The rookie extension everyone seems to be waiting for Cason Wallace to sign with the OKC Thunder this summer may not be on the horizon.
At least, that's what ESPN's Tim MacMahon suggested during a recent edition of The Hoop Collective Podcast.
While discussing which player from the 2023 NBA Draft will be next to follow in Victor Wembanyama's footsteps and ink a new multi-year extension, the long-time sportswriter alluded to his belief that though Wallace, the 10 overall selection in the aforementioned class, deserves to cash in, it's not guaranteed to be in the cards this offseason.
"Cason Wallace will get paid [but] I don't know that it's going to be on an extension. That might play out in restricted free agency, we'll see," MacMahon said.
As Wallace has publicly hinted, while he loves and respects the Thunder, at the end of the day, he's looking to do what's in the best interest of expanding and improving his game. If successful, this kind of advancement would then presumably lead to a lucrative new payday come next year's free agency should he not agree to an extension this summer.
However, by staying with the stacked Thunder without a new deal in place, Wallace's skills are only bound to remain overshadowed by his established All-NBA running mates, which may cap his earnings potential on the open market.
Cason Wallace staying with Thunder may prevent him from signing max
Wallace could be eligible to sign a max deal in next summer's restricted free agency, though even with an All-Defensive Second Team selection under his belt, such a scenario isn't something that's on MacMahon's bingo card.
"I don't think [Wallace's free agency deal] will be max, but he'll get paid," MacMahon said.
On the one hand, this is great news for the cash-strapped Thunder, as earnings projections coming in below the max only help improve their odds of retaining his services next summer.
After all, why wouldn't they want to hold on to a 22-year-old two-way impact player who has already proven capable of contributing amid championship runs if they can afford to?
On the other hand, however, it seems Wallace may end up leaving some money on the table largely due to the fact that he's primarily been used in a reserve, role-player capacity throughout his three years so far with Oklahoma City.
Especially with the recent opt-in on Lu Dort's final year under contract, the expectation should be that the former lottery pick will remain in such a role in a contract year.
While he'll still draw a ton of attention from ball clubs should he enter the 2027 free agency market, it's hard to believe many of them will be willing to cough up max money for someone who has really only been used in a limited fashion throughout his pro career.
So while that may end up being a great thing for the Thunder's pockets, unfortunately the same likely won't be able to be saide about Wallace's.
Add us as a preferred source on Google