With the 2021-2022 NBA season fast approaching, one of the most talked-about topics among basketball fans and analysts is the concept of the „contract year.“ A contract year refers to the final year of a player`s contract, where they have the opportunity to prove themselves and potentially earn a bigger payday in the upcoming offseason.
In the NBA, contract years can often lead to breakout performances and unexpected successes. Players who are motivated by the prospect of a new, lucrative contract can sometimes exceed expectations and make a huge impact on their team`s success.
So, who are some of the players entering a contract year in the 2021-2022 NBA season? Let`s take a look.
1. John Wall, Houston Rockets
After missing the majority of the 2019-2020 season with a ruptured Achilles, John Wall was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Russell Westbrook. In the upcoming season, Wall will be playing on the final year of a 4-year, $171 million contract he signed with the Washington Wizards in 2017. With an injury history and questions surrounding his fit in Houston, Wall has a lot to prove as he enters his contract year.
2. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls
After a promising start to his NBA career, Lauri Markkanen has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play in recent seasons. This year, he`ll be playing on the final year of his rookie contract with the Chicago Bulls. Markkanen has shown flashes of his potential as a stretch 4, but he`ll need to put together a strong season in order to secure a long-term contract extension.
3. DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
As the #1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, DeAndre Ayton has shown glimpses of his potential as a dominant big man in the league. In the upcoming season, Ayton will be playing on the final year of his rookie contract with the Phoenix Suns. After helping lead the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021, Ayton will look to continue his upward trajectory and prove that he`s worth a max contract extension.
4. Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets
After being traded from the Boston Celtics to the Charlotte Hornets in 2019, Terry Rozier has become a key piece of the Hornets` young core. In the upcoming season, Rozier will be playing on the final year of a 3-year, $56.7 million contract he signed in 2019. With a breakout season in 2020-2021, Rozier has proven that he`s worth a significant payday – whether it`s from the Hornets or another team.
Overall, the 2021-2022 NBA season is shaping up to be an exciting one for players entering a contract year. With so much at stake, these players will be motivated to perform at their best and earn themselves a long-term contract extension. As fans, we can only sit back and watch to see who rises to the occasion and secures their future in the league.
