5 NBA Players That Must Get Locked Up to a Contract Extension

There are some teams who have players that are either on their last year of the contract, or who have a player option next year. 

Some of these teams, like the Chicago Bulls who have extended Derrick Rose, or the Minnesota Timberwolves who have agreed to terms with Kevin Love, have already taken care of business. 

Other teams have either star or key players up in the air though. Here are five teams who need to reach an agreement soon.

Spencer Hawes

Spencer Hawes has been huge—somewhat literally—for the Philadelphia 76ers in their red-hot start. The 7'1" big man has been averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds a game this year, and on top of that he's been a key part of the team's No. 1-ranked defense.

Hawes is making $4,051,023 this year. He's worth it. Philadelphia needs to figure out a way to keep him around. 

Ryan Anderson

When Orlando made a trade with New Jersey in 2009 to acquire Vince Carter, it probably wasn't really much of a consideration that the best player they'd get in the trade would be Ryan Anderson, but that's a distinct possibility. 

This year Anderson is leading the team in PER—yes, even above Dwight Howard. He's second on the team in both scoring and rebounding. 

Anderson is on the last year of his rookie contract. It's in the Magic's best interest to re-sign him. 

Raymond Felton

The Portland Trail Blazers have gotten off to a fantastic start this year. Part of the reason for that is Raymond Felton, who has done nothing but win everywhere he's gone.

Whether it's been Charlotte, New York, Denver or now Portland, he's won, won, won and won. This year he's scoring 10.3 points and leading the Trail Blazers in assists with 6.8. 

Portland traded Andre Miller to get him. Now they need to extend him to keep him. 

Andrew Bynum

If the Lakers aren't going to be able trade Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard, then the next-best thing is to keep Bynum. 

Bynum has been averaging some amazing numbers, averaging 18.8 points and 15.8 rebounds per game this year. Those are pretty prodigious. 

Something about the idea of LA actually winning with their own homegrown center rather than treating the rest of the NBA like its own personal D-League is appealing to me. I hope they end up keeping Bynum. 

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is the biggest star left who hasn't already signed an extension. His numbers are down this year, as he's averaging nearly four points and three assists fewer than what he had last year. 

Still, he's got amazing potential and it's likely just a slow start. Some of it might have something to do with being distracted by not having a deal offered to him yet. 

Oklahoma City needs to ink him for the long-term and do it soon.