Who’s Poised for a Payday? 20 NBA Stars Likely to Land Massive Contract Extensions This Off‑Season

Every summer, the NBA’s free‑agency calendar feels a little like a high‑stakes poker game. While the headline names—LeBron, Giannis, Durant—always draw the most buzz, the real money moves often happen in the background, where teams lock up their core pieces before the market explodes.

In this piece, we’ve combed through the rumors, the player‑option clauses, and the latest performance metrics to pinpoint twenty athletes who are poised to shape the next round of big‑money extensions. Some are obvious candidates, already flirting with max contracts, while others are still under the radar, waiting for a breakout season to trigger a hefty raise.

1. Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks) – The Slovenian prodigy’s rookie deal will end after the 2024‑25 season. Expect a five‑year, max‑type extension worth $250 million or more if the Mavericks want to keep the franchise centerpiece.

2. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) – Tatum’s player option expires next summer. With his scoring, defense, and leadership, Boston will likely push a 5‑year, $240‑million pact to stay competitive in the East.

3. Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) – The electrifying guard is a lock for a max extension. A five‑year, $210‑million deal would cement Memphis’s identity around his explosiveness.

4. Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) – After a season of All‑Star flair, Edwards is a strong candidate for a 5‑year, $215‑million contract, keeping the Wolves’ future bright.

5. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) – The Thunder have already signaled a long‑term commitment. Expect a max‑type extension of around $200 million.

6. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) – Health concerns aside, the Pelicans will likely swing a massive five‑year, $190‑million deal to retain their once‑in‑a‑generation talent.

7. Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) – Young’s contract runs through 2026‑27; the Hawks might try to add a player‑option year or restructure to keep him below the cap while still rewarding his playmaking.

8. De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings) – Fox’s rising status as a premier point guard puts him on the verge of a max extension, possibly $190‑million over five years.

9. Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks) – Approaching 33, Middleton may accept a slightly reduced figure—perhaps a 4‑year, $120‑million pact—to stay with Giannis in Milwaukee.

10. Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) – A solid defensive anchor, Adebayo could secure a 5‑year, $130‑million extension, locking the Heat’s front‑court core.

11. DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls) – The veteran’s consistent scoring makes a 4‑year, $100‑million deal realistic, allowing Chicago to keep its veteran presence.

12. Paul George (Los Angeles Clippers) – With his option ending, the Clippers will likely opt for a two‑year, $60‑million extension to stay under the luxury‑tax threshold.

13. Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat) – Butler’s leadership may net a 4‑year, $115‑million extension, preserving the Heat’s culture.

14. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) – Already a three‑time MVP, Jokić will command a monumental five‑year, $260‑million contract, possibly the biggest in NBA history.

15. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) – Curry’s existing deal runs through 2026‑27; a player option for 2028 could be on the table, offering another $70‑million in guaranteed money.

16. Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) – If the Suns can fit him under the cap, Durant may seek a three‑year, $110‑million extension to stay in the desert.

17. LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets) – The flashy guard could earn a 5‑year, $180‑million max, cementing Charlotte’s future around his playmaking.

18. Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) – Haliburton’s rising stock points to a 4‑year, $130‑million deal, giving Indiana a new franchise cornerstone.

19. Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) – A versatile big man, Sabonis may secure a 4‑year, $120‑million extension, ensuring the Kings’ frontcourt stays competitive.

20. Andrew Wiggins (Golden State Warriors) – Though a role player, Wiggins could sign a modest 2‑year, $30‑million deal to stay with the championship roster.

These twenty players form the core of the upcoming salary‑cap saga. Their decisions will ripple across the league, influencing which teams can afford to chase the remaining free agents, and which will have to pivot to trades or rebuild.

Bottom line: Keep an eye on the timing of player options, the luxury‑tax thresholds, and the willingness of franchises to gamble on long‑term max deals. The summer will be a chess match, and the pieces are already moving.