Though recent reports seem optimistic that a new deal between Cason Wallace and the OKC Thunder will be agreed to in the near future, in the event that things ultimately fall through before the October 19 deadline, it could end up greatly benefiting the combo guard from a fiscal standpoint.
According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, there's growing speculation around the league that if Wallace were to hit restricted free agency next summer, a couple of teams could be willing to pay as much as $30 million to acquire his services.
Right now, most predictions have the Thunder pursuing him somewhere in the $100 million extension range, with an average salary of roughly $25 million per year.
This is already considered to be an offer that should require Sam Presti and company to partake in some financial gymnastics down the road, as Oklahoma City is gunning toward an entry into the second apron as is, what with their payroll already registering in at $237 million for the 2027-28 season.
Tack on an extra $5 million a year on average to his salary, and keeping Wallace around would become even more complicated if they choose to do so in free agency next summer.
For Oklahoma City's sake, hopefully they can come to a resolution on his extension before the start of the regular season. However, Wallace could realistically feel it may be best for his own personal endeavors to wait until next offseason to put pen to paper on a new deal, especially if Siegel's findings are accurate.
Insider believes Cason Wallace should ink Thunder deal in coming days
Despite these new whispers stemming from Siegel, as mentioned earlier, it is widely believed that Wallace and the Thunder are on the verge of coming to a resolution to their ongoing extension talks.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Wallace is viewed as one of the "strongest candidates" among his 2023 classmates to land a new contract "in coming days."
As of this writing, only four extension-eligible players from his draft have received new deals, with Utah's Keyonte George being the latest.
Wallace is a stellar two-way player who has only excelled in his role with the Thunder throughout his three years of action. Not only is he coming off a career-best campaign where he earned his first All-Defensive Team honor, but he is now in a position to earn his keep as a full-time backcourt starter alongside two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
All things considered, the Thunder should be looking to do everything they can to lock Wallace down this offseason as opposed to running the risk of a high-priced bidding war next year.
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