As we close in on the extension deadline for players out of the draft class of 2009, Bulls forward Taj Gibson insists that he isn't letting his contract situation be a distraction. Of course, Gibson would prefer to have a new contract worked out in advance of the October 31st deadline. Last night, ESPN.com's Marc Stein took to Twitter to look at some the players in line for contract extensions out of the 2009 draft class. Let's take a look..
- Stein believes that the Thunder and James Harden will reach agreement on a contract extension, but there is pessimism surrounding the situation as Oklahoma City is insisting on a deal for less than the max (Twitter link). Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman is among those who are less-than-optimistic about a deal being struck, giving the club a 0.2% chance of working something out.
- Stein (via Twitter) still expects the Warriors to extend Stephen Curry despite his recurring ankle issues. Curry missed time during the preseason, leading many to believe that the guard would not work out a new deal with Golden State. The 24-year-old is set to earn roughly $3.96MM as he enters the fourth and final year of his rookie deal.
- It's a safe bet that the Bulls will extend Gibson by Wednesday's deadline, Stein tweets. Late last week, Gibson said that he hopes to spend the rest of his career in Chicago.
- Gerald Henderson and Byron Mullens both told Stein (via Twitter) that they hope to hammer out extensions with the Bobcats before the Wednesday deadline. The Bobcats have been exploring an extension for the Duke product, but reportedly won't pull the trigger unless the terms are very team-friendly. Mullens took a significant step forward last season as he averaged 9.3 PPG and 5.0 RPG in his first year with Charlotte.