Few Big-Money Rookie Deals Expected Before Monday’s Deadline
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With the rookie-scale extension window closing on Monday, teams appear reluctant to approve contracts averaging more than $25 million per season, league sources told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line in his latest Substack report.
Dyson Daniels
The Atlanta Hawks guard is viewed as capable of landing a five-year, $150 million agreement similar to last year’s extensions for teammates Jalen Johnson and Orlando’s Jalen Suggs. However, sources said the Hawks are prepared to let Daniels reach restricted free agency if he declines their current proposal. Daniels is represented by Daniel Moldovan, the same agent who guided Josh Giddey through a lengthy restricted-free-agency standoff with Chicago this summer. Executives believe Daniels would encounter a stronger market than Giddey faced.
Detroit Duo
Talks involving Pistons guards Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren have stalled, according to Fischer. Detroit is reportedly cautious with Ivey after this week’s arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and last season’s fractured left tibia. Ivey’s camp anticipates significant interest should he hit free agency. Negotiations with Duren are described as “tepid,” with his representatives seeking well above $30 million in average annual value.
Tari Eason
Rockets forward Tari Eason is aiming for at least $20 million per year, sources said, while Houston’s offer is well below the five-year, $122 million deal Jabari Smith Jr. accepted in July. The outcome could influence the club’s extension talks with Kevin Durant; cap specialists consulted by Fischer advised limiting any Durant offer to $80 million over two seasons. It remains unclear whether Durant would accept that figure. Houston is also mindful that Amen Thompson is eligible for a maximum extension next summer.
Christian Braun and Peyton Watson
Denver is signaling it wants to avoid the luxury tax next season, making a new deal for Christian Braun unlikely, per Fischer. Braun’s camp is targeting about $25 million annually. The Nuggets have also spoken with Peyton Watson, though an agreement with him may hinge on the outcome of Braun’s negotiations.
Shaedon Sharpe
Rival executives expect Portland to finalize a contract for approximately $100 million over four years with guard Shaedon Sharpe, making him the most probable player to sign before Monday’s cutoff.
Headed for Restricted Free Agency
Suns center Mark Williams, Jazz center Walker Kessler and Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin are all trending toward restricted free agency next summer, Fischer reported. Among the trio, Mathurin is considered the most likely to switch teams because Indiana is hesitant to add more long-term salary.
Source: Hoops Rumors
