Contract extensions have already been the story of the offseason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got a historic one — four years, $272.4 million, with him making more than $70 million in the final two seasons — and the Thunder also locked up Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren with ones. Devin Booker secured a massive extension, demonstrating his commitment to the Suns, while Nikola Jokić decided to wait a year. In contrast, LeBron James and the Lakers didn’t extend his contract, instead, he simply picked up his option. The Pacers never extended Myles Turner and now he’s a Buck.
That doesn’t mean the drama is over. Here are five veteran contract extensions that will come up in the next month and are worth keeping an eye on.
Luka Doncic (Lakers)
On Aug. 2, the Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $223 million extension.
There are media members and others online who want to create a lot more drama and stress here — “he didn’t ask to be traded to the Lakers” or “he may choose not to sign it” — than any reasonable reading of the situation suggests.
While stunned by the trade when it happened, Doncic has never spoken ill of the Lakers organization. To the contrary, he has praised the Lakers and said he looked forward to meeting and working with new owner Mark Walter. Doncic has also worked this summer to help recruit Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to Los Angeles.
The Lakers are an amazing organization. I’m looking forward to meeting Mark and excited about the future. I am also grateful to Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA, and I’m happy that Jeanie will continue to be involved. I look forward to working with both of them…
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) June 19, 2025
Remember what every agent of a superstar tells their client in this moment: Sign for the most money you can get now, if you want out, we can always push for a trade in a year or two.
All that said, don’t expect Doncic to sign for the full four-year max on Aug. 2.
He is expected to sign a three-year, $165 million max (or three plus a player option) because…
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