NBA Rumors: Players Whose Contracts Are Expiring and Who Could Sign Extensions or Change Teams

A year ago, the trade rumors placing Walker Kessler far from the Utah Jazz seemed unbelievable. The franchise was content with its young center, who had a strong defensive profile, and appeared willing to make him an important part of their future plans.

However, the talks to extend his rookie contract did not go well. Kessler was thus destined to become a restricted free agent, and ultimately, a strong offer from the Los Angeles Lakers convinced the Jazz to let him go through a sign-and-trade.

So far, only two of the players who found themselves in a similar situation a year ago —first-round draft picks on the verge of a rookie extension— have signed new contracts. The San Antonio Spurs finalized a maximum deal with Victor Wembanyama in July, and this week the Houston Rockets did the same with Amen Thompson, giving him a five-year contract worth 208 million dollars. Neither of the two agreements reached the absolute maximum: Wembanyama signed for 25% of the maximum instead of 30%, a detail that is particularly significant.

More extensions are expected, but the franchises that might have salary cap space in 2027 —including the Warriors, Nets, Bulls, Hawks, and Grizzlies— are closely monitoring which players fail to reach new agreements now or which contracts could force their teams to part with other pieces.

The Kessler case could be repeated with several young players entering restricted free agency, which could turn them into trade candidates or trigger other movements within their respective franchises.

Young Players Who Could Become Restricted Free Agents

Brandon Miller, Hornets. The expectation is that Charlotte will finalize a significant extension with Miller, likely around the $208 million that Amen Thompson signed. The Hornets’ finances are quite manageable over the next two years, so even if Miller were to enter restricted free agency, it doesn’t seem likely that he will leave.

Scoot Henderson, Blazers. It would be surprising if Portland decided to renew Henderson after three very inconsistent seasons affected by injuries. Most likely, the Blazers will wait and let him reach restricted free agency. If he suddenly manages to play consistently at a high level, he would be a very interesting candidate for a sign-and-trade in 2027.

Ausar Thompson, Pistons. One of the reasons Detroit is being tough in negotiations with Jalen Duren is that they know they will also have to pay Thompson. Everything points to the Pistons eventually renewing Duren, and it would be surprising if they took so long to reach an agreement with Thompson. Detroit is comfortable building around the trio of Duren, Thompson, and Cade Cunningham but does not want to lose flexibility by committing to all three.

Dereck Lively, Mavericks. There is always concern when an interior player has foot injuries, and the fact that physical issues have limited Lively to just 98 games in three years means he is unlikely to receive an extension. However, if he plays 75 games this season and shows the level he had when Dallas reached the Finals, he will become one of the top restricted free agents. The Mavericks have several contracts they need to free up, such as those of PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Naji Marshall, if Lively performs well and receives a new contract in restricted free agency.

Jaime Jaquez Jr., Bucks. Milwaukee should re-sign him for a reasonable amount. Jaquez is a good bench player, well-rounded and capable of helping to win games. However, teams with cap space in 2027 will not be particularly interested in pursuing him if he reaches restricted free agency.

Brandin Podziemski, Warriors. If Golden State decides to prioritize having a significant amount of cap space, they could inform Podziemski that he will have to wait until 2027 to receive a new contract. It will all depend on the decision Stephen Curry makes. If Curry waits to extend his contract, the Warriors would have a huge amount of cap space, and it wouldn’t make sense to let a deal with Podziemski interfere with that scenario. The expectation is that if Steph waits, Podz will too.

The big rookie extensions to watch

Anthony Black, Magic. He is one of the most important cases, as Orlando is going through a complicated financial situation after awarding high maximum extensions to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, in addition to having the hefty contract of Jalen Suggs. The Magic have $180 million committed among those three players, Wendell Carter, and Desmond Bane.

Granting Black a market-value extension of around $20 million per year would put Orlando into the luxury tax with only six players. This would force the franchise to wait to renew Black and make him a primary target for other teams in restricted free agency through a sign-and-trade, or to consider a trade, even involving Wagner or Banchero.

Cason Wallace, Thunder. He is the other major case to watch. With the new extension for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander taking effect in the 2027-28 season, Oklahoma City already has nearly $210 million committed in salaries for that season. An extension for Wallace could start at around $25 million — roughly four years and $110 million — which would place the Thunder between $10 and $15 million over the second apron by renewing him, and that’s with only eight players.

Therefore, Wallace may not receive an extension and enter restricted free agency, or he could renew and force Oklahoma City to seek a trade to offload Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, or even, once again, Chet Holmgren or Jalen Williams.

Keyonte George, Jazz. George's breakout season last year, with 23.6 points and 6.1 assists per game, came at a perfect time for him, but not so much for Utah. If the Jazz offer him an extension, the cost could be between 30 and 35 million dollars annually. It's a significant figure for a franchise that has already committed 100 million to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen and that is still uncertain how George and the second Draft pick, Darryn Peterson, will fit together.

Renewing him would be a good move if Utah believes in him, unless the franchise considers that it would be overpaying and that his statistics could return to average when the team stops rebuilding. It's a complicated decision, and waiting until after this season to address it in restricted free agency is also on the table.

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Great guards that could hit the market

Darius Garland, Clippers. He has two years and 87 million dollars left on his contract. The punishment related to Aspiration and Kawhi Leonard could trigger a series of events that firmly places Garland on the market, as the Clippers try to recoup as many future Draft picks from their roster as possible. The question is whether any team would be willing to give up two picks for him.

Kyrie Irving, Mavericks. He has two years left and 82 million dollars, with a player option in the second year. Marc Stein mentioned him, which is why he appears on the list, although nothing is imminent. As is the case with many veterans, the idea would be to keep him until January, increase his value, and see if something can be closed at the trade deadline.

Dejounte Murray, Pelicans. He has two years left and 63 million dollars, with a player option. Teams will want to check on how he is doing now that he should be fully recovered from his Achilles tendon injury, but he is expected to become a trade candidate as the deadline approaches.

Jamal Murray, Nuggets. He has three years left and 161 million dollars. It is a possibility, although it does not seem likely to happen right now. Denver's finances are complicated, and it is not hard to imagine a situation here similar to that of Jaylen Brown.

Mikal Bridges, Knicks. He has four years left and 150 million dollars. For the Knicks, it would make sense to gain flexibility for the future, which is why he is on this list. However, New York seems determined to try to keep the team below the second apron for as long as possible, though there will come a time when that situation will break.

Shaedon Sharpe, Trail Blazers. He has four years and 90 million dollars left. Sharpe is sidelined due to a torn meniscus, a tough blow for both him and Portland, which will likely remove him from trade discussions. Nevertheless, he averaged 20.8 points last season, and the Blazers have a surplus of players at the guard position.

Jordan Hawkins, Pelicans. He has one year and 7 million dollars left. Hawkins never lived up to expectations for a lottery pick after his impressive performance with UConn in the 2023 tournament, so the fact that he is on the trade market is probably not big news. He is only 24 years old, but he has a 37.4% field goal percentage over his career.

Ty Jerome, Grizzlies. He has two years and 19 million dollars left, including a player option. Jerome took advantage of the chaos in Memphis last season and averaged 19.7 points, with a 42% three-point shooting rate. The Grizzlies need to trim their roster, and the 29-year-old does not really fit into their plans. He would have good value if Memphis wanted to turn him into future assets, although the franchise does not have much else at the guard position.

Dalton Knecht, Lakers. He has two years and 10 million dollars left, including two team options. Knecht showed some flashes as a rookie but saw a drop in performance in his second season and is now a salary piece for a potential trade. It’s surprising that no team has wanted to bet on his potential, considering he is only 25 years old.

Jaden Hardy, Lakers. He has one year and 6 million dollars left. The Lakers need to free up a spot, and Hardy is a candidate if they find a team willing to take him. Using him in a trade for Jonathan Kuminga was the dream scenario for Los Angeles, but now they simply want to get rid of him.

A wing market with several options

Brandon Ingram, Raptors/Clippers. He has two years and 82 million dollars left, with a player option. The Clippers should try to accumulate as many draft picks as they can, and parting with Brandon Ingram next summer could allow them to secure one.

Moses Moody, Warriors. He has two years and 26 million dollars left. Moody could be ready for the start of the season and is said to be staying in Golden State. However, if the Warriors make any moves this summer, speculation suggests that Moody could be involved.

Trey Murphy, Pelicans. He has three years and 88 million dollars left. It has been rumored that New Orleans could trade Murphy, although conflicting information has also emerged. Murphy is one of the frequent names in NBA trade rumors, but the Pelicans are delaying any possible operation.

Saddiq Bey, Pelicans. He has one year left and 6.5 million dollars. Bey had a good season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament, averaging 17.7 points and shooting 45.1% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range. These were stats achieved on a poor team, but he showed that he can still be a suitable forward off the bench for another team.

Patrick Williams, Bulls. He has three years left and 54 million dollars. For fans, it would be symbolic and likely cathartic to see Williams out of the team while a new front office and coaching staff arrives. However, his contract is a significant obstacle.

Michael Porter Jr., Nets. He has one year left and 40 million dollars, partially guaranteed. Porter will end up on the trade candidate list if negotiations for an extension fail. Everything indicates that those talks are not progressing, so his name should be monitored as a possible available player in the coming months.

Derrick Jones Jr., Clippers. He has one year left and 10 million dollars. Jones continues to be a defensive specialist, and his expiring contract gives the Clippers room to move him. However, the franchise is caught in the pause related to Aspiration.

Kyle Kuzma, Bucks. He has one year left and 20 million dollars. His expiring contract is attractive and could be part of a deal if Milwaukee engages in a sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson, Bennedict Mathurin, or Jonathan Kuminga.

DeAndre Hunter, Kings. He has one year and 25 million dollars left. Sacramento wants to keep him as an expiring contract that could potentially be used in a trade, although he is being mentioned as a possible target. If the Kings can receive an asset without taking on long-term money, Hunter could be traded at the deadline.

Royce O'Neale, Hornets. He has two years and 21 million dollars left. Charlotte still has work to do to finalize its roster. O'Neale is not a long-term piece, but he has value. The Hornets could keep him, see how he fits, and trade him at the deadline.

Jake LaRavia, Lakers. He has one year and 6 million dollars left. He is a hardworking player who competes in every game, although he is inconsistent. His contract makes him an attractive piece in possible deals as the Lakers continue to define the last spots on their roster.

Herb Jones, Pelicans. He has four years and 82 million dollars left, including a player option. Jones is a popular name in the trade market, but the Pelicans reportedly want two first-round picks. Considering he has faced injury issues and had trouble with his three-point shooting in the last two seasons, that price seems too high. Additionally, his remaining contract deters potential suitors.

Cam Johnson, Nuggets. He has one year and 23 million dollars left. The move for Peyton Watson likely means Johnson will remain in Denver, although he will be very tradable in the coming months before the deadline. Johnson struggled in his only season with the Nuggets and has been prominently featured in NBA trade rumors for years. He still retains enough reputation around the league to generate interest, while Denver, constrained by the apron, values the conclusion of his contract.

PJ Washington, Mavericks. He has four years and 90 million dollars left. Like Daniel Gafford, Washington is leaving the Mavericks' timeline as he turns 28 this summer. He is a power forward capable of spreading the floor and defends well, although his shooting has raised doubts: last season he only converted 32.5% of his three-pointers. As with Gafford, Dallas hopes to obtain a first-round pick in exchange for him, but his contract is an obstacle and his production does not justify the amount.

A market for centers with few options

Jalen Smith, Bulls. He has one year and 9 million dollars left. Many teams continue to look for a backup center, and Smith could fit well in various situations. Chicago could take advantage of the opportunity to obtain young assets in return or wait and move him during the season.

Nikola Jovic, Heat. He has four years and 62 million dollars left. There is caution when it comes to trading Jovic, who is clearly available and is still only 23 years old. However, the remaining contract represents a significant burden for any team that wants to take it on.

Grant Williams, Hornets. He has one year and 15 million dollars left. Charlotte has not yet finished shaping its roster, and Williams' expiring contract has some value. Moreover, he can still be a useful interior player off the bench.

Zeke Nnaji, Nuggets. He has four years and 32 million dollars left. Denver tried to trade Nnaji this summer but found no interested parties. His contract is not particularly high, although four years is too long for a player in his situation.

Jarred Vanderbilt, Lakers. He has two years and 26 million dollars left. The Lakers have been trying for a while to find a team willing to take Vanderbilt, but no one seems particularly interested in assuming his contract. Los Angeles may end up using him in their rotation, much to JJ Redick's dismay, and attempt to trade him during the season.

Aaron Gordon, Nuggets. He has three years and 110 million dollars left. Someone may need to leave in the coming months due to Denver's impending financial pressure. If it's not Jamal Murray, it could be Gordon, although his recent injury history complicates the situation.

Daniel Gafford, Mavericks. He has three years and 54 million dollars left. Gafford will turn 28 in October, and with the Mavericks focused on rejuvenating the roster, moving on from him has been one of the franchise's goals.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Los jugadores que terminan contrato y podrían firmar extensiones o cambiar de equipo