So far this offseason, two players have signed rookie scale extensions: Devin Booker got a new deal from the Suns, and the Timberwolves locked up Karl-Anthony Towns to a new long-term pact.
In each of those instances, the player received a maximum salary extension. Max deals, which require little negotiation, typically get done well before the mid-October deadline for rookie scale extensions. But with that deadline now just two weeks away, we may start seeing progress on a few other deals around the NBA.
Besides Booker and Towns, 21 players are eligible for rookie scale extensions this offseason, though some of the players on that list assuredly won’t get new deals. The Cavaliers aren’t about to give Sam Dekker a long-term contract, for example. And it’s safe to assume that the Bulls aren’t looking to lock up Cameron Payne early.
Still, there are several names on that list who are intriguing candidates for new deals. Here are 12 of them:
- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Nets)
- Stanley Johnson (Pistons)
- Frank Kaminsky (Hornets)
- Trey Lyles (Nuggets)
- Larry Nance Jr. (Cavaliers)
- Kelly Oubre (Wizards)
- Bobby Portis (Bulls)
- Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks)
- Terry Rozier (Celtics)
- Myles Turner (Pacers)
- Justise Winslow (Heat)
- Delon Wright (Raptors)
Not all the players on this list will sign rookie scale extensions within the next two weeks. In fact, most of them probably won’t. There are plenty of reasons for teams to wait — maybe the asking prices are too high, maybe their financial situations aren’t conducive to more long-term investments at this point, or maybe they simply want another season to take a closer look at their extension candidates.
[RELATED: Recent NBA Rookie Scale Extension History]
Still, it’s safe to assume that at least a couple players on this list will receive new deals. Typically, at least four players per year sign rookie scale extensions, and the numbers in previous seasons have often been much higher than that — in 2014, 2015, and 2016, a combined 24 players signed rookie scale extensions, for an average of eight per year.
With that October 15 deadline fast approaching, we want to know what you think. Which of this year’s extension candidates will receive new deals? Which deserve them, and at what price point? Which should be put off until they reach restricted free agency next summer?
Head to the comment section below to share your two cents on this year’s rookie scale extension candidates!
I expect the Pacers to wait and see how Turner does this year first!
Trey Lyles is from Canada, but played his high school at Indianapolis Tech and was Indiana Mr. Basketball. Denver traded for Lyles to include him in the Paul George trade along with Gary Harris, also from Indianapolis and a former Mr. Basketball. The Pacers need a stretch 4 like Lyles now.
Lyles can move and shoot over people. He’s going to be like, excuse me but this is my contract year, I’m gonna take this shot *shoots* thank you for the pass.
He should hold off signing anything unless it’s a big raise, like 3/48.
StanlyJohnsn, DelonWright, Nance, Portis & Turner should also hold off in case of rising value.
Nance, Oubre, Kaminsky & Jefferson may get pinched in various ways. Winslow, Rozier & Zinger could also but have established value so IDK.
Of cpurse all this depends on what’s offered!
Nance should be locked up just because CLE can and should. Oubre should be as wel because I can see him getting an offer sheet next summer. Nets should extend Rondae 4/$40 mil or something close.It seems like most teams and players want real wait these days.!