The annual NBA player market is in full swing, and even though the biggest acquisitions are mostly complete, several decisions are still pending, including those of Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, Quentin Grimes, and others for the upcoming season. (Consult Yahoo Sports’ comprehensive NBA player market ranking here.)
Activity persisted on Wednesday, highlighted by Devin Booker establishing a new benchmark for earnings by extending his contract with the Suns, while reports indicated that the Thunder secured the services of prominent center Chet Holmgren with a five-year maximum contract potentially worth up to $250 million.
The action continued on Wednesday, featuring Devin Booker resetting the salary landscape by renewing with the Phoenix Suns and the zards acquiring center Kelly Olynyk. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokić reportedly opted against signing a contract extension with the Nuggets during his initial year of eligibility. However, there’s no cause for alarm in Denver, as the three-time MVP has approximately 80 million reasons to defer consideration of an extension until next summer.
When the player market commenced on June 30, the NBA officially established its salary ceiling at $154.647 million for the 2025-26 season. This represents a 10% increase from the previous season, aligning with expectations.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies reached an agreement on a five-year, $240 million maximum extension, and the Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. to the Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson. Dorian Finney-Smith agreed to terms with the Rockets, Ty Jerome and the Grizzlies finalized a three-year contract, and the Mavericks secured a two-year agreement with point guard D’Angelo Russell.
Separately, LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million option for the 2025-26 season, expressing his desire to compete for a championship while the Lakers develop for the future. James Harden will also remain in Los Angeles, signing a new contract with the Clippers. Julius Randle will also stay with Minnesota.
This all follows the Phoenix Suns’ trade of superstar Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th pick (Khaman Maluach) in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Boston Celtics also initiated a restructuring by trading Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trailblazers and Kristaps Porziņģis to the Atlanta Hawks.
Find all of this year’s player market deals here.
Available player rankings: Point guards | Shooting guards | Small Forwards | Power forwards | Centers
Stay informed with Yahoo Sports for real-time updates, highlights, and more as the 2025-26 NBA player market intensifies:
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/live/nba-free-agency-2025-7-9-141223157.html
