. A three-year, $140.2 million extension becomes a possible four-year, $229 million deal starting on August 3.
What to expect: Fox is anticipated to sign a four-year, $229 million extension.
Waiting until October
Tyler Herro, Heat
Eligible to sign: Oct. 1
Extension deadline: Oct. 20
Herro made his desire to sign an extension in Miami clear after the season.
“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 October 1, Herro is eligible to add a three-year, $149.7 million extension to the two years ($31 million and $33 million) remaining on his current contract. If no agreement is reached by October 20, Herro would then be eligible for a four-year, $206.9 million extension next offseason. He becomes supermax eligible (five years, $380 million) if he is selected All-NBA in the 2025-26 season.
Herro not only made his first All-Star appearance but consistently produced All-NBA caliber statistics. For the fourth consecutive season, Herro averaged at least 20 points, finished 2024-25 with five games scoring 35 points or more, achieved a career-best 47.2% field goal shooting, and averaged 5.5 assists per game. While his on-court stats are strong, staying healthy has been a past issue. However, Herro played a career-high 77 games this past season. Miami lost all five games he missed.
What to expect: Guaranteed money is likely to be the deciding factor, and Herro is expected to sign a three-year, $149.7 million extension.
