Luka Doncic is enjoying the Los Angeles sun, partly because Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont and the team’s ownership were reluctant to offer him the biggest contract in NBA history—$346 million over five years.
That’s a massive sum, but with the influx of cash coming from the NBA’s new television deal, such figures are becoming the norm for franchise players capable of leading their teams to the Finals—just as Doncic did. In the coming years, NBA contracts are only going to get more staggering.
However, some owners won’t hesitate to spend big to keep their teams competitive. So, who will secure major deals this summer? Here are five players to watch.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to become the first NBA player to earn over $80 million in a single season.
That milestone will arrive in the final year of the four-year, $293 million super-max extension he is expected to sign this summer—the largest contract in NBA history, averaging $73.25 million annually. Unlike the Mavericks’ front office, the Thunder are expected to offer this deal at the first opportunity, ensuring they retain their superstar.
Gilgeous-Alexander already qualifies for the super-max, having been named First Team All-NBA for two consecutive seasons (and possibly an MVP winner this year). At the end of the current season, he will have two years and $79.1 million remaining on his contract. Because a player’s contract cannot exceed six total years, he is eligible for a four-year extension.
Luka Doncic
The Lakers have no reservations about paying their stars.
Doncic is anticipated to sign a max extension with Los Angeles this summer, which could be worth up to five years and $229 million, averaging $57.25 million annually. However, any deal he agrees to will likely include a player option after three years, allowing him to re-sign for 35% of the salary cap in 2028 instead of the 30% he is eligible for now.
Since he was traded last month, Doncic does not qualify for a super-max extension. Only a player’s original team or one that traded for him while he was still on his rookie contract—like Oklahoma City did with Gilgeous-Alexander—can offer such a deal.
Kyrie Irving
The Mavericks are prepared to commit to Kyrie Irving this summer, doubling down on their decision to build around him.
This was a gamble made by general manager Nico Harrison when he traded Doncic to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis, believing Davis would complement Irving better.
Irving holds a $43 million player option for next season, but he is expected to opt out in search of a longer-term deal. At 32, this will likely be his final max contract. Dallas can offer a five-year, $313 million deal, but ESPN’s Bobby Marks suggests the Mavericks are more likely to propose a three-year, $176 million contract, aligning his timeline with Davis. However, Irving has significant leverage with Doncic gone, so he may push for an extra year.
Regardless of the final length, the deal will be a max contract, and Irving will remain in Dallas.
De’Aaron Fox
The philosophy is simple: if you trade for a star, you pay him.
Fox will become eligible on August 3 to sign a four-year, $229 million extension, averaging $57.25 million per season. But the price could rise even higher if the Spurs have cap space left after their offseason moves. They could renegotiate the final year of Fox’s existing contract to give him a raise, allowing the extension’s numbers to build off an increased 2025-26 salary.
San Antonio must act aggressively this offseason. Victor Wembanyama’s rapid development has accelerated the Spurs’ timeline—they can’t afford to take a slow approach to roster building. Over the next two summers, they have the financial flexibility to make bold moves, but by 2027, when Wembanyama’s extension kicks in, their spending options will be more limited. If the Spurs want to be a contender, they shouldn’t hesitate to offer Fox a raise now.
Paolo Banchero
This is an easy decision for the Magic—secure their best offensive player for the long term.
Orlando can offer Banchero a five-year, $246 million max rookie extension. If he earns an All-NBA selection next season, that number will jump to $296 million, or $59.2 million annually.
Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are also eligible for similar extensions, which—when combined with Gilgeous-Alexander’s upcoming deal—could lead to significant financial commitments for the Thunder in the coming years.
