The NBA world is currently focused on the early rounds of the playoffs, but we're only a month away from the start of the offseason and some major decisions will be made for a group of stars heading into the final year of their contracts.
Since free agency is no longer as attractive as it used to be, there are few people who will test 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 could certainly threaten to make a move in free agency to get even more 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 premier mercenaries. He has no loyalty to any team and that is not going to change. While he is owed $42 million next season, it would be surprising if he joined and there have already been early reports that he intends to opt out.
Just months shy of his 37th birthday, the 11-time All-Star could take an annual salary cut in favor of a more guaranteed season.
Austin Reeves
Austin Reeves is having a career year at the perfect time. The Los Angeles Lakers veteran has emerged as a future All-Star talent and core member of the roster. There's no way he'll play for just under $15 million next season. He's highly unlikely to leave LA, but he'll likely get a huge pay raise this summer.
Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet is in an interesting situation. 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 be included next season. However, the Rockets have been in a mess this year and VanVleet is likely being used in a summer trade, considering he could opt out of the remainder of the year.
al horford
Al Horford's decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors last summer proved to be the wrong one. They were expected to be title contenders, and injuries to their top stars completely derailed those plans. Expect him to opt to return east, either retiring with the Boston Celtics or finishing his career where it started, the Atlanta Hawks.
Kevin Porter Jr.
After being one of the few good things to happen for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2025-26, Kevin Porter Jr. is set to opt out of the $5 million he earned next season. Since very few stars are expected to really test the market, the six-year veteran will be one of the top players available and is set to get a very nice pay rise this summer.
deandre ayton
When the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal with an opt-out last summer, everyone knew he would use it. With so few reliable veterans in the game, and after staying healthy throughout the season, the eight-year veteran will surely opt to ask for a raise on the $8 million he will make next season.
bradley beal
Despite trying to bounce back from a broken hip and having a few bad seasons, you can bet Bradley Beal thinks he's still worth more than the $5 million he'll make with the Los Angeles Clippers next year. Plus, it looks like LA is in the early stages of a rebuild, and the 14-year vet won't want to deal with that.
trey young
There are two certain things in the NBA offseason. Trae Young will opt out of the approximately $49 million he is owed next season. But he will do so in order to get a new long-term deal from his new team, the Washington Wizards. There is an outside chance that he may change his mind and test his value in the open market. But Washington is unlikely to get a better offer than what any other team will offer.
