NBA contract renewal negotiations are worth paying attention to: Doncic and Durant lead, and the hidden secrets of salary games

During this offseason, contract renewal has become the focus: Shea Gilgers Alexander signed a four-year, $272.4 million historical contract renewal, the Thunder locked in Jaylen Williams and Chet Homgren at the same time; Devin Booker renewed the contract with the Suns showing loyalty, while Nikola Jokic chose to wait for another year. However, the good show is still coming - in the next month, the following Wubi veterans' contract renewal negotiations may stir up the alliance pattern.

1. Luka Doncic (Lakes): On August 2, he can sign 223 million for 4 years, but he is more likely to choose 3 years, short-term

Starting from August 2, the Lakers have the right to provide Doncic with a maximum salary of US$223 million for 4 years, but he is likely not to accept it in full. The reason is simple: Doncic will be 10 years old in 3 years, and he can sign a maximum salary that accounts for 35% of the salary cap (at most currently, he can only sign 30% at most). Therefore, he is more likely to choose $165 million for 3 years (or 3 years + player option), which not only guarantees income but also locks in higher salaries for the future.

In addition, on August 2, Doncic represented Slovenia in the European Championships, and he may postpone his return to the United States in September before signing. But no matter what, Doncic stayed at the team almost for sure - he not only publicly praised the Lakers for being "a great team", but also participated in the recruitment of DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, which shows his long-term plan.

2. Kevin Durant (Rockets): The contract renewal of 122.1 million in two years is stable, or a salary cut of 10 million to help the team

The Rockets get Durant through a trade this summer, and have the right to provide him with a contract renewal of 122.1 million in two years. Both sides have the same goal: Durant lists the Rockets as their "favorite next home", and the Rockets also regard him as the core of the championship, and it is only a matter of time before the contract renewal (as of June next year).

The only suspense is the salary: the Rockets' lineup's salary is already high, and Durant may choose to cut his salary by about $10 million, which not only ensures that he can get the top salary income, but also helps the team to reduce pressure and maintain the integrity of the championship lineup. For Durant, who has "making enough money", hitting the championship is more important than short-term high salary.

3.Tree Young (Hawks): The 4-year maximum salary of 228.6 million yuan is controversial, and the team's reinforcement becomes the key to renewing the contract. The Hawks can provide Trae Young with a maximum salary of 228.6 million yuan in the offseason, but the rationality of this contract has sparked discussion. Last season, Yang averaged 24.2 points and 11.6 assists per game (first in the league), but also led the league with 355 turnovers (4.7 per game), and was often targeted on the defensive end.

However, the Hawks' lineup has been greatly upgraded this summer: the introduction of Christapus Porzingis (solving the inside frame protection problem, and the pick-and-roll cooperation with Young is worth looking forward to), Nick Eil Alexander Walker (wing defense + projection), Luke Kennard (space shooter), and Jaylen Johnson, who has returned healthy, the team is expected to be among the top four in the Eastern Conference. The improved lineup competitiveness may make Yang more willing to renew his contract, but the contract amount may be lower than the full maximum salary (for example, the average annual average of no more than 50 million), and the two sides have negotiated for nearly a year (as of June 30, 2026).

4. De Alon Fox (Spurs): There are variables in the maximum salary of 229 million in four years, and rookies may become "stumbling blocks"

Starting from August 3, the Spurs can provide Fox with a maximum salary of 229 million in four years. When Fox was traded, the team planned to make him the core with Victor Vinbanyama, but after drawing the No. 2 draw this summer and selecting point guard Dylan Harper, the crowding of the backcourt became a new problem - how can Fox, Harper and Best Rookie Stephen Castle coexist?

The Spurs may want Fox to accept a short contract (such as 2 years) so that he can sign a maximum salary of 35% of the salary cap after 10 years of age, and the contract is easier to trade; but Fox may prefer a long contract guarantee. In the end, there is a high probability that we will still sign a four-year maximum salary, but the uncertainty of backcourt rotation has added more value to this contract renewal.

5. Mikal Bridges (Knicks): The four-year, 156 million contract renewal was blocked, and the coach and the stars became variables

The Knicks can provide Bridges with a four-year, 156 million contract renewal, but two major factors slowed down the process: ① The Knicks still fantasize that the Bucks' Antetokounmpo applies for a deal, and Bridges may be a bargaining chip (although Antetokounmpo has hinted to stay in the team); ② The use plan of the new coach Mike Brown - under Tom Thibodeau last season, Bridges averaged 17.6 points per game, with highlights on the defensive end (two finals in the playoffs), but his performance was not enough to support an average annual salary of 39 million.

If Brown plans to expand his role, both parties may compromise on the amount; if he does not recognize its value, the Knicks may seek a deal or convince him to cut his salary like Jaylen Brunson. The direction of this contract renewal will directly reflect the Knicks' ambitions for the new season.