As the NBA offseason kicks into full swing, some of the most talked about stars of this year’s playoffs will be making some very important extension decisions. Along with Jaren Jackson Jr., Trae Young, and Zion Williamson, Luka Doncic is one of this year’s frontrunners. Tied to each player are different timelines and cap hits for their new teams. The ability for these extensions to change the landscape of front offices and the future of their young stars lays out huge intrigue going into the summer.
Beginning July 6th, stars such as Jackson, Young, Kyrie Irving, Mikal Bridges and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be eligible for extensions. After all, they do have until June 30, 2026 to make their first move! Luka Doncic’s window will only open once the NBA Finals are over, with a very short deadline of June 30th. Zion Williamson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have a sooner deadline of October 20 for their would-be extensions.
Key Players and Their Extension Timelines
In case you missed it, Jaren Jackson Jr. recently won 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. He can sign an extension as early as July 6. His timeline for striking a new agreement extends through June 30, 2026. As they figure out how to better build around their own defensive cornerstone, the Memphis Grizzlies will be keeping a close eye on Allen.
Trae Young, the dynamic All-Star guard for the Atlanta Hawks, will become extension eligible. This exciting opportunity starts on July 6. His contract not only will insure that his negotiations with the board will last until June 30, 2026. The Hawks are keen to secure their young star long-term as they aim for playoff success in the coming seasons.
The case of Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans is a particularly interesting one. Given that his eligibility for an extension opened on July 6, Jackson needs to come to a decision by October 20. The Pelicans organization wants to develop an impressive young core around Williamson. Given his extensive injury history, there are serious concerns about whether he can be available long-term.
Luka Doncic and Other Notable Extensions
Luka Doncic is far and away the top-notch guard of the Dallas Mavericks. Once the NBA Finals conclude, he’ll be eligible to sign a maximum three-year extension at $160 million. The need for this decision is especially urgent as the deadline approaches on June 30. The Mavericks player Doncic as a franchise pillar and wants to do everything to ensure he reaches his career potential with other stars on the roster.
Irving, now with the Mavericks but able to sign an extension starting July 6, should expect the maximum allowable increase in his next contract. He has until June 30, 2026 to complete the deal. His future in Dallas is certainly in question as he enters a much more difficult world filled with both performance and personal commitments.
Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks should be on the radar to pull some big moves. Bridges is now eligible for an extension since July 6. At a projected three-year, $165 million deal, he’s going to play an immense role in deciding how quickly the Knicks become contenders.
Financial Implications and Player Perspectives
Those stakes are already high with players such as Nikola Jokic and Tyler Herro going into their own extension negotiations. Jokic, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, will be eligible for an extension beginning July 8. This is an important decision he needs to get right before his October 21 deadline. Further, his recent five-year, $276 million supermax deal locks him in as one of the league’s highest-paid players.
Tyler Herro’s case is especially interesting as he gears up for a possible three-year extension starting at $149.7 million starting October 1. Herro expressed his commitment to Miami, stating:
“The front office, the organization, the city, everyone knows how much I love Miami.” – Tyler Herro
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant has hinted at his own aspirations regarding extensions, noting:
“I’ve been here since I was 18, 19. I’ve got two kids here.” – Tyler Herro
As teams strategize around these player extensions, they must consider how individual performance and market trends will influence negotiations.
“I want my career to end on my terms, that’s the only thing.” – Kevin Durant
As teams strategize around these player extensions, they must also consider how individual performance and market trends will influence negotiations.
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