October 10, 2025 — Several players eligible for rookie-scale extensions are running out of time to secure new deals before the Oct. 20 deadline, according to reporting from Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Nuggets
League sources told Fischer that Denver swingman Christian Braun is targeting an average annual salary in the $30 million range. The low end of negotiations has hovered near $25 million per season. Braun, 24, posted career highs across the board last year, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 33.9 minutes while shooting 58.0% from the field, 39.7% from deep and 82.7% at the foul line.
While Braun appears to be a priority, the Nuggets are not expected to extend fellow wing Peyton Watson. Fischer noted that Denver’s long-term cap and tax outlook makes the front office hesitant to lock in additional multiyear deals for role players.
Suns
Phoenix is not expected to reach an extension with center Mark Williams this month, preferring to evaluate the former first-round pick over the 2025-26 season, sources said. Williams has yet to appear in more than 44 games in any of his first three NBA campaigns and would enter restricted free agency next summer.
Jazz
Utah and center Walker Kessler have “no momentum” toward an extension, according to Fischer. The 7-footer is therefore on track for restricted free agency in 2026. Leaving Kessler unsigned also makes a midseason trade easier if the Jazz decide to pivot; the Lakers remain interested, and Phoenix reportedly inquired about Kessler before acquiring Williams in June.
The Jazz continue to take calls on All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen but are not actively shopping him. Veteran Kevin Love, however, is viewed as a more immediate trade candidate. Love logged 20 minutes in Wednesday’s preseason opener, a deployment that rival teams interpreted as a possible showcase. Finding a club willing to sign the 37-year-old to a minimum deal could ease a future buyout, Fischer added.
The extension window closes Oct. 20, leaving less than two weeks for teams and players to finalize agreements.
Source: Hoops Rumors
