Every year in the NBA brings a hot transfer period when players with free agent status get the opportunity to switch teams. However, many leading basketball players prefer to agree on a new deal with their current clubs in advance. Extending the contract guarantees financial stability for athletes and saves them from the need to look for a new team. In anticipation of the opening of the 2024 free agency market, a number of superstars are likely to take advantage of this option. And if you’re into betting, for safe bets you can Mostbet yükləmə. This mobile application from a reliable bookmaker offers a wide variety of bets, competitive odds, and generous bonuses for new and regular customers.
LeBron James
It’s hardly surprising that LeBron James has decided to extend his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 38-year-old forward has been playing for the Californian club since 2018 and has no intention of stopping. By declining the player option for $51.4 million in the upcoming season, LeBron could expect a new 3-year contract worth around $162 million. It’s slightly less than a one-time payoff, but it guarantees financial security for the coming years, which is more important. The NBA rule for players over 38 allows for a maximum extension of 2 seasons, so James has an incentive to accept this offer and finish his career with the Lakers.
Jrue Holiday
Perhaps the most obvious candidate for contract re-signing is Boston Celtics point guard Jrue Holiday. After a brilliant playoff performance, where he was one of the main creators of the team’s success, retaining the 32-year-old leader is crucial for the Celtics management.
In the 2023/24 season, Holiday earned $36.9 million with a player option. However, due to the rules of the new NBA collective agreement, the Celtics have faced budgetary constraints, including luxury taxes and penalties for inflexibility. The club will have to give up some of the financial rewards to keep Holiday on the team.
Most likely, the parties will agree to extend the contract for 4 years with an annual salary of around $28 million. This means a loss of almost $12 million for the point guard in the first year of the new agreement compared to the previous season. However, with long-term guarantees of $100-125 million for the entire contract term, this will be a good deal for both sides. The Celtics will retain a key player and leader who has become one of the main catalysts for their playoff success. Holiday, on the other hand, will gain financial stability until the end of his career in a prestigious club with ambitions for a championship title. Moreover, $28 million per year is a very solid amount for a point guard of his age.
Tobias Harris
After a disappointing exit from the playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers risk losing key forward Tobias Harris, who has become a free agent. Considering the club’s ambitions and his incredible role in the team’s success, the management will make every effort to extend the contract with the 32-year-old player. However, his last contract for $39.3 million per year was overly generous for the Sixers. This time, the club may offer Harris an extension with a significant salary reduction – around $25 million per year. For the veteran, this is a profitable deal with the guarantee of a long-term contract in familiar conditions of fighting for the title.
De’Anthony Melton
Another likely candidate for contract extension in Philadelphia is guard De’Anthony Melton. If he goes into the free agent market, his maximum potential is estimated at a 4-year contract worth $70-80 million. However, the Sixers could offer the 26-year-old basketball player more favorable conditions by guaranteeing him a place in the rotation of a strong club instead of moving to a middle-of-the-road team or an outsider of the league. For Philadelphia, retaining Melton is also crucial considering the potential loss of other key players.
Gary Trent Jr.
Another interesting case is the situation surrounding Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. The parties had previously discussed the possibility of extending the agreement, but due to financial disagreements, the deal was not concluded. In the next season, restricted free agent Trent could expect a starter-level contract of around $12.9 million. This is a significant decrease compared to his current salary of $18.6 million.
To prevent the departure of the valuable 25-year-old player, the Raptors may make some concessions and agree to an extension with a salary of around $15-16 million per year. For Trent, this is a good compromise provided that the club remains competitive and he retains stable playing time. Otherwise, it would be more beneficial for the defender to explore options in the open market, as D’Angelo Russell did with the Lakers.
