The stakes are higher for some players heading into the upcoming season.
Pending free agents could see their market value skyrocket or plummet depending on how they perform this campaign.
Here are five players who could reap the rewards with a strong 2026-27 season.
Statistics listed are from the 2025-26 season.
| GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 12.2 | 5.6 | 2.3 | 46.3 | 33.3 |
2026-27 earnings: $6.1 million
It's probably not a good thing if you've made this shortlist for two straight years. Although Kuminga made more money in the short term after his contract stalemate with the Golden State Warriors, he couldn't secure a lucrative long-term deal after an inconsistent, injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign split between the Warriors and Atlanta Hawks.
Kuminga is again betting on himself, reportedly turning down $12-million-plus per season from the Los Angeles Lakers for a shorter deal with the T-Wolves that gives him the option to hit free agency next summer. He'll have an opportunity to start for Minnesota at power forward, and his ability to run the floor should mesh with LaMelo Ball's transition playmaking.
| GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 17.6 | 5.4 | 2.4 | 43 | 86.9 |
2026-27 earnings: $7.5 million
Mathurin has provided steady offense throughout his first four seasons. The 24-year-old was a key reserve during the Indiana Pacers' run to the 2024 Finals, including two 20-point performances in the championship series. His driving ability often earns him trips to the charity stripe, where he averaged a career-high 6.2 attempts last campaign. He's twice ranked in the league's top 20 for free-throw attempts per 36 minutes.
The former No. 6 overall pick should get significant minutes with the Pelicans and has a chance to keep growing as a playmaker alongside other talented offensive players. Mathurin registered a 13.6 assist percentage during his brief time with the Los Angeles Clippers last season, which ranked in the 68th percentile among wings, per Cleaning the Glass. If things go well in New Orleans, Mathurin will likely decline his $7.9-million player option for 2027-28.
| GP | PPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 14.2 | 3.7 | 41.8 | 35.2 | 84 |
2026-27 earnings: $13.6 million
It's usually a no-brainer to invest in a top-three draft selection, but that isn't the case for the Blazers here. They still need to negotiate a long-term deal with Deni Avdija and have a logjam in their backcourt after acquiring Ja Morant this offseason. Henderson has also struggled to stay healthy, missing at least 16 games per season. Still, the 6-foot-3 floor general has shown flashes of potential, as demonstrated by his 31-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the opening round in last season's playoffs.
Henderson's an explosive downhill driver who recognizes when and how to change speeds. He's also a capable pick-and-roll facilitator and has the versatility to play off the ball with his improving 3-point stroke. His time alongside Jrue Holiday over the past year has paid dividends defensively as well. But despite Henderson's impressive athleticism and frame, he converted only 57% of his attempts at the rim, which ranked in the 25th percentile among point guards, per Cleaning the Glass. Additionally, over three seasons, Henderson has placed in the top 10 for turnovers per 100 possessions twice, including a league-leading 5.9 as a rookie.
Portland could delay a long-term contract by offering Henderson a $19.2-million qualifying offer next summer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2028 if he signs it. However, he could force the Blazers' hand with a strong 2026-27 campaign.
| GP | PPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 12 | 2.6 | 42.3 | 41.3 |
2026-27 earnings: $3.9 million
The writing may already be on the wall for McBride. Knicks owner James Dolan has been adamant about avoiding the second apron, and the team chose not to extend McBride this offseason despite his desire to stay in New York.
McBride should have a featured role off the bench for the reigning NBA champs. The West Virginia product posted career highs in scoring and 3-point percentage last season, even though a core muscle injury sidelined him for an extended period. During last season's playoffs, the Knicks scored 6.9 more points per 100 possessions with McBride on the floor, which trailed only Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. McBride had some key moments en route to the title, including scoring seven threes in the club's series-clinching win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.
McBride also brings value as a solid point-of-attack defender and competent starter at either guard position in the event of an injury. The former second-round pick has outperformed his current three-year, $13-million contract, and he'll surely get the raise he's seeking if he maintains or exceeds last season's production.
| GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 13.8 | 5.1 | 3.7 | 45.5 | 37.1 |
2026-27 earnings: $5.7 million
Whether he's starting or coming off the bench, Podziemski has become an important part of the Warriors' rotation. Last season, the 23-year-old established new career highs in scoring, true-shooting percentage (58.3%), assist percentage (19.2%), free-throw attempts (2.9 per game), and minutes played (28.5).
Podziemski's 3-point efficiency and secondary playmaking have made him a nice fit alongside Stephen Curry, with the backcourt pairing posting a net rating of plus-5.1 when sharing the floor in 2025-26. Always ready to do the dirty work, Podziemski trailed only Jalen Brunson league-wide in charges drawn (23) and was second on Golden State in deflections (149) last season. The 6-foot-4 guard is also an above-average rebounder for his position.
Podziemski's jack-of-all-trades skill set should earn him a pay day in the offseason, regardless if it's in the Bay Area or elsewhere.
