NBA MVP Watch: Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić Lead Contenders for 2025-26 Season
Table of Contents
The pursuit of the Kia Most Valuable Player award represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in the NBA, a distinction that all but guarantees a place among basketball’s immortals and unlocks substantial financial rewards. As the 2025-26 season approaches, the league is bracing for another compelling race, with a mix of established stars and emerging talents vying for the coveted honor.
The path to MVP status, while lacking rigid criteria, generally favors players who excel statistically – ranking among the league leaders in scoring, rebounding, assists, or blocks – spearhead winning teams, demonstrate durability, and captivate audiences. In most seasons, a clear frontrunner emerges by the final month, but the outcome remains uncertain until the very end. Will the 2025-26 season mirror last year’s heated debate between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, or will a dominant force like Stephen Curry or LeBron James emerge with a clear-cut claim to the throne?
Here’s a preseason look at 10 candidates, listed alphabetically, most likely to contend for the NBA’s most cherished individual award:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
One of the hallmarks of an MVP contender is a heavy workload, and for Giannis Antetokounmpo, maintaining peak physical condition will be paramount.Entering the 2025-26 season without an All-Star teammate for only the second time as 2018, the two-time MVP faces the significant challenge of elevating the Bucks back into contention. He’s finished in the top-four of MVP voting for the last seven seasons, and will undoubtedly produce remarkable numbers – likely reaching double figures in rebounding for a ninth consecutive year – but the Bucks’ overall success will be crucial.
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson has established himself as one of the league’s premier scoring point guards, consistently delivering clutch performances for a team in a major media market. Having finished fourth in MVP voting two seasons ago, ahead of Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards, Brunson is poised to collect votes again. A key question surrounds the impact of his new head coach, Mike Brown, whose share-the-ball ideology could potentially alter Brunson’s usage rate, perhaps prompting him to focus on enhancing his passing and assist numbers.
Cade Cunningham,Detroit Pistons
Coming off a breakout season,Cade Cunningham is now tasked with leading a potential renaissance in Detroit.The Pistons’ aspirations of winning 50 games and securing a playoff berth hinge heavily on Cunningham’s continued growth, with expectations that he can build upon his impressive 2024-25 averages of 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. While new to the MVP conversation, Cunningham possesses the talent to silence any doubters, especially if the Pistons exceed expectations and become a force in the Eastern Conference.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
stephen curry continues to defy age, remaining a potent offensive force and arguably the leader among veteran stars thriving in their 30s. The two-time MVP faces the challenge of maintaining his shooting efficiency at age 37 while also leading a Warriors team navigating a changing landscape in the Western Conference.He’s ascended beyond being merely “good” and into the realm of elite players, a feat that would require a significant leap in his overall impact and recognition.
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
After recovering from a blood clot that prematurely ended his 2024-25 season, Victor Wembanyama is poised to resume his development and showcase his unique potential. Now listed at 7-foot-5, Wembanyama’s combination of shooting range, athleticism, and defensive prowess makes him a truly exceptional prospect. whether he can contend for MVP this season will depend on the Spurs’ ability to manage his minutes, achieve a respectable win total, and allow him to accumulate impressive statistics across the board.
The 2025-26 NBA season promises a captivating MVP race, filled with compelling storylines and exceptional talent. As Shaun Powell notes,the journey to becoming the league’s most valuable player is anything but simple,but the rewards are immeasurable.
