All-NBA Shake-Up: Big Wins and Missed Chances

The NBA's All-NBA selections for 2025 are out, and they've stirred up plenty of talk. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić are leading the pack, but the real financial winner is Cade Cunningham. His spot on the third team boosted his contract by a whopping 45 million dollars. This is all thanks to a clause in the league's rules that rewards players who make the All-NBA teams. Cunningham's journey to this point has been impressive. He had a breakout season, making the All-Star team for the first time and leading the Detroit Pistons to the playoffs. His contract extension, signed last summer, is now worth 269 million dollars, a significant jump from the original 224 million. This is a huge deal for a 23-year-old player. The first All-NBA team includes some of the league's top stars. Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Donovan Mitchell made the cut. Antetokounmpo, known for his consistent performance, has been on the first team for seven straight years. Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP, led the league in scoring and played for the best team during the regular season.

The second team features a mix of veterans and rising stars. LeBron James, now on his 21st All-NBA team, is joined by Stephen Curry, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, and Evan Mobley. Mobley, the Defensive Player of the Year, also saw his contract value increase by 50 million dollars. The third team includes Cunningham, Tyrese Haliburton, Karl-Anthony Towns, James Harden, and Jalen Williams. Harden is back on the All-NBA team after a few years, while Towns and Haliburton are repeat honorees. Williams and Cunningham are the newcomers, both making their first All-NBA appearances. Some notable names missed out on the All-NBA teams. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Trae Young were in the running for big contract extensions but fell short. Jackson is now eligible for a four-year, 146 million dollar extension, while Young could sign a two-year, 229 million dollar deal. Their absence from the All-NBA teams means a significant difference in their earning potential. The NBA awards season wrapped up with several other honors. Gilgeous-Alexander took home the MVP award, while Stephon Castle was named Rookie of the Year. Evan Mobley was crowned Defensive Player of the Year, and Jalen Brunson won the Clutch Player award. Dyson Daniels was recognized as the Most Improved Player, and Kenny Atkinson was named Coach of the Year.

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