Last Monday, Grantland's Zach Lowe reported that John Wall believes he's "definitely" worthy of a maximum-salary contract following his rookie deal. Wall will be eligible for an extension beginning this July, and according to J. Michael Falgoust of CSN Washington, "all the signals" suggest the Wizards are open to offering a max deal.
Wall, 22, has only appeared in 33 games this season after being sidelined for the first two months, but is averaging career-highs in points per 36 minutes (18.2), assists per 36 minutes (8.7), FG% (.444), and PER (18.7). If he were to reach an agreement on a long-term extension with the Wizards, the team could lock him up for as many as five seasons, on a deal that would begin in 2014/15. Speaking to CSN Washington, Wall expanded on why he believes he's worthy of the maximum salary.
"I feel like I’m a max guy, just on how I am as a person. I feel like I make my teammates better," Wall said. "I’m just a leader. I like to lead and I feel like I can change the organization. That’s the way we’re going with this team and how we've been playing lately."
Even if the Wizards and Wall don't finalize a contract extension during the coming offseason, the team will still have the opportunity to match any and all offers for Wall in the summer of 2014, when he becomes eligible for restricted free agency.