The OKC Thunder just won the 2025 NBA Championship. Now, their front office must find a way to properly set the club up to continue contending for titles over the many years to come.
It's not hyperbole to say that becoming the league's next great dynasty is realistically in sight for Oklahoma City.
However, after committing themselves to a potential total of $877 million in new standard contract earnings this summer, with $822 tied to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren alone, properly navigating through this era of crippling tax penalties will prove to be the difference between them becoming the new Warriors and following in the footsteps of the Boston Celtics.
Because of this, GM Sam Presti should already be plotting out his follow-up strategies well in advance, and, as far as the hierarchy of future moves is concerned, there's one specific signing the Thunder must be counting down the days for.
Signing Cason Wallace to a rookie extension is a must for Thunder
With their lofty financial commitments made this summer, the Thunder have locked in their Big Three of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren for the long haul.
Fortunately, this means that instead of having to focus on the structure of their core stars, Presti and company can prioritize fleshing out the roster around them.
Because of this, it goes without saying that the next big move Oklahoma City must make is signing Cason Wallace to a rookie extension once he becomes eligible.
Since being selected with the 10 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Kentucky product has endeared himself to both the Thunder coaching staff and fanbase with his impressive two-way style of play and electrifying effort on the floor.
Following a sensational regular season showing where he averaged 8.4 points and 1.8 steals on 47.4 percent shooting from the floor and 35.6 percent shooting from deep during his sophomore campaign, Wallace found himself serving as a key cog in Mark Daigneault's playoff rotation during their title run, even being entrusted as a regular starter during the championship round.
Now heading into his third year with the club, the guard will become eligible for a rookie extension by the time next July rolls around. By all accounts, OKC should be eager to re-up with the youngster's services.
Not only has he been a tremendous contributor for the Thunder throughout his tenure, but with the looming, long-term decisions that must be made for more senior players like Luguentz Dort (his 2026-27 season holds a club option and, with their payroll increase, could theoretically be a cap casualty), his presence moving forward also would secure the future for the two guard spot.
Be it in a starting or reserve role, the 21-year-old should undoubtedly be viewed as a long-term staple within the Thunder backcourt and should be extended as soon as his junior season comes to a close.