All articles tagged with #player option
James Harden agreed to a three-year, $97 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a third-year player option and a 15% trade kicker. He declined his $42.3 million option for next season to preserve cap flexibility that helped Cleveland add Peyton Watson. Harden averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 games after joining Cleveland in February, and the Cavs reached the Eastern Conference finals last season.
Bradley Beal re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $13.2 million contract, with the second year as a partially guaranteed player option (~$3 million). He declined a $5.62 million option to test free agency after an injury-plagued 2025/26 season, but the Clippers used Beal’s Non-Bird rights to give him a modest raise as they weigh roster moves and potential sign-and-trades.
Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million 2026-27 player option to preserve financial flexibility and help Golden State pursue a major addition around Steph Curry. He framed the move as a way to create ‘optionalities’ for the team, calling Golden State like a family alma mater, and signaling the first domino in a potentially busy Warriors offseason.
Kristaps Porziņģis re-signs with the Golden State Warriors on a two-year, $40 million contract (second year as a player option). After being acquired from Atlanta at the trade deadline, he averaged 16.1 points on 43.3% shooting in 15 games for Golden State, adding to a 533-game career average of 19.5 PPG and a 2024 championship with the Celtics; career 3-point percentage is 36.4% (31.1% with GS).
The Washington Wizards reached an agreement with Trae Young on a four-year contract worth about $212 million, with the fourth year as a player option. The deal mirrors the max offer a rival team could have presented, signaling Washington’s belief in him and the league’s competitive direction. Young declined his $48.97 million option for 2026–27 to test free agency but then re-signed; the first-year salary is about $49.5 million (roughly 30% of the projected cap), and the final year would be $56.9 million if he opts in. The move comes ahead of the draft and could affect Washington’s payroll flexibility and roster planning.
Trae Young has declined his $48.97 million player option with the Wizards to become a free agent, with an official decision expected Monday per Andscape’s Marc Spears. Washington is still viewed as a likely landing spot, but multiple teams are expected to pursue max-contract offers as Young hits the market after a season in which he led the NBA in assists (2024-25) and battled an MCL injury in 2025.
Shane Bieber has exercised his $16 million player option to stay with the Toronto Blue Jays for another season, passing up a $4 million buyout. This decision removes a top starting pitcher from the free agent market and positions Bieber as a sought-after mid-rotation starter, with potential for a lucrative contract in the upcoming offseason.
Cody Bellinger will opt out of his $25 million player option with the Yankees to become a free agent, after a strong season with the team where he showcased his offensive and defensive skills, including 29 home runs and excellent fielding metrics.
Jonathan Kuminga's agent has indicated he is willing to accept a $7.9 million qualifying offer from the Warriors unless they improve their current offers, with negotiations centered around including a player option to give Kuminga more control over his future. The Warriors have presented multiple contract frameworks, but Kuminga has declined them, seeking a deal with a player option and unrestricted free agency next summer. The ongoing dispute has delayed signings and left the Warriors with a small roster as training camp approaches.
LeBron James has opted into his player option for the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and despite some tension and outside trade rumors, the organization is happy to have him back, emphasizing their commitment to building a championship-contending team around him.
An NBA executive believes LeBron James missed a strategic opportunity by exercising his player option with the Lakers, which likely prevents him from rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, despite rumors and potential interest, but a future return remains possible.
James Harden declined his $36.3 million player option for the 2025-26 season and plans to sign a new two-year, $81.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, continuing his impactful career as a top playmaker and All-Star, despite being past his prime.
LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, signaling his desire to compete for another championship while closely monitoring the Lakers' roster moves. Despite uncertainties about his future beyond this season, James remains a key figure for the Lakers, who are actively seeking to strengthen their team, including pursuing a center in free agency or trade.
Jack Flaherty's 2026 player option has escalated to $20 million after his 15th start of the season, reflecting his contractual milestones. Despite a challenging start and inconsistent performance in Detroit, Flaherty remains focused on his long-term goal of securing a lucrative deal, with the option decision likely to be a subplot in his second half.
Russell Westbrook has declined his $3.5 million player option with the Denver Nuggets and will become an unrestricted free agent, opening up cap space for the team as he explores new opportunities in the NBA.