An early-October survey of the rookie-scale extension landscape shows limited movement with the Oct. 20 deadline approaching, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Five extensions completed, 16 still on the board
Only five members of the 2022 draft class—Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr. and Nikola Jovic—have reached new deals so far. Sixteen other eligible players remain without extensions. Last year, just four agreements were in place at this point, but seven more were finalized on deadline day (Oct. 21).
Trail Blazers, Sharpe discuss four-year pact
The Portland Trail Blazers have explored a four-year, $90 million extension for guard Shaedon Sharpe, 22. League strategists told Fischer the former No. 7 pick could ultimately match or exceed the four-year, $100 million contract Josh Giddey signed with Chicago. Sharpe averaged 20.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists over his final 29 games last season, and Portland believes a continued rise could put the club back in the 2025-26 postseason picture.
Hawks, Daniels far apart early
Negotiations between the Atlanta Hawks and reigning Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels are described as having “some distance.” Daniels finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and is expected to seek a major raise on his next deal.
Rockets want clarity with Eason before Durant decision
The Houston Rockets prefer to finalize a new contract for forward Tari Eason before locking in a long-term agreement with 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant, giving the team a clearer look at its future cap situation. A potential Eason extension would likely cover four years, and cap analysts project an annual salary below the $24.4 million Jabari Smith Jr. secured earlier this year.
Knicks gauging Dadiet’s value
The New York Knicks have contacted several clubs to assess the trade market for rookie wing Pacome Dadiet. Multiple sources believe New York started Dadiet in Thursday’s preseason opener to showcase him. Dealing the 19-year-old would allow the Knicks to keep two veteran camp invitees rather than one. Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet are viewed as favorites for those spots, though Fischer continues to hear that sharpshooter Garrison Mathews will receive serious consideration—potentially at Shamet’s expense.
With the deadline less than three weeks away, clubs face a balancing act between early extensions and the leverage that restricted free agency can provide next summer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
