The most interesting contract on every NBA team

From juggernauts staking their claim atop the Western Conference to ascending squads rising above a shifting landscape out East, the NBA has seen no shortage of intrigue through the one-quarter mark.

Yet if there's one thing the season has lacked to this point, it's transactions.

Business on the court always takes precedent, but fans often crave moves off the hardwood as well, especially after collecting more than two months of data on what their team needs to improve.

Luckily for those hoop heads, the unofficial opening day of trade season has arrived as Dec. 15 marks the date when the vast majority of players who signed deals over the summer become trade eligible.

That means 82 players had restrictions lifted as of Monday, and the wheeling-and-dealing around the league can presumably pick up pace.

In anticipation of what's to come, here are the most interesting contracts on every NBA team.

The four-time all-star's talent can't be denied, but is he worth the impending payday that's approaching? Young is owed over $45 million in each of the next two seasons, but he can opt for free agency this summer thanks to a player option. All the while, the Hawks have done plenty to build around the lead guard, but have yet to go so far as to offer an extension.

Underscoring that reality is the fact that the 27-year-old has missed all but five games this year due to injury, and Atlanta has managed relatively well, going 12-9 in Young's absence. With Jalen Johnson continuing to break out, an abundance of quality youngsters and top-notch draft assets, could moving on from Young sooner rather than later kickstart a new era in ATL?

The 26-year-old is in the final season of a four-year, $100 million deal and it's unclear what his value will be on the open market. Simons was traded to a Celtics team this summer that was in major need of additional scoring after Jayson Tatum's playoff injury, but the guard hasn't quite lived up to his billing as he's been relegated to a sixth-man role, averaging his fewest points (13.1) and minutes (23.7) since 2020-21.

Most players entering their prime are due for a raise, but at a time when teams are asking players to do more for less, Simons one-sided skillset may limit his financial potential and future outlook in Boston.

Despite having played just eight games due to a hamstring injury, the 24-year-old is in the midst of a third consecutive season scoring over 20 points per game. Yet Thomas hasn't been able to shake the impression that those are empty-calorie stats — he has a below league-average true shooting percentage in each of those seasons — as he's failed to secure a long-term deal.

The former first-round pick inked a one-year, $5.9 million contract to stick with the Nets this season after his restricted free agency garnered limited interest from outside suitors. Will Thomas's experience as a UFA after this season be similar, or can he finally cash in?

The former all-star is in Year 2 of a rookie-scale max extension worth $203.8 million over five seasons, with little to show for it thus far.

On paper, Ball's $40.8 million AAV next to a handful of young, cost-controlled prospects seems like a formula for a budding squad out East. Yet his continued lack of availability — already having missed a third of Charlotte's games this season — combined with drastically declining efficiency (50.7 per cent true shooting!) and supposed frustration, makes his fit with the Hornets seem like more of a problem than a solution. Still, it's hard to deny there's plenty of upside worth talking yourself into with the 24-year-old.

While the Bulls continue to trudge through the mushy middle of the East, a decision on the starting guard's future looms large.

White is owed $12.8 million this season before heading into unrestricted free agency, and although an Immanuel Quickley-like raise isn't expected, the 25-year-old is presumably anticipating some type of increase as he's averaging a career-high 21.9 points per game. However, the former seventh-overall pick has missed all but eight games to injury, and his increase in offensive volume — taking a career-high 15.5 shots per game — has coincided with a dip in efficiency.

The 11th-seeded Bulls have little going for them, but after inking Josh Giddey to a long-term deal last summer, they'll need to figure out if White is the Aussie's backcourt mate of the future.

After ending last season as a middle-of-the-pack spender, the Cavaliers are projected to be the most expensive team not just this year, but also next. Extensions for the core quartet of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen have kicked in, making the seventh-seeded showing thus far that much more difficult to digest.

Part of that lacklustre start to the season has been Garland's diminishing returns, as he is averaging his fewest points per game (14.4) since he was a rookie on a career-low 29 minutes per contest. The seventh-year guard is owed over $40 million in each of the next two seasons, while Cleveland has gone 10-6 without him. If Garland's play doesn't return to all-star form, the Cavaliers may not have much choice but to shed his rising salary.

Nico Harrison's firing earlier this season was undoubtedly Step 1 in the closure process for fans in Dallas. Yet it'll be difficult to completely move forward in the post-Luka Doncic era when the Mavericks have found little success without him and remain constructed with the Slovenian superstar in mind.

Dallas has limited draft capital available to find a budding running mate for this year's first overall pick in Cooper Flagg, and a dearth of primary ball-handling is stymying the rookie's development. While the Mavericks have a handful of tradeable veterans to kickstart a rebuild around Flagg, Anthony Davis would undoubtedly fetch the largest haul. The oft-injured 32-year-old is still a stat-stuffing machine, averaging 20 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks through 11 games this season. Yet considering Davis is owed over $50 million in each of the next two seasons, and then holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, any team pursuing the 10-time all-star would have to be all-in on his twilight years.

Not much has gone wrong for the mile-high ball club this season aside from a couple injuries. The Nuggets still present as OKC's biggest threat, currently 18-6 and second in the West. Yet if there's one player that hasn't quite lived up to his billing it's the 3-and-D wing acquired from the Nets in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. last off-season.

Johnson's 11.3 points per game are his fewest since 2021 and his three-point efficiency has also taken a dip — none of which is ideal for the fourth-highest paid player on the roster. The 29-year-old's play has picked up over the last month, averaging 15.2 points on 48.5 per cent shooting from beyond the arc. If the Nuggets are truly going to challenge the Thunder atop the West, they'll need every just about every player performing up to his contract.

It's never easy being the odd one out. Yet that's the position Ivey finds himself in as he nears restricted free agency this summer on a Pistons team that will soon have to pay its many other youngsters, none more important than breakout forward Jalen Duren, who's also in the final year of his rookie deal.

Detroit has continued its ascent after presenting as darlings of the NBA last season, while Ivey has steadily worked his way back from knee surgery. It's been slow progress for the 23-year-old, however, as he's averaging career lows across the board — 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists — through 10 appearances, making it that much more challenging for him to keep up with a Pistons team that's carved out real expectations as a No. 1 seed. If Detroit truly is ready to contend, the dynasty may begin after Ivey.

It didn't take long for the honeymoon phase between the Warriors and Kuminga to fade into obscurity. After the two sides agreed to a two-year, $46.8 million deal in the summer, which was then followed up by a promising beginning to the season that included an uptick in production coinciding with 12 consecutive starts, the situation has progressively deteriorated. The fifth-year forward's minutes and production have dwindled with each passing game — now averaging just 12.4 points, his fewest since Year 2 — and he was just DNP-CD'd in back-to-back contests.

A fresh start away from the Bay Area and a mutual parting of ways appear to be the direction the two sides are headed, but Kuminga's trade restriction doesn't lift until Jan. 15.

When Steady Freddy was ruled out for the season before training camp even got underway, it seemed as though the Rockets would have to wait a year before truly challenging the titans atop the West.

Yet Houston has proven its worth by sitting third in the conference despite VanVleet's absence. Ball-handling duties have been divvied up amongst youngsters Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, while star forwards Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun have taken care of the rest. Should the Rockets want to continue upgrading in hopes of truly threatening the Thunder, moving on from the $25 million VanVleet is owed this season and potentially next (player option) could be a path forward.

The Montreal native has made the most of his opportunity throughout Indy's gap year, and it could get him paid handsomely this summer. Mathurin is averaging career highs across the board with his 20.4 points per game ranking second on the Pacers behind only Pascal Siakam. His 61.4 true shooting sits third amongst the team's rotation players.

It's hard to tell whether Indiana or front offices around the league view that uptick as empty calories for the second-worst team in the East, but the 23-year-old has made a case for a raise regardless. His restricted free agency in a couple of months will determine if that comes with the Pacers or elsewhere.

After a 6-19 start to the season, and with their first-round pick (currently projected at No. 5) controlled by OKC, the Clippers appear to be on the fast track to nowhere.

Zubac presents as the lone positive asset worth dangling to regain future capital as he's under contract through 2027-28 while outperforming his $19.5 million AAV. The 28-year-old is third on the Clippers in scoring (16.6), second in blocks (one) and field goal percentage (61.5), and his 11.4 rebounds not only lead L.A. but rank fifth in the NBA.

While there's undoubtedly a microscope fixated on LeBron James' situation in the final year of his current contract, the future Hall of Famer may not be the Lakers' No. 1 focus this off-season.

Reaves will presumably forgo his $14.9 million player option for next year and enter unrestricted free agency on the heels of what's shaping up to be a breakout season. The undrafted guard has stepped up through absences from both James and Doncic while boasting career-high marks across the board. Reaves' 27.8 points per game rank 11th in the NBA and are second on the Lakers only to Doncic, while his 6.7 assists per game rank 20th.

The 27-year-old is in contention not only for Most Improved Player honours, but he has a real case for all-NBA buzz as a driving force for the 17-7 Lakers. He lines up to be a top target of the 2026 free-agent class.

Like Ball and Young, Morant is making what most would consider fair value were he playing up to his potential. Spoiler alert: None of them are. Through 13 appearances, the seventh-year guard looks far removed from the player who was getting MVP votes just two years ago. Morant is averaging 18.2 points, his lowest since his sophomore season, to go with a career-high 3.8 turnovers and ghastly 47.5 per cent true shooting. And that's without even mentioning the early-season antics that earned the 26-year-old a one-game suspension by Memphis.

While he's stayed out of trouble since then, albeit missing time with injury instead, Morant's production hasn't picked back up to the level of a two-time all-star, leaving the Grizzlies on the fringes of the playoff picture in a Western Conference that has only gotten better while they've gotten worse. Is it time for a fresh start all around? If so, Morant's potential and tradeable contract ($42.2 million AAV through 2027-28) could be enough to entice suitors on a buy-low opportunity.

On a team with two bona fide all-stars and a former first overall pick, Powell has cemented himself as the go-to scorer. His career-high 24.6 points per game on stellar 64.8 per cent true shooting not only leads the Heat, but ranks 21st in the NBA.

And although it'll be hard to pin down the 32-year-old's value heading into unrestricted free agency this summer, he's done well to line up at least one more payday as a notable free agent in the 2026 class. At the very least, his play should earn him a raise from the five-year, $90 million deal he signed in 2021.

It comes as no surprise that the only thing worth paying attention to on the 11-16 Bucks is the outlook of the perennial MVP — even if he's currently sidelined with a calf injury.

While there's been little clarity on whether Milwaukee and Antetokounmpo are ready to part ways, should the Greek Freak's services become available, it would behoove GM Jon Horst to let a bidding war commence. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Knicks, Heat, Warriors and Timberwolves have all expressed interest.

Although he's already 31 and owed over $50 million in each of the next two seasons, plus a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, Antetokounmpo's talent remains transcendent. The nine-time all-star is averaging 28.9 points (eighth in the NBA), 10.1 rebounds (15th) and 6.1 assists (29th) on 66.9 per cent true shooting through 17 appearances, making him the big fish teams around the league are eagerly awaiting to reel in.

For the second straight year, the Timberwolves are projected to be one of the most expensive teams in the NBA (that will be the case next season as well), which makes DiVincenzo's future in Minnesota that much more unclear. The starting guard is still two seasons away from unrestricted free agency, but with how the Timberwolves' ability to retain his services is far from guaranteed. He's owed $11.9 million this season and $12.5 million next.

While DiVincenzo's 13.5 points, four rebounds, 3.7 assists and one steal don't jump off the page, his secondary ball-handling for a point guard-needy team has been plenty valuable. The 29-year-old's team-best plus-6.6 mark for the 17-9 (sixth seed) Timberwolves acts as one indicator of that impact. Minnesota already let Nickeil Alexander-Walker leave in free agency last summer, opting to spend that money on new deals for Naz Reid and Julius Randle. Can it manage losing yet another two-way guard during Anthony Edwards' tenure?

New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III

Sitting at the bottom of the West with a 5-22 record and no control over their first-round pick (projected at No. 2), hitting the reset button and building around the rookie duo of Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen seems to make more sense with each passing day.

Unless the Pelicans can convince a team to trade for Zion Williamson, dealing Murphy might be their best chance of acquiring worthwhile draft capital. The 25-year-old is on a team-friendly deal ($28 million AAV), considering he's under contract through 2028-29 and improves every season. Murphy is matching his best scoring average (21.2) while putting up career-bests in rebounds (6.4), assists (1.8) and steals (1.8). Big, versatile wings remain valuable in today's NBA, and Murphy fits the bill well, making him an enticing trade target for a wide variety of suitors.

The 27-year-old is far from the most notable player on the Knicks, but he's on the short-list for most impactful. Robinson's ability to defend at multiple levels, combined with his undeniable effort on the offensive glass, makes him a unique contributor behind the more perimeter-oriented seven-footer in Karl-Anthony Towns.

Robinson's 4.5 offensive rebounds per game (fourth in the NBA) are a catalyst for why New York ranks third in the NBA for that category. Yet after being largely unavailable through his four-year, $60 million deal ($15 million AAV), and producing fewer than 10 points and 10 rebounds per game, is a raise warranted? Either way, should the Knicks lose Robinson in unrestricted free agency, they're left with few options to replicate that production — especially for potential post-season matchups.

The defending champs assembled a juggernaut largely thanks to impeccable asset management while capitalizing on rookie deals. Yet that time appears to be nearing its end.

OKC projects to have the 20th-highest salary this season, but that jumps to second in the NBA next year and first by 2027 — what paying three players between $40-70 million each until 2030 will do to a team. And while it may be foolish to doubt GM Sam Presti's wizardry, he'll likely need to start making some tough decisions on the Thunder's championship core sooner rather than later.

Dort could be the first casualty should OKC face a cash crunch, as the extension-eligible Montreal native has done plenty to earn a raise. He's owed $18.2 million in each of the next two seasons (club option for 2026-27) before unrestricted free agency, and there's no doubt the market for his 3-and-D services will be robust. Although the Thunder take pride in depth, will they be willing to part ways with one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA to save a couple bucks?

While fans in Orlando are rightfully focused on the injury status of Franz Wagner, what becomes of older brother Mo is also worth keeping in mind. The 27-year-old was posting career-bests — 12.9 points, 4.9 assists and 1.4 assists on 64.9 per cent true shooting — before tearing his ACL last season, but the Magic have no shortage of bigs with Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze doing well in their minutes at centre. With an uncertain spot in the rotation, health in question and the need for a new deal after this season, will Orlando pay up to keep the Wagner brothers together?

When the 25-year-old took Philly's $8.7 million qualifying offer as a restricted free agent, it was with hopes the bet would pay off with a successful season.

Grimes hasn't quite generated the 22-5-4-1 line he did in 25 games post-trade last season, but he's still been a productive player. Through 24 games and six starts, he's averaging 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists as third fiddle to a backcourt rotation that also includes Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. It's uncertain if a bigger role and a raise await Grimes in the City of Brotherly Love, but there's a good chance he'll get both somewhere else if not.

The oft-injured big man is on pace for the healthiest season of his four-year NBA career, having played in 22 of Phoenix's 26 games to this point, including 19 starts. His 13.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals on 66.5 per cent shooting for the surprise seventh seed couldn't have come at a better time for Williams as he heads into restricted free agency. With the less productive and four-years-older Nick Richards set to be a UFA, coupled with the fact rookie Khaman Maluach doesn't appear ready for starting centre responsibilities, retaining Williams ought to be a priority for the Suns.

All the focus in Portland has been on Deni Avdija's breakout season, leaving little attention for Grant's bounceback. The 31-year-old is averaging 20 points, second on the Blazers, on 60.7 per cent true shooting while in Season 3 of a five-year, $160 million deal ($32 million AAV). Not quite past his prime like a couple other vets in Portland but not ascending like the team's many youngsters, it leaves Grant in a unique position moving forward. The 12th-year forward can presumably stick around as a potential trade chip for the rebuilding Blazers or opt for free agency after next season and look for a new opportunity.

The Kings are in desperate need of a reset (again), currently sitting second-last in the West with a 6-20 record, but have little for first-year GM Scott Perry to work with.

Moving on from LaVine, who's in his age-30 season and averaging a team-best 20.2 points per game, could be a way to start cleaning house, but that's also easier said than done. The two-time all-star is owed $47.4 million this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for next year he'll almost certainly take, making him a potentially negative asset. Still, there appears to be some interest in LaVine's services around the league, as according to the Athletic's Sam Amick, the Bucks have done their “due diligence” on the guard after having shown interest in the past.

It's no secret that things move fast in the NBA, so it won't be long before Wemby signs a rookie-scale max extension and the clock begins to tick on the Spurs timeline. The 22-year-old phenom is extension-eligible after this season, and will presumably see a jaw-dropping raise in salary. But considering he's averaging 25.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 3.5 blocks, he may still be underpaid when he inks that new deal. Time will tell, but San Antonio's window to form yet another dynasty has arrived.

The Raptors' already-expensive starting unit is only going to get pricier once Jakob Poeltl's extension kicks in after next season, so can they realistically afford to retain Barrett's services?

If the Mississauga, Ont., native's recent injury absence has signalled anything, it's that Toronto's offensive ecosytem may be too fragile to thrive without him — leaving GM Bobby Webster the unenviable task of figuring out a long-term solution. The Raptors could simply go into the luxury tax to make it work, but that's not something they've done since winning a title in 2019, and championship aspirations appear to be a ways away for the 15-11 squad.

As for Barrett, the 25-year-old is owed $27.7 million this year and then $29.6 in 2026-27 before unrestricted free agency, and his production — 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 60.4 per cent true shooting — has done plenty to warrant a raise. Add the fact the Raptors don't have any viable replacements in-house and keeping the hometown hero in Toronto seems to make even more sense. The two sides couldn't come to an extension agreement last off-season, but don't be surprised if Barrett and the Raptors resume talks this summer.

Meanwhile, honourable mention to Sandro Mamukelashvili, who's outplayed his minimum contract already, and will likely be rewarded adequately after he presumably declines his player option for next year and explores unrestricted free agency. A pivotal bench player for the Raptors who may be difficult to retain.

The 24-year-old was in the midst of a career-year after averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks, but that came to an abrupt end when he was ruled out for the season after left-shoulder surgery. It's inauspicious timing for the young centre, who's heading into restricted free agency. Kessler presumably fits well next to Utah's other budding players in Ace Bailey and Keyonte George, but he's played fewer and fewer games each season and it's unclear what his financial value looks like at this point, and if that matches his own expectations.

Take your pick of either 34-year-old wing player between Middleton and McCollum, as both are owed north of $30 million this season before unrestricted free agency. Washington has little use for either as it sits bottom of the East with a 4-20 record, so moving the vets before they presumably walk for nothing in a couple months could be worthwhile.