Four NBA superstars who could retire after the upcoming season, including LeBron James

Here are four players who could retire after the upcoming season, including Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James.

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook’s NBA career may already be over, as he remains a free agent following his departure from the Sacramento Kings.

However, the former Most Valuable Player is expected to sign a minimum contract with another team for the 2026-27 season.

Westbrook will likely play one more year as a backup point guard, ideally on a contending team, before hanging up his sneakers.

Kevin Love

Many expected Kevin Love to retire at the end of the 2025-26 season, but he reportedly intends to play another season.

Love spent the last 12 months with the Utah Jazz after the Miami Heat traded him in a three-team deal involving Norman Powell.

Even though he averaged just 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds last season, his experience and leadership make him worth a roster spot.

However, assuming that he signs a one-year deal with a new team, Love could retire at the end of next season.

LeBron James

LeBron James recently admitted that he strongly considered retiring after a disappointing season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, after a lengthy decision-making process, James eventually signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, including a player option.

Many consider the 76ers favorites to win the Eastern Conference, but Joel Embiid’s health and team chemistry are reasonable concerns.

If LeBron’s first season in Philadelphia were to go pear-shaped, he could forgo his player option and call time on his illustrious career.

Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is only 35 years old and just had one of the best regular seasons of his career, averaging almost 28 points per game.

However, Leonard has consistently struggled with injuries, and he now has an NBA investigation clouding over him.

His trade to the Toronto Raptors has been delayed while the league investigates his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The NBA is unsure whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap with a questionable $28 million endorsement deal.

Leonard already dislikes the spotlight that comes with celebrity status and may prefer to walk away from the league if the scrutiny continues.

Honorable mentions

Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, James Harden, Paul George, DeMar DeRozan and Damian Lillard are all entering the final chapter of their careers.

However, they are likely too good to retire next season, would leave too much money on the table, or have expressed a desire to play for several more years.