As the 2025-26 NBA season tips off, several of the league’s biggest names are playing under some uncertainty, particularly without a contract extension in place. While some players are betting on themselves to earn a massive payday next summer, others are facing questions about their future fit or long-term value within their current franchises.
In today’s NBA, extensions are often signed well before free agency to maintain stability and cap flexibility. So when top-tier players enter a season without one, it signals potential change on the horizon or doubt about where their future lies. From franchise cornerstones possibly testing the market to veterans seeking one last lucrative deal, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s go through the 10 current stars who are competing without an extension in place.
LeBron James
Contract Status: $52,627,153 (2025-26)
LeBron James remains the biggest name without a contract extension as the 2025-26 season unfolds. Entering his 23rd NBA season, the four-time MVP is still producing at a high level, but the question lingers about how much longer he wants to keep going or if he can fend off nagging injuries. Earning $52.6 million this year, LeBron has full control of his future and could decide to perhaps look for a new destination if the Lakers don’t get off to a hot start without him over the first couple of weeks.
If he dominates and the Lakers stay competitive, it’s easy to imagine him signing a short-term deal to remain in Los Angeles and finish what he started. But if the Lakers struggle again or fall short of contention, LeBron might test free agency one last time, potentially chasing a more fitting farewell elsewhere.
At this point, the decision rests entirely with him. The Lakers have built around his timeline for years, but as the end approaches, LeBron’s priorities could shift toward family, legacy, and the storybook ending he envisions. Whether that means staying loyal to the purple and gold or exploring one final chapter with another contender, his next move will once again dominate the NBA news.
Kevin Durant
Contract Status: $54,708,608 (2025-26)
Kevin Durant’s situation in Houston is far more straightforward: he’s expected to finish his career there. The 37-year-old forward still plays at an All-Star level, and after the Rockets went all-in by trading Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and a first-round pick for him, the franchise has every intention of keeping Durant beyond this season.
He’s earning $54.7 million in 2025-26, the final year of his deal, and all signs point to a two-year extension coming once the front office finalizes its long-term roster plan. Durant’s leadership and experience have transformed the Rockets into a serious playoff threat in the Western Conference.
He’s made it clear he values team culture and stability at this stage of his career, and Houston provides both. Unless there’s a major setback or philosophical shift, expect Durant to retire as a Rocket, which is something few could have predicted when his career began nearly two decades ago.
Zach LaVine
Contract Status: $47,499,660 (2025-26), $48,967,380 Player Option (2026-27)
Zach LaVine’s contract situation with the Sacramento Kings is one of the more intriguing cases this season. Making just under $47.5 million, LaVine has a player option for 2026-27 worth nearly $49 million, but given his age and consistent scoring output, he’s likely to decline it in favor of long-term stability.
The question is whether that new deal comes from the Kings or another team. Sacramento values its offensive firepower, but its ceiling as a contender remains uncertain with the current core. If the Kings make another playoff appearance and LaVine stays healthy, both sides may seek a multi-year extension to continue building around Domantas Sabonis.
However, if inconsistency or fit issues persist, LaVine could be one of the biggest names on the free-agent market next summer or perhaps used in a trade involving some high-profile teams. He’s good enough to warrant a max-level deal, but it’s just a matter of finding the right team willing to make that investment.
Trae Young
Contract Status: $45,999,660 (2025-26), $48,967,380 Player Option (2026-27)
Trae Young is still Atlanta’s franchise player, but the noise around his long-term future hasn’t gone away. With a $45.9 million salary and a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27, Young’s next move will depend heavily on how the Hawks perform this year. There is also the fact that Young might be put off by the lack of a pending extension at this moment.
The addition of Kristaps Porzingis was a major statement of intent, signaling Atlanta’s belief that it can win now. But if another early playoff exit or underwhelming campaign unfolds, the front office might finally explore trade scenarios involving their star point guard.
Young still possesses elite playmaking and scoring ability, and when engaged, he’s one of the most dynamic offensive players in basketball. Yet, the partnership between Young and the Hawks has often felt fragile.
If the team thrives, both parties will likely recommit to a shared future. If not, this season could mark the beginning of the end of Trae Young’s time in Atlanta and the start of one of the league’s most high-profile free agency sagas or perhaps some major trades that send the All-Star to a new destination.
James Harden
Contract Status: $39,182,693 (2025-26), $42,317,307 Player Option (2026-27)
James Harden has settled comfortably into his role with the Los Angeles Clippers, and while he’s no longer the MVP-caliber player he once was, he remains a valuable playmaker and veteran leader. Harden is earning $39.1 million this season and holds a $42.3 million player option for 2026-27, but extension talks have been ongoing.
The general belief around the league is that Harden wants to retire with an impressively stacked Clippers team, and a short-term deal could lock in his future with the franchise. If an agreement isn’t reached, Harden could play out his current deal and reassess next summer.
However, given his comfort level and the Clippers’ reliance on his veteran stability, it’s more likely that he signs another two-year extension before the season ends. Harden’s story has had its ups and downs across multiple franchises, but this final chapter in Los Angeles seems to be about legacy, leadership, and finishing his career on his own terms.
Norman Powell
Contract Status: $20,482,758 (2025-26)
Norman Powell’s arrival in Miami gives the Heat another reliable scoring option, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they quickly move to extend him. Making just over $20.4 million this season, Powell’s combination of shooting and defense fits seamlessly with Miami’s culture.
With the team transitioning to a new core built around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, Powell’s presence adds valuable balance and depth to their wing rotation. Allowing Powell to hit free agency would be risky, especially given how well he aligns with the Heat’s style and mentality.
An extension could help maintain roster continuity and ensure the team stays competitive in the East. Miami has always prioritized retaining players who buy into their system, and Powell seems like the kind of veteran they’ll want to keep around for the next few years.
Luguentz Dort
Contract Status: $18,222,222 (2025-26), $18,222,222 Team Option (2026-27)
Luguentz Dort has become a defensive star for his team and one of the best stoppers in the league. Fresh off winning an NBA title and earning All-NBA First Team honors, Dort’s value to the Oklahoma City Thunder has skyrocketed.
He’s under contract for $18.2 million this season with a team option for 2026-27, but given his production, OKC will likely rip up the current deal and negotiate a new long-term extension. Dort has become untouchable in trade talks and embodies everything the Thunder wants in a franchise cornerstone.
Oklahoma City’s future looks bright with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, and locking Dort up now would send a message about their commitment to sustained success. The delay in extension talks is likely procedural because both sides know a lucrative new deal is coming. Dort has earned it, and OKC isn’t about to risk losing its defensive anchor and emotional leader.
CJ McCollum
Contract Status: $30,666,666 (2025-26)
CJ McCollum finds himself in a tricky situation as he plays out the final year of his $30.6 million deal with the Washington Wizards. A proven veteran scorer and locker room presence, McCollum doesn’t align with the team’s rebuilding plans.
While he remains productive, Washington’s priority is developing young talent, making it unlikely they’ll offer him an extension. As a result, McCollum is almost certain to test free agency in 2026, where he could join a contender in need of veteran backcourt depth.
For McCollum, the upcoming months will be about maintaining his value and proving he can still contribute at a high level. He’s one of the best leaders in the game, and his professionalism will attract multiple suitors once he hits the open market. Though his days as a franchise cornerstone are behind him, McCollum still has enough left in the tank to make an impact elsewhere.
Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis is entering a pivotal year with the Atlanta Hawks after being acquired to complement Trae Young. Making just over $30.7 million, Porzingis remains a high-risk, high-reward player. When healthy, his combination of size, shooting, and rim protection makes him one of the most unique big men in the NBA.
However, durability has always been the concern, and the Hawks will likely use this season as a test before deciding on a new deal. If Porzingis stays healthy and produces at a high level, Atlanta will have every incentive to extend him and solidify its core around him and Young.
But if the injury issues resurface, the Hawks could easily pivot and let him walk in free agency to regain flexibility. Porzingis’ future, like the Hawks’, hinges on health, consistency, and how far this revamped roster can go in the postseason.
Andrew Wiggins
Contract Status: $28,223,215 (2025-26), $30,169,644 Player Option (2026-27)
Andrew Wiggins’ tenure in Miami is off to a rocky start. With a $28.2 million salary and a $30.1 million player option for 2026-27, the Heat are already exploring trade options for the former All-Star.
Wiggins’ inconsistency on both ends of the floor has made it difficult for him to secure a long-term spot in Miami’s plans. Unless he rediscovers his peak form, it’s unlikely the team will extend him, and a trade seems more plausible than a contract renewal.
If Wiggins can regain his confidence and two-way dominance, he might still earn another major contract, whether with the Heat or another contender. But as things stand, Miami seems ready to move on and free up cap space for a younger, more reliable option. Wiggins’ future depends on how he responds to this challenge, and whether he can reassert himself as the difference-maker he once was.
Nikola Vucevic
Contract Status: $21,481,481 (2025-26)
Nikola Vucevic continues to be one of the league’s most skilled offensive big men, but his future with the Chicago Bulls remains uncertain. Set to make $21.4 million in 2025-26, the veteran center could find himself on the move if Chicago leans into a rebuild. While Vucevic’s scoring and rebounding are still valuable, his age and defensive limitations make him less of a long-term fit for a team shifting toward youth.
If the Bulls can’t find a trade partner, Vucevic will likely hit free agency next summer in search of a contender where his offensive talents can be maximized. He’s still capable of starting on a playoff team and contributing meaningful minutes, but his days as a centerpiece are over. Chicago must now decide whether to get assets for him now or risk losing him for nothing later.
Rui Hachimura
Contract Status: $18,259,259 (2025-26)
Rui Hachimura’s future with the Lakers is one of the more uncertain situations entering the season. Making $18.2 million, he’s talented and versatile, but Los Angeles appears to be keeping its options open. The front office has to be gauging the trade market for Hachimura, potentially using him as a key piece in a deal for another star such as Andrew Wiggins.
If no trade materializes, however, the Lakers are still comfortable keeping and re-signing him, given his offensive potential and fit alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Rui is only 27, so he could be part of a long-term core that could also feature Austin Reaves.
For Hachimura, consistency is the key. When he’s aggressive and efficient, he gives the Lakers a valuable third or fourth scoring option. But if he continues to struggle with inconsistency, his long-term role will remain uncertain. Whether he’s part of a trade or earns an extension, this season will likely determine his future in Los Angeles, and possibly his reputation around the league as a reliable starting forward.
