The National Basketball Association prepares for another thrilling season. In fact, a few high-profile stars are on the verge of finalizing rich long-term pact extensions. Leading the way among them is flat-out superstar Jaden Ivey, who wowed during his rookie season and has All-Star upside potential for years to come. He ranks among only five players in NBA history. He made at least 100 career double-doubles before the age of 22. Last season was a difficult one for him on the hardwood. A leg injury kept him off the field for most of the last few months of the season. The hype surrounding Ivey is electric. At the same time, players such as Shaedon Sharpe and Dyson Daniels are looking for massive extensions that would change the financial picture for their clubs.
Jaden Ivey likely to be under team control for at least four more years (four-year, $86.5M extension) The deal includes an intricate up-and-down structure that matches the roller coaster life of his career up to this point. His contract is structured to incentivize his previous performances. Perhaps more importantly, it provides ample opportunity for growth and change as new discoveries are made going forward.
Shaedon Sharpe, the Blazers 2022 lottery pick at number 7. He proved this, along with his scoring versatility, last season with consistent offensive production, leading his team with 18.5 points per game. His performance has positioned him well within the franchise, making it crucial for the Portland Trail Blazers to consider extending his contract and solidifying their investment in young talent.
Dyson Daniels of G League Ignite is angling for a multi-year agreement. He reportedly is seeking something comparable to Jalen Suggs’ recently agreed upon five-year, $150 million extension with the Orlando Magic. Daniels, known for his versatile skill set, believes he deserves a similar commitment as he continues to develop his game in New Orleans.
For Utah, Walker Kessler has a massive $20 million dollar salary coming next season. This very strong number puts him around the league’s top 15 centers. His burgeoning reputation as a defensive anchor and intimidating player fits perfectly with where the Utah Jazz are heading in the future with him as a centerpiece.
Christian Braun has created buzz with his high scoring output. In each of his first three seasons, he has produced at least 3,000 points. In 2024-25, he averaged a remarkable 16 points per contest. His reliable impact sets the stage for what should be the Denver Nuggets’ next test in contract negotiation as they try to lock down their blossoming young core.
Closer to home, in Detroit, Jalen Duren is another 2022 prospect turning heads. Following Cade Cunningham’s recent five-year, $269 million extension from the Pistons in 2024, Duren’s future now hinges on how the team approaches its young core. Like the Pistons, the Hornets are enthusiastic to continue to develop their roster around their perennial all-star talent. They’re committed to laying down a solid foundation for sustained success.
Keegan Murray has recently secured a five-year, $140 million pact, underscoring the trend of teams locking in promising talent early. This particular move is another example of the growing trend described above. Franchises are more willing than ever to invest in their young players and set up for long-term success.
Back in Houston, Jabari Smith’s extension seems a done deal as the Rockets focus on getting their young core in focus. The national organization prides itself on retaining its hot talent. That’s all led to Smith becoming an integral part of their future plans.
Bennedict Mathurin has played 60% of these last three seasons games (94 games) coming off the bench. Even with that said, his performance is still incredibly impressive. Now as teams look at their roster for next season, the decision on Mathurin is one that must be taken seriously. That will become important in guiding talks around his expected contract extension.
In addition to those circumstances, players such as Jordan Hawkins and Eason are burdened with their respective injury concerns. Achieving long-term financial stability by adding contract extensions is common sense for them. At the same time, they pursue their careers while experiencing considerable career health burdens.
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