The 2025-26 NBA season has just begun, but several players have emerged as potential free agents who could make a significant impact. While free agency is still months away, it’s essential to highlight the contract-year All-Stars who have shone early in the season. These selections focus on players who haven’t previously made an All-NBA or All-Star team and those without current team options.
Contract-Year All-Stars: Key Players to Watch
This season has seen a few standout players, especially from the Los Angeles Lakers and other teams; here are the primary candidates for contract-year All-Stars:
Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
- 2025-26 Stats: 31.1 PPG, 9.3 APG, 48.9 FG%
- Contract Status: 2026 player option ($14.9 million)
Reaves has capitalized on the absence of stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James. His scoring average has jumped from 20.2 to a career-high 31.1 points per game. He has ranked among the top scorers in the league and is poised for a significant payday in the upcoming 2026 free agency.
Norman Powell, Miami Heat
- 2025-26 Stats: 23.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 46.7 FG%
- Contract Status: 2026 unrestricted free agent
Powell has been a standout for the Heat, averaging 23.3 points with impressive three-point shooting. If he doesn’t secure a contract extension starting January 7, he will test the market as an unrestricted free agent.
Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers
- 2025-26 Stats: 17.2 PPG, 4.4 APG, 47.0 FG%
- Contract Status: 2026 unrestricted free agent
Grimes has maintained high scoring numbers after being acquired by the 76ers. With his existing one-year qualifying offer, he will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers
- 2025-26 Stats: 15.8 PPG, 56.7 FG%, 3.7 RPG
- Contract Status: 2026 unrestricted free agent
As a consistent starter for the Lakers, Hachimura is averaging career highs and demonstrating his defensive capabilities. He may secure a lucrative extension if performances continue trending upwards.
James Duren, Detroit Pistons
- 2025-26 Stats: 19.4 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 65.1 FG%
- Contract Status: 2026 restricted free agent
Duren is on track for another double-double season, proving vital for Detroit. His decision to forego a rookie extension appears wise as he continues to develop.
Collin Sexton, Charlotte Hornets
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.1 PPG, 5.2 APG, 51.2 FG%
- Contract Status: 2026 unrestricted free agent
Sexton is thriving under the Hornets’ system and presenting some of the best numbers of his career. With an upcoming option for a contract extension, he could become a sought-after player next summer.
Others to Watch
- Anthony Thomas, Brooklyn Nets: 21.4 PPG, 40.2 FG% – Unrestricted free agent in 2026
- Terry Rozier, Philadelphia 76ers: 18.6 PPG, 51.1 FG% – Unrestricted free agent in 2026
- Yuta Watanabe, Miami Heat: 12.4 PPG, 55.2 FG% – Unrestricted free agent in 2026
- Josh Okogie, Houston Rockets: 8.6 PPG, 50.0 FG% – Unrestricted free agent in 2026
These players are illustrating their value in the early season and setting themselves up for potentially significant contracts. As the season progresses, their performances will dictate the level of interest they generate for upcoming free agency.
