With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams out post-All-Star Break, the Oklahoma City Thunder need everything they can get from their component parts.
On Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they got it. Chet Holmgren finished with 15 rebounds against a dominant opposing frontcourt. Isaiah Joe was blazing hot from the perimeter, knocking down 6 of his 11 attempts from 3-point range and finishing with a game-leading 22 points. Seven Thunder players finished with double-digit scoring.
But it was the performance of Cason Wallace, who posted a career-high 10 assists, whose numbers were most notable.
Wallace has been on fire offensively in February. This was his fifth double-digit scoring performance in the past nine games. But if this level of play, and especially playmaking, is sustained over the remainder of the season, Oklahoma City could have a major problem on their hands as they attempt to extend him.
Cason Wallace is taking a massive leap on the offensive end, and it could spell trouble for the Thunder
The Thunder's looming financial troubles have been well-documented. Both Williams' and Holmgren's extensions are kicking in this offseason, and they'll have some tough choices to make surrounding Isaiah Hartenstein's and Lu Dort's club options.
As it stands, they are projected to be $27 million over the second apron at the start of 2026-27. Even with contracts coming off the books for 2027-28, they will still be a first-apron team.
Wallace being eligible for an extension this offseason complicates matters even further.
In his third NBA season, he's proved to be one of the league's premier disruptors. He's averaging a league-leading 2.1 steals per game, and he's become instrumental in the Thunder's turnover-dependent defensive dominance.
But to this point, his offensive game has lagged behind.
Through this last stretch, however, he's shown the type of player he's capable of becoming. Over his last nine games, he's averaging 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. He's shooting just 30.2% from beyond the arc in that span, but that's essentially the only knock against him.
He's been absolutely sublime as of late, and the leap he's taking as a playmaker and a connecting piece will be huge for the Thunder down the stretch.
But multi-dimensional players command big paydays on their rookie extensions. If Wallace has truly taken a major leap on the offensive end, and can sustain it through the rest of the season and into the playoffs, there's a case to be made that Wallace could earn close to $30 million annually on his next deal.
His development is, obviously, a great thing to see. But it could leave Oklahoma City with a major problem this offseason.