The NBA offseason has been marked by a series of significant contract extensions, bringing attention to key veteran players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secured a historic four-year deal worth $272.4 million, with his salary ramping to over $70 million in the final two seasons, while the Thunder also locked in promising talents Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Devin Booker committed to the Suns through a massive extension, and Nikola Jokić chose to delay his contract decision. In contrast, LeBron James only picked up his existing option without an extension, and Myles Turner, not retained by the Pacers, ended up with the Bucks. Amid these movements, several critical negotiations remain unresolved, keeping the offseason drama very much alive.

Among the upcoming veteran contract extensions demanding close attention within the next month, Kevin Durant’s stand-out situation with the Houston Rockets is generating considerable anticipation.

Anticipation Builds Around Kevin Durant’s Extension with the Rockets

This summer, the Houston Rockets added Kevin Durant to their roster, positioning themselves to offer him a lucrative two-year extension worth up to $122.1 million. Durant was highly selective about his trade destinations, with Houston ranking near the top, and he has publicly praised the organization since joining. Both sides have until June next year to consummate the deal, and while an extension seems all but certain, some expect Durant to accept slightly less than the maximum salary to ease the Rockets’ financial load.

Durant’s willingness to potentially reduce his extension by around $10 million could be pivotal in allowing the Rockets to maintain a competitive core for the near future. This flexibility on his part reveals a readiness to help his new franchise sustain contention beyond this season.

Key Players Facing Extension Decisions in the Near Future

Other prominent veterans approaching contract negotiations include several superstar guards and forwards whose decisions will shape their teams’ prospects and the league’s balance.

Luka Doncic’s Looming Deal with the Lakers

The Lakers can offer Luka Doncic a four-year extension worth up to $223 million beginning August 2. Despite initial shock from being traded, Doncic has publicly expressed positive sentiments about joining the Lakers and cooperation with ownership, including new owner Mark Walter. He has even helped recruit high-profile players like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to the organization. According to insiders and reasonable expectations, Doncic is likely to sign a three-year deal worth approximately $165 million, including a player option, rather than the full four-year maximum.

This approach aligns with a strategy to reassess his contract once he reaches ten years in the league, at which point he can negotiate a higher salary based on a 35% salary cap max. The timing of signing may also be influenced by the EuroBasket championships, where Doncic will represent Slovenia before finalizing the deal upon his return.

The Lakers are an amazing organization. I’m looking forward to meeting Mark and excited about the future. I am also grateful to Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA, and I’m happy that Jeanie will continue to be involved. I look forward to working with both of them… — Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) June 19, 2025

Trae Young’s Contract Extensions Amid Atlanta’s Roster Overhaul

The Atlanta Hawks are primed to offer Trae Young a four-year, $228.6 million maximum contract extension. This comes after the franchise significantly strengthened its roster by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, known for adding shot blocking and a pick-and-pop offensive element complementary to Young’s style. Other additions such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard enhance both perimeter shooting and defensive capabilities, while the return of Jalen Johnson from injury adds depth.

Young’s performance last season was strong offensively, averaging 24.2 points and leading the league with 11.6 assists per game. However, his defense remains a liability, and he led the league in turnovers with 355. These factors make the contract extension negotiations complex, as paying Young max money for a full four years might not align with the Hawks’ long-term plans. A possibility includes a shorter-term deal that would give all parties flexibility to re-evaluate before committing long-term.

San Antonio Spurs’ Challenge with De’Aaron Fox’s Contract

Following the trade for De’Aaron Fox earlier this year, the San Antonio Spurs are positioned to offer him a max extension valued at $229 million over four years starting August 3. The Spurs envisioned Fox and rookie Victor Wembanyama becoming the foundation of a future contender, but the emergence of young guard Dylan Harper after the NBA draft adds complexity to the backcourt composition.

The Spurs face the difficult task of fitting Fox, Harper, and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle into a cohesive backcourt. While the ideal result would have been Fox as the clear lead guard, the presence of these talented younger players may influence the nature of Fox’s extension. A shorter contract term might provide San Antonio with increased flexibility and trade value, though Fox may prefer longer-term security, making negotiations delicate.

Uncertainty on Mikal Bridges’ Extension with the Knicks

The New York Knicks can pitch Mikal Bridges a four-year, $156 million extension, but several issues create obstacles for this agreement. One notable uncertainty involves the tentative speculation about potential trades involving Bridges if Milwaukee Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo chooses to leave, a move considered unlikely given Antetokounmpo’s statements about staying.

Bridges’ production under the former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau did not clearly justify such a steep extension, especially with an average annual salary near $39 million. Nonetheless, Bridges showed strong defensive skills and key plays during the playoffs, including significant contributions in the series against Boston. Much hinges on how new coach Mike Brown plans to utilize Bridges within the team’s system. If Bridges fits in prominently, the Knicks may push for an extension closer to a maximum deal; otherwise, a trade or a discounted contract similar to Jalen Brunson’s might be pursued.

Contract Extensions Will Shape NBA Rosters and Strategies

As key veteran players like Kevin Durant and others negotiate extensions, these decisions will have major ramifications on their franchises’ capacity to build winning teams moving forward. The timing and terms of these deals reflect both salary cap realities and strategic considerations regarding team composition and the opportunity to maximize player value.

Durant’s contract negotiations with the Rockets stand out as particularly important, given Houston’s ambition and the player’s stature in the league. His willingness to compromise could set a cooperative tone for the Rockets’ future salary structure. Meanwhile, the Lakers, Hawks, Spurs, and Knicks each face their own complex choices as they balance long-term team development with financial constraints.

As the next few months unfold, fans and analysts should closely monitor how these negotiations resolve, as they will influence not only individual careers but also the competitive landscape of the NBA in seasons to come.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Has Kevin Durant ever scored 50?

A. On February 19 during the 2011–12 season, which was shortened due to a lockout, Durant had his first 50-point game, scoring 51 points against the Denver Nuggets.

Q. Is Kevin Durant a billionaire?

A. According to a previous report by AfroTech, Kevin Durant’s net worth stands at $75 million.