Full Breakdown
2025-26 All-NBA Teams Announced: A Deep-Dive
5/25/2026, 12:41:51 PM
Core Selections and Voting Results
The NBA’s media panel released the Kia All-NBA teams on May 24, 2026. The first-team honorees were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City, 500 points), Nikola Jokic (Denver, 500), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio, 498), Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers, 482) and Cade Cunningham (Detroit, 414). Both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic received unanimous first-place votes (100 of 100 ballots); Wembanyama missed unanimity by one vote. The second team featured Jaylen Brown (Boston, 384), Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers, 277), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland, 276), Kevin Durant (Houston, 241) and Jalen Brunson (New York, 197). The third team included Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia, 168), Jamal Murray (Denver, 149), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta, 125), Jalen Duren (Detroit, 121) and Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City, 87). Points were allocated 5 per first-team vote, 3 per second-team vote, and 1 per third-team vote.
Background: Positionless Voting and Eligibility Rules
The panel’s selection process is position-less; any player may be placed on any team regardless of traditional role. A 65-game minimum determines eligibility, though exceptions were granted to Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham, allowing them to be considered despite falling short of the threshold. Players such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo were excluded from voting because they did not meet the game-count requirement.
Financial Implications for Players
All-NBA honors trigger eligibility for higher max contracts under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The “Rose Rule” raises a player’s max to 30 % of the salary cap after two All-NBA selections within three seasons, while the designated-veteran rule can increase the max to 35 % after seven to nine years of service. Jalen Duren’s third-team nod makes him eligible for a five-year, 30 % max extension worth up to $287 million; only Detroit can offer this deal, while other teams are capped at 25 % for four years. Cade Cunningham, already under a five-year $269 million rookie-max contract, gains no additional financial leverage from his first-team selection. Tyrese Maxey’s All-NBA placement positions him for a supermax next summer if he repeats the honor. Victor Wembanyama, despite his selection, does not yet qualify for the Rose Rule and must repeat the accolade to secure a 30 % max.
Official Statements & Responses
The NBA announced the All-NBA teams ahead of the Thunder-Spurs Western Conference Final Game 4, emphasizing the panel’s position-less voting methodology. Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said the organization intends to negotiate a new contract with Duren: “We look forward to coming together with his representative and getting a deal done, and for him to continue to be a Piston.”
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts have highlighted the 65-game rule’s exclusion of high-profile players, noting that LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo were denied consideration despite elite performance. Financial experts question the prudence of a max-level contract for Duren given his reduced playoff production (10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds in 14 postseason games). Additionally, some commentators labeled Gilgeous-Alexander’s frequent falls as “flopping,” though opponents argue the incidents stem from aggressive defensive tactics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We look forward to coming together with his representative and getting a deal done, and for him to continue to be a Piston,” — Trajan Langdon, Pistons president of basketball operations
- “I expect that from them, and I honestly like it. It makes the game more interesting, more fun and more exciting, whether they're for or against me.” — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder guard
- “He got us out of position, and he took advantage of it. ... Those 12 free throws helped out a lot, and I can remember at least a few in my head right now that were undisciplined on our end.” — Mitch Johnson, San Antonio Spurs head coach
What’s Next
Detroit will enter restricted free agency with Duren’s max-eligible status, while the Pistons must decide whether to meet the $287 million valuation. Tyrese Maxey’s team, the Philadelphia 76ers, will assess his supermax eligibility for the 2027-28 season. The All-NBA selections also set the stage for contract negotiations and roster decisions across the league ahead of the upcoming free-agency period.
