15 NBA Stars Expected To Sign Major Extensions This Offseason

The 2025 NBA offseason is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle of dollars, with some of the league’s biggest stars eyeing major extensions to secure their futures. Teams are desperate to lock down their franchise players, especially with uncertainty swirling around the league.

Kevin Durant’s situation in Phoenix is the most dramatic of all—after a disappointing season, all signs point to KD leaving the Suns via trade as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves is expected to test free agency after a breakout season, looking to cash in on his rising stock rather than settling for an early extension. Reaves’ decision to explore the market could force the Lakers into a bidding war to keep him.

Also, Luka Doncic’s name won’t officially join the extension conversation until next summer so he can control free agency completely. Even without these three stars out of the extension market, this summer could redefine the balance of power in the NBA for years to come.

1. Nikola Jokic

Extension (Approximate): 3-Year, $212 Million

Nikola Jokic is already locked into one of the richest contracts in NBA history, but the three-time MVP might not be done cashing in just yet. While he’s under contract with the Denver Nuggets until 2027-28, Jokic has the option to decline his $62.8 million player option for that season and sign an additional three-year, $212 million extension this summer.

Given his dominance and the Nuggets’ title aspirations, Denver would be eager to keep their franchise cornerstone happy and secure long-term. Jokic’s unique skill set makes him arguably the most valuable player in the league, and extending him would solidify Denver’s place in the championship conversation for years to come.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Extension (Approximate): 4-Year, $293 Million

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed into a legitimate superstar for the Oklahoma City Thunder, making him a prime candidate for a max extension. Already signed for the next two seasons at $38.3 million and $40.8 million, SGA is eligible for a four-year, $293 million extension this summer.

With the Thunder’s core rapidly improving and in perennial championship contention, locking down their star guard long-term is a no-brainer. SGA’s ability to score at all three levels and his improved playmaking have turned OKC into a playoff contender, and committing to him would ensure they remain competitive for the foreseeable future.

3. LeBron James

Extension (Approximate): 2-Year, $104 Million

LeBron James rejecting his $52.6 million player option would open the door for a new two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, and it’s hard to see a scenario where that doesn’t happen. LeBron’s recent play proves he still has plenty left in the tank, and the Lakers will do whatever it takes to keep him in purple and gold.

A two-year extension would not only give LeBron the flexibility to potentially play alongside Luka Doncic and his son Bronny but also allow the Lakers to continue building a contender around him. Given his influence and star power, a new deal seems inevitable, and it might be around the previous two-year deal he signed. 

4. Devin Booker

Extension (Approximate): 3-Year, $212 Million

Like Jokic, Devin Booker can add an extra three years and $212 million to his current contract past the 2027-28 season. After another stellar individual campaign, extending Booker would be an easy decision for the Phoenix Suns if they plan to remain competitive in the West and not lose a franchise star.

With Kevin Durant likely on his way out, Booker becomes even more critical to the Suns’ future. His scoring prowess and ability to take over games make him the face of the franchise, and locking him down ensures Phoenix has a superstar to build around for years.

5. Kyrie Irving

Extension (Approximate): 3-Year, $120 Million

Kyrie Irving’s situation with the Dallas Mavericks is complicated, especially after suffering an ACL injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season. With a $43.9 million player option on the table, the smart move might be to reject it and negotiate a longer-term deal.

The Mavs can’t afford to lose him, particularly after trading significant assets to pair him with Luka Doncic (who is gone forever). Even with the injury concerns, a three-year deal could provide the stability both sides need, while allowing Kyrie to regain value for another big payday down the line. 

Would Nico Harrison and the Mavs not re-sign Irving after an ACL injury? Probably, but unlikely, considering they traded Luka to bring Anthony Davis to pair with him moving forward. Kyrie has come out with a statement of his future, and he is planning on returning to the court as soon as possible.

6. Karl-Anthony Towns

Extension (Approximate): 3-Year, $212 Million

Karl-Anthony Towns has a similar contract situation to Jokic, with a $61 million player option for 2027-28 and eligibility for a three-year, $212 million extension this summer. After being traded to the Knicks, Towns has rejuvenated his career, making an extension almost a certainty.

New York has been desperate for a star big man since Patrick Ewing and KAT’s ability to stretch the floor and dominate inside gives them just that. Locking him up would be a huge win for a franchise that’s finally trending upward and they want Towns to retire with them. 

7. De’Aaron Fox

Extension (Approximate): Four-Year, $229 Million

De’Aaron Fox is under contract for $37.1 million next season with the Spurs and is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension. Given his seamless fit and leadership role in San Antonio next to Victor Wembanyama, it seems inevitable that the Spurs will ink him to a new deal.

Fox’s speed, playmaking, and ability to take over in crunch time make him the clear cornerstone for a young Spurs team looking to return to prominence. A max extension would be a smart move to secure their future at point guard and it almost certainly will happen. 

8. Trae Young

Extension (Approximate): Four-Year, $229 Million

Trae Young’s $45.9 million salary next season makes him one of the highest-paid guards in the league, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be looking for more. Eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension, Young has shown he’s worth every penny with his elite playmaking and scoring.

Atlanta has been inconsistent and they might decide to tank completely, but losing Trae would be a catastrophic blow. An extension would not only reaffirm their commitment to him but also give the Hawks a clearer picture of their future cap flexibility. If they fail to reach an extension, a trade involving Young is likely to happen this summer.

9. James Harden

Extension (Approximate): 2-Year, $75 Million

James Harden is expected to reject his $36.3 million player option this summer, putting the pressure on the Clippers to re-sign him. After a solid season, keeping Harden alongside Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell would maintain their championship window.

While his playoff history is a concern, his playmaking and experience are invaluable to a Clippers squad desperate to contend. A short-term, high-value deal might be the compromise that works for both sides, so a 2-year, $75 million deal could work after his All-Star season. 

10. Jonathan Kuminga

Extension (Approximate): 4-Year, $120 Million

Jonathan Kuminga’s $10.2 million qualifying offer gives him the flexibility to either accept it or seek a more lucrative offer sheet around $30 million annually. After showing flashes of potential with the Warriors, Kuminga is likely to attract interest from teams needing athletic forwards.

Golden State’s cap situation makes retaining him tricky, but letting him eventually walk for nothing would be a mistake. A decent extension could strike the right balance, but don’t expect the Warriors to pay a penny over $30 million per annum. 

11. Julius Randle

Extension (Approximate): 4-Year, $160 Million

Julius Randle declining his $30.9 million player option seems likely, especially with the Timberwolves reportedly interested in signing him to a long-term deal. After a decent season, Randle’s value likely can’t get higher than it is right now, and Minnesota could use his versatility and rebounding.

A multi-year deal would stabilize the frontcourt after the departure of Karl-Anthony Towns and give the Wolves a proven All-Star to build around. Expect Randle to remain in Minnesota in a four-year deal for $160 million regardless of the inconsistency he has shown. 

12. Naz Reid

Extension (Approximate): 5-Year, $150 Million

Naz Reid rejecting his $15 million player option feels inevitable after the Timberwolves cleared the path for him by trading Towns. With a market value likely between $25-$30 million per season, Reid’s strong year has earned him a payday.

Minnesota seems eager to invest in him as their starting big man, making a long-term deal almost certain. The Timberwolves did not want to pay Towns max money because they felt they could get the same production from Reid at a discount so he likely isn’t going anywhere. 

13. Josh Giddey

Extension (Approximate): 5-Year, $150 Million

Josh Giddey has a player option worth $11.1 million for next season and that gives the Bulls a tough decision. The Bulls might want to keep Giddey considering they gave up Alex Caruso to the Thunder to acquire him, and the point guard is only 22 years old. 

Giddey’s ability to pass, rebound, and use his size on defense means the Bulls could lock down their point guard for the future. Expect Giddey to look for a five-year deal similar to what Immanuel Quickley signed last season (5-year, $170 million) but he will almost certainly have to settle for a little less. 

14. Cam Thomas

Extension (Approximate): 4-Year, $120 Million

Cam Thomas’ $5.9 million qualifying offer seems modest considering his scoring outbursts (24.3 PPG) for the Nets this season. Brooklyn would be wise to lock him into a long-term deal worth around $25 million annually to avoid losing another young talent after next season.

His ability to generate offense is invaluable, and a multi-year contract would give the Nets a promising piece to build around. The Nets might buy themselves time and extend a qualifying offer, but if they decide to offer a contract, it will be for around $30 million per season. 

15. Fred VanVleet

Extension (Approximate): 4-Year, $100 Million

Fred VanVleet’s $44.8 million team option puts the Rockets in a tricky spot. While his play has declined slightly, his leadership and scoring (14.4 PPG) are still valuable for a young team that desperately needs playmaking and ball-handling at the point guard position.

A team-friendly deal around $25 million annually might be the best compromise for both sides. If Houston wants to stay competitive, retaining VanVleet on a reasonable contract would be a savvy move, especially considering there aren’t many better point guards on the market right now. 

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