This is developing into a season of change in the NBA. Tanking teams from last season are pivoting to full competition, talent has migrated to the East, and expansion could spur realignment. But another trend from this summer involving star players has league executives and agents taking note.
Brian Windhorst reports that there were three significant instances this summer of star players seeking contract extensions while the team played hardball, a departure from recent practice. Karl-Anthony Towns publicly said he wanted to extend and would accept less than a max deal, but the New York Knicks ended negotiations, leaving Towns unsettled heading into the season. He holds a $61 million player option for 2027-28. Anthony Davis was also open to a number below his max with the Washington Wizards, who tabled talks until after 20 to 30 games. Davis then said he would wait until after the season.
Jalen Duren, coming off an All-Star and All-NBA season, had a summer of discontent with the Detroit Pistons before agreeing to a new deal on the eve of training camp. The $200 million contract is $87 million less than his max. An Eastern Conference executive said, "Being unhappy is not a negotiating position anymore."
Tim Mac Mahon notes that the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves worked hard to keep their superstars happy. The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade, sending two first-round picks and two swaps to the Utah Jazz, mainly to deliver what Luka Doncic wanted. Minnesota overhauled its roster to please Anthony Edwards, who wanted to play shooting guard alongside La Melo Ball. The next test for both teams is turning that happiness into contract extensions next summer.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing