As the last piece of business to cross off this offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder continue with their negotiation standoff with Cason Wallace. After a breakout third year, the 22-year-old became eligible for a contract extension. But now that we're in September, it looks like they're still trying to find the middle ground.
We're in an old-school contract negotiation. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren taking up around 85% of OKC's payroll for the foreseeable future, the Thunder have to be cognizant of how they want to slice up the final chunk of the money pie.
So how much longer do the Thunder have to agree to a contract extension with Wallace? The 2023 NBA draft class extension deadline is on Monday. Oct. 19 at
5 p.m. CT — which is the eve of 2026-27 Opening Night.
It will be interesting to see if the Thunder and Wallace can agree to a deal beforehand. Or if he becomes a super-rare case where an OKC player enters restricted free agency in the 2027 offseason. You could see both sides' arguments as to where they likely believe his new deal should fall on the $20-million-to-$30-million yearly salary figure.
If you're the Thunder, you can point to Wallace's pedestrian regular-season stats. At least on offense. He's averaged a career 7.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists. His 3-point percentage has dwindled from 41.9% in his rookie year to 35.1% in his third year — all on small volume, too. Those aren't exactly bank-breaking numbers.
There's legitimacy to suggest Wallace's regular-season production doesn't really scream $25-plus-million-per-year salary. That said, he's been stuck in an unofficial sixth-starter role his first three years. With Lu Dort out of the picture, he has plenty of room to grow on the offensive end. It's all about consistency at this point.
That said, if you're Wallace, you can point to his trophy case as to why he deserves the top end of his contract projection. He's a one-time NBA champion and played a key role in OKC's 2025 title run. He's also a one-time All-Defensive member and almost won the steals title. And even considering his meh regular season numbers, he stepped up big time in these past NBA playoffs. He shot a sizzling 48.4% from 3 on 4.1 attempts.
Wallace can also argue that it's disingenuous to hold his past offensive production against him. An NBA player's second contract is all projection. And considering everything he's already accomplished, the 22-year-old should see his career arc continue to climb as he enters his prime on the upcoming deal.
While it's unique for the Thunder to be in an old-school contract negotiation that takes until the final hour, that's been the league-wide trend in recent years. Only Victor Wembanyama and Amen Thompson are the sole 2023 NBA draft first-round picks to get a second deal. Maybe Wallace could eventually join them before the clock strikes midnight and both sides punt contract talks until next summer.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: When is the last day OKC Thunder have to sign Cason Wallace to contract extension?
