The Oklahoma City Thunder and guard Cason Wallace have begun negotiations on a rookie-scale contract extension, with talks starting around $25 million per year, according to The Stein Line.
"Sources say talks between Wallace's camp and the Thunder have begun in the $25 million range in average annual value," Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported, adding that recent deals for Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels and Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun have helped establish the market.
Wallace is coming off his best NBA season, averaging 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 steals across 77 games, including 58 starts. His standout defense earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
The 22-year-old enters the final season of his rookie contract and is set to make about $7.4 million in 2026-27.
Oklahoma City has until October 19 to reach an extension to prevent Wallace from becoming a restricted free agent next summer.
Is there room for a bigger offer?
The key question now is whether Wallace can push the final figure above the initial $25 million range.
"Can Wallace ultimately secure a new contract that pays more than $25 million annually?" The Stein Line wrote. "How far shy will the pact ultimately land compared to George's new five-year, $158 million deal in Utah? Sources say those are key questions to be resolved in these final negotiation stages."
Wallace entered the NBA as the No. 10 pick in the 2023 Draft after Oklahoma City traded up from No. 12 to acquire his draft rights from the Dallas Mavericks.