Which NBA stars could get PAID this summer? Stacki...
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- NBA will see a record summer of extensions as over 100 players become eligible for new deals, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic and Donovan Mitchell.
- CBA changes in 2017 and 2023 have shifted player incentives toward guaranteed money now, raising the average number of extensions signed per season from 21 under the old CBA to 31 under the current one.
- 44 potential free agents, such as CJ McCollum, Dean Wade, Trae Young and Julian Champagnie, can sign extensions through June 30, with Champagnie eligible for a four‑year, $87 million deal if his team option is not exercised.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo can decline his $62.8 million player option on Oct 1 and negotiate a four‑year, $275 million extension, or take the option and later sign a three‑year, $213.6 million deal.
- Jimmy Haslam of the Bucks says the draft is a natural point for a trade if Giannis leaves, indicating the team may need to amass assets before the deadline.
Why it matters: Teams can lock in elite talent early, reducing free‑agent market volatility, while players secure guaranteed wealth; the Bucks risk losing Giannis without a trade plan, and the league sees a surge in high‑value contracts reshaping salary caps.
