The 5 veterans who can play a key role in major renovations in the NBA market

With most of the NBA trade market already closed and September serving as a starting point for a new season, several veteran stars face a particularly important year ahead. Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Pascal Siakam are among the names whose contractual future deserves special attention, while other players like Moussa Diabaté may also become key figures.

Curry and Jokic, two legends with their future in their hands

Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic share a unique trait: both have won two consecutive MVP awards and have publicly expressed their desire to finish their careers with the franchises that made them stars.

Curry, who has never played for another team other than the Golden State Warriors, recently reiterated his intention to remain with the franchise. "There’s no doubt that I want to be here for the rest of my career. And I’m pretty confident that’s going to happen," said the guard.

Curry's contractual situation merits attention after Golden State failed to acquire LeBron James and maintains a roster with several veterans and less young talent. Nevertheless, the franchise has conveyed confidence that their star will continue with the team and would be willing to give him the freedom to decide the structure of his next contract.

In Denver, Nikola Jokic faces a different situation. The center has also repeatedly stated that he wants to be a Nugget for life, but he has decided to postpone his extension. His contract includes $59 million for this season and a player option of $62.8 million for 2027-28.

The reason is purely economic. If Jokic signs an extension now, he could reach approximately $278 million over four seasons. If he waits until next summer, he would have the opportunity to sign for five years at about $359.5 million, which would make it the largest contract in NBA history.

Giannis and Kawhi debut new teams and have their contractual future pending

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard are facing an even more striking scenario after changing teams. The Greek left Milwaukee to join the Miami Heat, while Leonard is set to return to the Toronto Raptors after his trade from the Clippers was delayed.

Giannis won't be able to officially negotiate an extension until January 6. From that date, he can add up to four years and $275 million to his current contract, which guarantees him $58.5 million this season and includes a player option of $62.8 million for 2027-28.

His arrival in Miami places him alongside Bam Adebayo in a project that has also added more outside shooting ability. The goal will be to see how the combination works between the two and whether the Heat's new offense can maximize Antetokounmpo's skills.

Kawhi Leonard's situation is even more unique. The forward can already negotiate an extension that could reach $123.7 million over three seasons. His return to Toronto adds a new dimension to a team that won 46 games last season and excelled especially on defense.

The main question now revolves around his long-term future. Leonard and the Raptors will have to evaluate a new contract after a move that has placed the player back with the franchise where he won the championship in 2019.

Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks dilemma

Karl-Anthony Towns arrives at this moment after a particularly important season with the New York Knicks. The center was a central figure in the best campaign of his career, helping the team capture its first championship in 53 years.

However, his economic situation presents several questions. Towns has a player option of $62.8 million for 2027-28. If he exercises it, he could sign a three-year extension worth $208 million. If he declines it, he could add up to $272 million over four seasons.

The issue for the Knicks is their salary situation. The franchise is just $3.3 million below the second apron and still has other important contractual decisions to make. Josh Hart and Miles McBride are eligible for extensions, while Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby will be eligible next summer.

Towns will turn 31 in November, so New York must evaluate how much to commit to a center entering his thirties while the team is trying to maintain a competitive roster. According to the information mentioned in the text, a four-year contract worth $180 million has been considered as a possible reference, although it is also noted that the Knicks may not be willing to offer him the max.

Pascal Siakam, a key piece for the Pacers

Pascal Siakam represents another case of a veteran who has proven to be fundamental for his franchise. Since his arrival in Indiana midway through the 2023-24 season, the Cameroonian has averaged 21.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, with 51.2% shooting from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.

His importance increased even more during last season, marked by the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. Siakam was the leading scorer for the Pacers, their only All-Star, and one of the main pillars of a team trying to compete again for the top positions in the East.

The forward can add up to three years and $207 million to his current contract. However, Indiana also has several important decisions ahead. Haliburton will be able to negotiate an extension, Aaron Nesmith will be eligible next summer, and other players like Ivica Zubac, Andrew Nembhard, and Obi Toppin have contracts that will take them to free agency in 2028.

Siakam will also turn 33 in April. The Pacers will need to decide how much they are willing to commit for a player who can be a central piece of their project but whose new contract would extend into his mid-thirties.

Moussa Diabaté, the different name on the list

Moussa Diabaté is the player who presents a completely different profile from the rest. The French center for the Charlotte Hornets is not a veteran superstar, but his development during last season has placed him as one of the players to watch for a potential extension.

Diabaté averaged 7.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, as well as 1.8 combined steals and blocks, in 26 minutes per game, with a 63% shooting percentage. His insertion into the starting lineup contributed to Charlotte's strong performance during the second half of the season.

The Frenchman will not be eligible for an extension until February 8, 2027, but the Hornets will have to evaluate how much they are willing to invest in him. Diabaté could be eligible to start an extension with a salary exceeding $21.2 million, although the text suggests that an agreement similar to the four-year, $56 million deal signed by Neemias Queta with Boston could be a more realistic reference.

In addition, Charlotte has added Naz Reid, has Ryan Kalkbrenner, and selected Hannes Steinbach with the 14th pick in the 2026 Draft, so competition at the interior position will be another factor to consider.

Thus, the extension market in the coming months will have several open fronts. From legends wanting to finish their careers with the same franchise to stars who have just changed teams and players in full growth, contractual decisions may have a significant impact on the future of numerous NBA projects.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 5 veteranos que pueden protagonizar grandes renovaciones en el mercado NBA