Jason Burgos
The NBA world is currently focused on the opening round of the playoffs, but we are just a month and change away from the start of the offseason and some major decisions for a bunch of stars heading into the final year of their contracts.
With free agency not being as lucrative as it once was, there are some who will pass on testing the open market. Veterans like Andrew Wiggins ($30 million), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($21 million), and Draymond Green ($27 million) aren’t going anywhere.
However, others are sure to threaten a move in free agency to get even bigger paydays from their current teams. With that in mind, let’s take a look at eight NBA stars who are sure to opt out of their current contracts in the coming weeks.
James Harden
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is one of the league’s preeminent mercenaries. He has no loyalty to any team, and that is not going to change now. While he has $42 million owed to him next season, it would be stunning if he opted in, and there have already been early reports that he intends to opt out.
Just a few months from his 37th birthday, the 11-time All-Star could take an annual pay cut for more guaranteed seasons.
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves is having a career year at the absolute right time. The undrafted Los Angeles Lakers veteran has emerged as an All-Star talent and core member of the roster going forward. There is no way he is playing for just under $15 million next season. He is highly unlikely to leave LA, but he is a lock to get a massive pay bump this summer.
Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet is in an interesting position. He took a pay cut to return to the Houston Rockets and is set to make $25 million next season. The veteran guard is also recovering from a torn ACL. A case can be made for him to opt in for next season. However, with the Rockets becoming a mess this year and VanVleet possibly being used in a summer trade, look for him to opt out of his remaining year.
Al Horford
Al Horford’s decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors last summer ended up being the wrong one. They were expected to be a title contender, and injuries to their top stars completely derailed those plans. Expect him to opt out for a return to the East, either to retire with the Boston Celtics or finish his career where it all started, the Atlanta Hawks.
Kevin Porter Jr.
After being one of the few good things for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2025-26, Kevin Porter Jr. is a lock to opt out of the $5 million he is set to earn next season. Because so few stars are expected to actually test the market, the six-year veteran will be one of the top players available and is set to get a very nice raise this summer.
Deandre Ayton
When the Lakers gave Deandre Ayton a two-year deal with an opt-out last summer, everyone knew he would use it. With so few reliable bigs around the game, and after staying healthy all season, the eight-year veteran will definitely opt out to seek an increase on the $8 million he would have made next season.
Bradley Beal
Despite trying to return from a fractured hip and following some down seasons, you can bet Bradley Beal thinks he is still worth more than the $5 million he will make next year with the Los Angeles Clippers. Furthermore, LA seems to be in the beginning stages of a rebuild, and the 14-year vet isn’t going to want to deal with that.
Trae Young
There are two sure things heading into the NBA offseason. Trae Young will opt out of the nearly $49 million he is owed next season. But he will do so to get a new long-term deal from his new team, the Washington Wizards. There is an outside chance he could change his mind and test his value on the open market. But he is unlikely to get a better offer than what Washington will give from another team.
