Brandon Miller Tops 2023 NBA Draft Extension Watchlist — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Keyonte George signed a five-year, $157.5 million extension with the Utah Jazz on Friday, joining Victor Wembanyama and Amen Thompson as the only 2023 draftees with second contracts and becoming the first non-lottery pick from the class to get paid.
- Brandon Miller is positioned as the next likely windfall, with a projected deal around five years and $200 million after Charlotte traded LaMelo Ball to Minnesota and committed to building around Miller and Kon Knueppel.
- Ausur Thompson's extension is on hold in Detroit pending resolution of the Jalen Duren contract stalemate, though the source notes Thompson has developed into one of the NBA's best defenders and his twin Amen already signed a five-year, $208 million deal with Houston.
- Cason Wallace is flagged as a likely top restricted free agent if Oklahoma City doesn't extend him, with the source noting the Thunder traded Isaiah Joe and Lu Dort this summer and that outside teams with cap space could target him.
- Scoot Henderson has underperformed his No. 3 billing and may have to wait until next summer's restricted free agency, particularly if Portland starts Ja Morant and Jrue Holiday ahead of him.
- Anthony Black is coming off a breakout year with Orlando (40 starts, 15 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists per game) and is now embedded in a Magic core that includes Banchero, Wagner, Bane and Suggs.
Why it matters: George's $157.5 million deal as the first non-lottery 2023 draftee to land an extension resets the rookie-extension market floor for this class, and Charlotte appears positioned to test the ceiling immediately with Miller potentially approaching $200 million — a figure the Hornets can accommodate after trading LaMelo Ball to clean their books.
Ask SkimNews
