Since entering the league as the 10 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the OKC Thunder have been well aware of just how stellar a talent Cason Wallace is.
Whether it's his highly efficient shooting skills or All-Defensive earning production on the less glamorous side of the ball, the Kentucky product has been a tremendous asset for Oklahoma City throughout his soon-to-be four-year tenure, and has established himself as one of the best backcourt talents from his respective class.
Now, it seems the rest of the league is finally starting to accept this specific reality that the Thunder have understood for years.
During a recent episode of The Zach Lowe Show, the eponymous host discussed a number of players who are extension-eligible ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, and, when grouping Wallace in with the classmates like Anthony Black and Brandin Podziemski, the seasoned insider revealed that of the 10 to 15 league executives he texted about the trio, Cason was "universally" the most revered player.
Thunder must lock down Cason Wallace before it becomes a bidding war
Right now, the consensus belief is that the Thunder need to lock down Cason Wallace to a rookie-scale extension before the start of the regular season, for failing to do so would open the door to a bidding war for his services during next summer's free agency.
As Lowe's sources suggested, Sam Presti and company could find themselves going up against several clubs in pursuit of his signature, and it could end up costing them big money in the process.
Lowe noted that the executives he spoke to believe Wallace could fetch himself an annual average salary ranging from $25 million to upwards of $33 million. And these figures are only based on what he's done up to this point as a regular second-unit player.
Now, heading into year four, the expectation is that Wallace will be entrusted as the heir apparent to the departed Lu Dort at the primary shooting guard position in the starting lineup.
Based on how well he's produced when taking on starting duties at times in the past, coupled with the sensational level he played at when the stakes were at their highest during this past Western Conference Finals, it's not hard to believe that another step toward legitimate stardom could be in the cards for the 22-year-old this coming year.
Should Wallace enter this coming year without an extension in place, and if he manages to break out even more than he already has, there's a realistic possibility that he could price himself directly out of the Sooner State next summer.
This potential turn of events alone should make the Thunder all the more eager to get an extension on the books by the October 19 deadline.
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