On the heels of losing Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals to the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti is expected to make difficult decisions this offseason, including a potential contract extension for Cason Wallace. After earning All-Defensive Second Team honors following a breakout campaign, Wallace is eligible for a contract extension this summer. He will be entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract in 2026-27.
Ahead of summer negotiations, Wallace could ink a deal worth $108 million with the Thunder, accoriding to Spotrac's Keith Smith.
“This may be the most fascinating decision of the entire group. Wallace has been lights-out as a defender since he was drafted. His offensive game has improved, but his efficiency has fallen off as his role has grown,” Smith said. “That could be a sign that Wallace isn’t quite ready to carry a team. The good news? He doesn’t have to with the Thunder.
“The combination of projecting what Wallace will eventually be, his role now and going forward in Oklahoma City, and the Thunder’s ever-swelling payroll makes this a difficult one to peg. Still, it’s best to believe Sam Presti will take care of Wallace now and figure out the rest later.”
Assuming Wallace would take on a starting job alongside two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Thunder's backcourt, Cason has been viewed by many as Lu Dort's replacement. While Dort, who earned All-Defensive First Team honors this season, is still considered to be one of the NBA's elite ball-defenders, Wallace made a strong case for himself as Oklahoma City's future. Dort is also entering the final season of his five-year, $82.5 million deal, which is a team option, worth $18 million for next season.
Starting in 58 regular-season games, Wallace averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in 2025-26. He also finished third in the league in steals per game (1.9).
Cason Wallace's mindset heading into Thunder contract negotiations
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Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After the defending champions were dethroned by the Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, Thunder's Cason Wallace addressed his next contract during his exit interview the following day. The Thunder will evaluate its series against the Spurs, identifying the strengths and weaknesses throughout. In doing so, Wallace's production will stand out in a positive light, especially in Game 7.
After Wallace finished with 17 points, including five triples, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals against the Spurs, he addressed his future, in hopes of continuing to grow as a player.
“I’m not money-driven,” Wallace said. “I want to compete. That’s the main focus for me. Whether I get paid this summer or not, I’m gonna get better because that’s what I have to do to stay in this league.”
The final season of Wallace's four-year, $24 million contract is a team option worth $7.4 million in 2026-27.
On the heels of losing Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals to the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti is expected to make difficult decisions this offseason, including a potential contract extension for Cason Wallace. After earning All-Defensive Second Team honors following a breakout campaign, Wallace is eligible for a contract extension this summer.