NBA Front Offices Face Monday Deadline for 2022 Draft Class Extensions
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The clock is ticking for teams hoping to lock up members of the 2022 draft class. Rookie-scale extension negotiations must be completed by 6 p.m. ET Monday, less than 24 hours before the Houston Rockets visit the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder to open the 2025-26 season.
Six players from that class have already signed new deals: No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero, No. 2 Chet Holmgren, No. 3 Jabari Smith Jr., No. 4 Keegan Murray (five years, $140 million), No. 12 Jalen Williams and No. 27 Nikola Jovic. Fifteen other first-rounders remain eligible, and recent history suggests action will continue right up to the buzzer—14 of the 25 rookie extensions completed in 2023 and 2024 were finalized on deadline day.
Below is a look at 10 prominent names still in play, the financial landscape each club must navigate and the numbers league insiders believe could get deals across the finish line.
Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks
Why Atlanta may act: Acquired in last summer’s Dejounte Murray trade, the guard won Most Improved Player, led the NBA with 229 steals—the highest total since 1995-96—and landed on the All-Defensive first team while boosting his scoring from 5.8 to 14.1 points.
Complications: Agent Daniel Moldovan is eyeing the five-year, $150 million pact Jalen Suggs signed in 2024. Meanwhile, franchise cornerstone Trae Young holds a $49 million option for next season and has not yet extended.
Ballpark offer: Five years, $125 million, flat $25 million annually.
Christian Braun & Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets
Why Denver may act: Braun started at shooting guard during the club’s title defense, while Watson’s athleticism fits well around Nikola Jokic.
Complications: Even after moving Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson, Denver sits about $24 million below the second apron before new deals. Waiving Jonas Valanciunas before June 29 would free roughly $10 million but leave the rotation thin.
Ballpark offers: Braun: five years, $126.5 million starting at $21.8 million. Watson: four years, $54 million.
Jaden Ivey & Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Why Detroit may act: Ivey’s backcourt fit with Cade Cunningham looked promising before a fractured left fibula ended his season. Duren, 21, averaged a double-double under coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Complications: Ivey’s injury history encourages caution, and Detroit historically avoids premium salaries for centers. Only two non-max big men since 2020—Alperen Sengun and Jaren Jackson Jr.—have started extensions above $20 million.
Ballpark offers: Duren: five years, $112.5 million descending from $25.6 million. Ivey: four years, $86.5 million with injury protection language.
Tari Eason, Houston Rockets
Why Houston may act: Advanced metrics love the versatile forward, who has filled multiple roles since being drafted 17th overall.
Complications: A recurring left leg injury limited him to 59 games over the past two years, and Houston already has Jabari Smith Jr.’s extension beginning at $23.6 million while an extension for Amen Thompson is on deck next summer.
Ballpark offer: Four years, $80 million.
Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
Why Indiana may act: Coach Rick Carlisle plans to start the 22-year-old wing with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the season.
Complications: Indiana has $160 million committed to seven players next year and has not paid the luxury tax since the 1990s.
Ballpark offer: Four years, $68 million.
Mark Williams, Phoenix Suns
Why Phoenix may act: The Suns traded two first-round picks, including a 2029 selection, to bring in the 7-foot center from Charlotte.
Complications: Williams has never appeared in more than 45 games in a season and failed a physical with the Lakers in February before the deal was voided. He has missed 116 games in three years because of back, foot and thumb issues.
Ballpark offer: Three years, $51 million, non-guaranteed in Year 3 unless games-played thresholds are reached.
Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
Why Portland may act: The first draft pick of general manager Joe Cronin averaged 18.5 points last season and turns 23 next spring.
Complications: Portland’s 2025-26 payroll already exceeds the projected cap once Sharpe’s $25.2 million cap hold is included, limiting free-agency flexibility.
Ballpark offer: Four years, $105 million, declining from $29 million to $23.5 million.
Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
Why Utah may act: The 7-foot rim protector is a key return from the Rudy Gobert trade and would anchor the rebuild through the decade.
Complications: Because Kessler was drafted 22nd, his 2026 cap hold is only $14.7 million; a $25 million starting salary would eat into roughly $50 million of projected cap room.
Ballpark offer: Five years, $116 million.
Teams have until Monday evening to decide whether to secure these young players now or risk restricted free agency next summer. Based on the league’s recent frenzy of last-minute extensions, phones are expected to stay busy right up to the deadline.
Source: ESPN.com
