The OKC Thunder need to lock Cason Wallace down to a long-term extension this summer. Failing to do so could easily cost them his services next offseason.
This is not mere hyperbole or intended to be fearmongering fodder. It's simply a reminder of just how coveted someone of Wallace's ilk would be on the free-agent market, and how realistic it would be for the cash-strapped Thunder to be outbid in the pursuit of him.
As things currently stand, Wallace is already seen as a rising stud in this league, particularly on the defensive side of the ball where, just this past season, he led all players in total steals (150) and deflections (339) while earning All-Defensive Second Team honors.
However, as we saw under the highest of stakes and brightest of lights during Oklahoma City's intense Western Conference Finals bout against the Spurs, the former lottery pick is more than capable of producing on both ends of the floor at an electrifying level.
Cason Wallace has already flashed two-way stardom with Thunder
While going up against tremendous backcourt defensive talents like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper for seven hard-fought games last postseason, Wallace was still able to post highly efficient averages of 10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.6 steals while shooting a lights-out 49.0 percent from the floor and 50.0 percent from beyond the arc on 5.1 attempts per game.
This was merely the latest example of how the 22-year-old has proven capable of raising his level of play under objectively intense circumstances.
With this, why shouldn't the Thunder expect him to shine equally as bright in pursuit of a new payday next summer should he fail to ink an extension with OKC ahead of the October 19 deadline?
As things currently stand, the expected price point to hold onto Wallace already appears lofty.
Of course, considering rookie extensions are generally more cost-effective, as they lock in earnings percentages for the years that follow rather than allowing a potential breakout to inflate their market values come free agency, even the second-apron-bound Thunder could benefit in the long-term from ponying up considerable coin this summer.
Waiting for next offseason to come around and allowing other teams to float various offers in his direction would almost certainly come as a disadvantage for Oklahoma City, especially if Wallace makes the most of his expected full-time rotational promotion, as he's been able to in spurts throughout his three seasons in the Sooner State so far.
All things considered, re-upping with Wallace should be priority number one between now and the day before opening night's tip-off against San Antonio.
Add us as a preferred source on Google