NBA: Doncic, Kuminga and more summer keys. What to expect?

Key Moves in the NBA: Extensions, Free Agents, and the Future of the Stars

A month before the 2025 NBA draft, the summer has brought significant moves that are redefining the league. From the selections of Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper by the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs, respectively, to the trades and free agency of figures like Kevin Durant, Desmond Bane, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Myles Turner, the offseason has been full of action. However, crucial decisions still need to be made. Below, we analyze the most important contract extensions and restricted free agency situations of the 2025 offseason, starting with a possible extension for a superstar.

Will Luka Dončić sign an extension in August?

One of the most prominent stories is the date of August 2nd, when Luka Dončić, who arrived in Los Angeles almost six months ago in a shocking trade, could sign an extension to stay with the Lakers beyond next summer.

If Dončić decides not to extend his contract, he could become an unrestricted free agent in July, which would make him the most valuable player on the market since Kawhi Leonard in 2019.

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The Lakers, of course, will seek to avoid a situation similar to that of Leonard, who left the Toronto Raptors to join the LA Clippers.

If Dončić chooses to sign an extension, he could opt for a four-year, $222 million contract, ensuring his stay with the Lakers until the end of the decade. Another option would be a short-term deal, possibly a three-year, $160 million extension with an option for the 2028-29 season. This would allow him to sign a contract in 2028 for 35% of the salary cap, which could translate into a five-year, $369 million contract.

For Lakers fans who may have doubts about Dončić’s investment in Los Angeles, Marcus Smart’s words about his decision to join the team could be revealing.

“When you have a guy like Luka calling… asking for you, trying to see where you are, to see if you want to join something special he’s trying to build here,” Smart said this week. “For him to say he can really use my help, that meant a lot.”

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What’s next for restricted free agents?

Restricted free agency is a complicated territory, as demonstrated by the fact that 25 players signed contract extensions in the last two years, including 11 in 2024. Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes, Jonathan Kuminga, and Cam Thomas are still awaiting a resolution. These players have been affected by the lack of salary cap space in the league. Teams have limited options, forcing these restricted free agents to choose between committing in their next contracts or continuing to wait. Kuminga’s options are limited by the lack of overall spending and the possibility of the Golden State Warriors being affected if a trade and signing occurs. Grimes finds himself in a similar situation, with his future uncertain due to the finances of the Philadelphia 76ers.

If an agreement is not reached, the option is to sign the one-year qualifying offer. Giddey ($11.1 million), Grimes ($8.5 million), Kuminga ($8 million), and Thomas ($6 million) have until October 1st to sign. Otherwise, the contract will no longer be valid, and each player will remain a restricted free agent.

There is a disadvantage to signing the qualifying offer. Although they would be unrestricted free agents in the 2026 offseason, each player loses Bird rights if they accept a trade to a new team during the season.

Other key decisions about veteran extensions

In addition to Dončić, there are other veterans facing the possibility of extending their contracts this summer. Kevin Durant, who was traded to the Houston Rockets, can sign a two-year extension for a maximum of $118 million. If he doesn’t, he could become an unrestricted free agent next summer. You also have to watch out for De’Aaron Fox, who also changed teams in February, and Trae Young, who has one year left on his contract. Other interesting players to follow are Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, P.J. Washington, Tyler Herro, Toumani Camara, and AJ Green.

Extensions for beginners to consider

Four players from the 2022 draft (Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jalen Williams) have already signed long-term extensions. In the coming months, attention will focus on the remaining 17 players eligible for extensions from that class. Players like Dyson Daniels, Christian Braun, Tari Eason, Bennedict Mathurin, Mark Williams, Shaedon Sharpe, Keegan Murray, and Walker Kessler are some of the names to watch. The Pacers have been aggressive in signing extensions with their own players in the last two seasons, but they have done so within budget. Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and T.J. McConnell have signed new contracts.

Where will Russell Westbrook play next season?

Each year, prominent veterans become available in late free agency, and this time is no exception. Players like Ben Simmons, Malcolm Brogdon, Chris Boucher, and Gary Payton II are still without a team. However, the most prominent name is Russell Westbrook, a former MVP. Westbrook, after playing his first 11 seasons with the Thunder, has played on five teams in the last six seasons: Rockets, Washington Wizards, Lakers, Clippers and, most recently, the Nuggets. After declining his player option for next season, Westbrook was expected to have a team by now. Westbrook remains a talented and productive player, despite approaching 37 years old, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in almost 28 minutes last season. However, his need to play with the ball and his difficulties as a shooter make him a complicated fit on most aspiring rosters. It’s hard to imagine Westbrook being out of an NBA roster next season, and many veterans sign minimum contracts in August.