The NBA season starts in one week, but that isn't the only thing on the minds of league executives. The deadline for rookie extensions is Monday, a day before the 2026-27 regular season tips off.
Since the start of the offseason, five players -- Victor Wembanyama, Amen and Ausar Thompson, Keyonte George and Brandin Podziemski -- have signed rookie extensions. That's currently far below the average of 11 rookie extensions signed per year since 2023, but expect that number to rise in the coming days. Of the 34 players to land rookie extensions in the past three seasons, 17 signed on deadline day.
What deals will the next week bring? We broke down what to expect for six of the 16 eligible players.
Rookie extension decisions aren't the only things we're watching. Oct. 19 is also the deadline to extend veterans with two years remaining on their contract -- not including an option year -- and the deadline to reduce rosters to 15 players on standard contracts.
Let's examine the league's most important extension decisions and what Monday's deadline could bring for teams around the league.
Jump to a section:
Six big rookie extension decisions
KAT, Giannis among vets to watch
Moves coming for Lakers, Knicks?
Rookie extension candidates to watch
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Why an extension could get done: Following offseason trades of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, the Hornets view Miller and Kon Knueppel as the franchise's new foundation. An injury-plagued sophomore 2024-25 season limited Miller to 27 games, but he rebounded last season to post career highs in 3-pointers made, 3-point percentage and free throw attempts and averaged more than 20 points per game for the second straight season.
Why it might not: Miller views Amen Thompson's five-year, $208 million extension with Houston as a comparable salary. The main difference: Thompson played at least 60 games in each of his first three seasons and was selected for the All-Defensive First Team in 2025.
What I would offer: Five years, $175 million. The contract can either start at $30.2 million and increase each year, ending at $39.8 million, or start high and decline each season. (Coby White's latest contract with the Hornets declines in Years 2 and 3.) With no player earning more than $25 million in 2027-28, Charlotte has the flexibility to increase Miller's offer. Not including new contracts for Miller and center Moussa Diabate, who is eligible for an extension in February, Charlotte projects to be $80 million under the luxury tax next season.
Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
Why an extension could get done: The Mavericks would need to bypass injury concerns and look at his impact when healthy. Despite playing only 36 games in 2024-25, Lively ranked 17th out of 138 players in offensive rebounding percentage and fourth in defensive rebounding percentage. During that season, Lively held opponents to 56.3% of shooting at the rim, ranking 20th out of 165 players. In 21 postseason games as a rookie, Lively averaged 7.4 rebounds in 22 minutes per game.
Why it might not: What else? Injuries and durability. Lively has played a total of 98 games in his first three seasons, including 55 his rookie year, and missed all but seven games last season. He had right foot surgery in July 2025 before another surgery on the same foot four months later. Lively continues to ramp up his recovery but was not cleared to play 5-on-5 during training camp.
What I would offer: Three years, $35 million. The first-year, $10.8 million salary is comparable to the one-year qualifying offer Lively is eligible for next summer if an extension is not reached. The second year is guaranteed, but the third is contingent on Lively playing at least 41 games in the first or second season of the contract.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
Why an extension could get done: If we are evaluating Jaquez off last season with Miami, then discussions for a new contract are warranted. With the Heat, Jaquez became one of four players to average at least 15 points, five rebounds and four assists off the bench since the 1982-83 season. The forward shot a career-high 50.7% last season and saw his assists nearly double from 2.5 to 4.7. Considering Kyle Kuzma is on an expiring contract and Nate Ament is in his rookie season, having Jaquez under contract should be a priority.
Why it might not: Other than failing to reach a compromise, Milwaukee could pause extension talks to evaluate how Jaquez fits in with new Bucks coach Taylor Jenkins.
What I would offer: Four years, $78.8 million. Comparable to Jaquez's free agent hold, the contract starts at $17.8 million and ends with a player option.
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
Why an extension could get done: If there ever was an indication, it was the trade sending Lu Dort to Atlanta.
"I would just say Cason is someone we think very highly of and has done a great job for us," Thunder general manager Sam Presti said before training camp. "I think the greatest sign of respect we could have shown Cason is moving Lu [Dort] in that trade. We potentially could have looked at a series of other options, but it's a bit of a gesture to him to say, 'We think you can have a great role on this team. We believe in you as a player.'"
Named All-Defense for the first time in his career, Wallace led all players in steals last season. He finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting and was one of five guards (Dyson Daniels, Derrick White, Andrew Nembhard, Amen Thompson) over the past two seasons to win Defensive Player of the Month.
Why it might not: Second apron concerns. With Year 1 of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's supermax extension beginning, Oklahoma City is $1.9 million over the second apron. A contract for Wallace starting at $25 million not only puts the Thunder deeper into the apron but will cost them an additional $150 million in luxury taxes. As this past offseason proved with the trades of Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, Oklahoma City is not afraid to make difficult choices to keep its core intact.
What I would offer: Five years, $145 million. The contract starts at $25 million and increases to $33 million in the final year. You can make a case that Wallace should get more in guaranteed money than Keyonte George and Ausar Thompson, but Oklahoma City is in a different bracket financially than Utah and Detroit.
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic
Why an extension could get done: Past precedent. The Magic have been aggressive in signing former draft picks to rookie extensions. In the past three offseasons, Orlando has extended Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. If not for injuring his back in early March, Black would have been a candidate for 2026 Most Improved Player; his scoring increased from 9.4 to 15.3 points per game and he shot a career-high 44.7% from the field. Defensively, Black had 25 games with multiple steals.
Why it might not: Finances. A new contract would likely put Orlando over the luxury tax for consecutive seasons and over the first apron. The Magic are a projected $20 million under the tax threshold. Next season and in 2028-29, they will have four players (Wagner, Banchero, Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs) earning more than $26 million. Considering Orlando has failed to advance past the first round with this roster, is it prudent to pay a significant penalty once again?
What I would offer: There are two ways to look at Black's next contract: the deal Orlando should offer because of its financial constraints, and what Black deserves. If the goal is to remain below the luxury tax, the starting salary cannot exceed $13 million -- below the $16 million non-tax midlevel exception for next season. There is also the question of whether Orlando views him as a starter or a sixth man. The starting backcourt of Suggs and Bane is under contract through at least the 2028-29 season.
Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers
Why an extension could get done: The Trail Blazers view Henderson's production in the first round of the playoffs as a reason to lock up the former No. 3 pick to a long-term contract. In the first three games against the Spurs, Henderson scored 70 points. Over the past 30 seasons, only Brandon Roy (82 points in 2009) and Damian Lillard (79 points in 2014) scored more through their first three playoff games as a Blazer.
Why it might not: Other than a small sample in the playoffs, what has Henderson done in his first three seasons to show he is worthy of a lucrative contract? Henderson's career field goal percentage (40.4%) is the second worst of any player in the past three seasons. And on defense, Henderson allowed 51.4% shooting from the field as the closest defender last season. Also, how does Henderson fit with new coach Micah Nori and a crowded backcourt of Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Ja Morant?
What I would offer: Three years, $51.8 million. The first-year salary of $16 million is comparable to the non-tax midlevel exception.
Other players eligible for rookie extensions: Noah Clowney (Brooklyn), Julian Strawther (Denver), Marcus Sasser (Dallas), Ben Sheppard (Indiana), Jarace Walker (Indiana), Gradey Dick (LA Clippers), Taylor Hendricks (Memphis), Kris Murray (Memphis), Brice Sensabaugh (Utah), Bilal Coulibaly (Washington)
Veteran extension candidates
Recent extensions for Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Curry have continued the trend of stars choosing guaranteed money over hitting free agency. Since the offseason started in July, 11 potential free agents extended their contracts, including Leonard, Curry and Donovan Mitchell.
There are two sets of deadlines for players who are extension-eligible. For players with two years or more remaining on their contract, such as the Celtics' Payton Pritchard, Monday is the deadline to extend. Players with one year remaining on their contract have until June 30 to extend.
If a player has two years left on his contract but with an option in the last season, however, he is also eligible to extend up to June 30. This group includes Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis. For each of the four players to extend after Oct. 19, the player option must be eliminated and replaced with the first year of the extension.
Here are where things stand ahead of that Oct. 19 deadline:
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
For the second consecutive offseason, Jokic will not sign an extension in Denver. The lack of long-term security has nothing to do with his unhappiness in Denver, but rather his ability to maximize finances next offseason. By waiting until the 2027 offseason, Jokic is eligible to sign a five-year, $359.5 million contract as a free agent. That contract would be the largest in NBA history and see his career on-court earnings reach $724 million.
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Towns has repeatedly said the goal is to get a new contract done with New York.
"Simply put, I want to do something that can keep the team together and work with the Knicks and also values me," Towns said on Oct. 5. The Knicks are thinking differently, stating they will not negotiate any extensions until later in the season.
Since the NBA Finals concluded in mid-June, Towns has been eligible to sign up to a four-year, $276 million extension. Talks have reached an impasse, per Towns, however. "None of those things have come close to happening," he said.
The holdup on why New York is not writing a blank check comes down to second apron concerns over the foreseeable future. With Towns' $61 million player option in 2027-28, New York is likely to exceed the second apron. They are currently $9 million below the threshold and have five open roster spots. The purse strings get even tighter in the summer of 2028.
Not including new contracts for Towns and Josh Hart and a significant raise for Jalen Brunson (his salary will likely increase from $43.3 to $64.7 million), New York will project to be $104 million below the second apron.
For example, if New York signed Towns to a four-year, $227 million extension ($53 million, $57.4 million, $61.5 million and $65.7 million), extended Hart starting at $20 million and signed Brunson to a max contract, it guarantees New York as a second apron team for the 2028-29 season. Knicks owner James Dolan said after the Finals that New York will not exceed the second apron.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat
Antetokounmpo has been extension-eligible since Oct. 1 but at considerably less money because he was traded on July 6. The extension would be either three years, $194 million or two years, $135.1 million. But waiting until Jan. 6 (six months after the trade) would make Antetokounmpo eligible to sign a four-year, $276 million extension. The $62.8 million player option would be replaced with Year 1 of the extension.
One scenario not to be overlooked: Antetokounmpo mirroring Jokic and re-signing with Miami as a free agent in the 2027 offseason. By not extending in January, Antetokounmpo would then become eligible for a five-year, $357 million contract. His potential $754 million in career on court earnings would be the most in NBA history.
Anthony Davis, Washington Wizards
Do not expect a Davis extension in the near future.
"[I'll decide] when the season is over," Davis said on media day. "We're going to go through the season and try to do what I do at a high level. ... And then when it's over, sit down and have those conversations again with the front office."
Davis became eligible to sign an extension in early August for up to four years and $275 million. He holds a player option for $62 million next season, the final year of a three-year, $175 million deal he signed with the Lakers. The first year of an extension would replace that player option. Davis, 33, did not play with Washington after he was acquired at last season's trade deadline, and he has failed to reach 60 games in five of the past six seasons.
Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves
McDaniels is eligible to extend for two years and $87 million. (Because he has three years remaining on his current contract, the first year of the extension would not start until 2029-30.) Last season, McDaniels increased his scoring from 14.8 points per game in the regular season to 16.5 in the playoffs and scored a season-high 32 points in the Game 6 clincher against Denver. In that series, McDaniels also held All-Star Jamal Murray to 32% shooting as the closest defender.
Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics
Pritchard has two years remaining on his contract and through Monday can tack on three additional seasons and $67 million. The first year of an extension would make him the third-highest-paid Celtic in 2028-29. In 79 games last season (50 starts), Pritchard averaged 17.0 points and 5.2 assists per game. His current $7.8 million salary remains one of the best bargains in the NBA.
More players to watch
Oct. 19 deadline: Onyeka Okongwu (Atlanta), Terance Mann (Brooklyn), Royce O'Neale (Charlotte), Nicolas Claxton (Chicago), Moses Moody (Golden State), Pascal Siakam (Indiana), Obi Toppin (Indiana), Andrew Nembhard (Indiana), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana), Ivica Zubac (Indiana), Darius Garland (LA Clippers), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota), LaMelo Ball (Minnesota), Jaden McDaniels (Minnesota), Karlo Matkovic (New Orleans), Zion Williamson (New Orleans), Desmond Bane (Orlando), Jaylen Brown (Philadelphia), Deni Avdija (Portland), Ja Morant (Portland), Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento), Devin Vassell (San Antonio).
June 30 deadline: Lu Dort (Atlanta), Mouhamed Gueye (Atlanta), Paul George (Boston), Michael Porter Jr. (Brooklyn), Grant Williams (Charlotte), Leonard Miller (Chicago), Jalen Smith (Chicago), Isaac Okoro (Chicago), Buddy Hield (Chicago), Craig Porter Jr. (Cleveland), Max Christie (Dallas), Caleb Martin (Dallas), Cameron Johnson (Denver), Zeke Nnaji (Denver), Johnny Furphy (Indiana), Jay Huff (Indiana), Kris Dunn (LA Clippers), Derrick Jones Jr. (LA Clippers), Cam Christie (LA Clippers), Max Strus (LA Clippers), Jarred Vanderbilt (LA Lakers), Bronny James (LA Lakers), Jaden Hardy (LA Lakers), Isaiah Stewart (Memphis), Jaylen Wells (Memphis), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Memphis), Jerami Grant (Memphis), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Miami), Kyle Kuzma (Milwaukee), Tyler Herro (Milwaukee), Donte DiVincenzo (Minnesota), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota), Jordan Poole (New Orleans), Dejounte Murray (New Orleans), Josh Hart (New York), Tyler Kolek (New York), Miles McBride (New York), Goga Bitadze (Orlando), Adem Bona (Philadelphia), Jalen Green (Phoenix), Oso Ighodaro (Phoenix), Miles Bridges (Phoenix), Vit Krejci (Portland), Zach LaVine (Sacramento), De'Andre Hunter (Sacramento), Malik Monk (Sacramento), Keldon Johnson (San Antonio), Kyle Filopowski (Utah), Svi Mykhailiuk (Utah).
Key roster decisions around the league
Nearly 80 players will hit waivers Saturday night in anticipation of Monday's deadline to cut rosters to 15 players. Teams will incur a per-day cap hit if a player signed to a non-guaranteed contract is not waived by 5 p.m. ET on Saturday. For example, the Knicks would be charged $17,622 per day against the cap if James Wiseman is not waived by Saturday. New York is currently over the luxury tax and first apron. The full salary counts against the apron.
Here are three more teams to watch as the Monday roster deadline approaches:
Los Angeles Lakers
Is there a trade on the horizon to consolidate the Lakers' roster? With 16 players currently on guaranteed contracts, Los Angeles will need to open up a roster spot either in a trade or by releasing a player.
"Behind that evaluation of who's emerging in camp, there's also consolidation trades that could still be looked at -- trading two guys out, bringing one in," Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said last month. "There's a number of ways that could be addressed."
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have already made two roster decisions by waiving veteran D'Angelo Russell and former first-round pick Jordan Hawkins.
Memphis has 16 guaranteed contracts but needs to release two players because the $2.3 million salary of Jaylen Wells is set to become guaranteed on Oct. 19. Possible candidates include Kris Murray and Micah Peavy.
New York Knicks
New York loaded up on depth this summer by signing veterans Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, Drew Eubanks, James Wiseman and Tony Bradley. But due to a self-imposed second apron hard cap, the Knicks are likely to keep just one of the five players despite having two open roster spots. They are currently $3.2 million below the second apron. Other options: Keep two players and then cut one during the season, or make a minor trade to clear out salary.
Other decisions to watch
- The Hornets made a series of transactions in the offseason, trading Dorian Finney-Smith, Buddy Hield and waiving Ryan Nembhard. They have 16 players on standard contracts, including the non-guaranteed contract of veteran Pat Connaughton.
- With Moussa Cisse's contract becoming guaranteed on Oct. 1, Dallas has 15 players on guaranteed deals. The Mavericks signed center Dwight Powell before training camp and need to waive the veteran or make another move to get their roster to 15 players.
- The Warriors have a decision with their final two roster spots. They are hard capped at the second apron and allowed to keep only three of these four players: Brandon Williams, Dalen Terry, Georges Niang and Charles Bassey. Terry, whose contract is not guaranteed, had a team-high 23 points in a preseason loss to the Trail Blazers on Oct. 7. Bassey ($1.4 million) and Niang's ($1.8 million) salaries are partially guaranteed, while Williams' salary increases from no protection to $1.4 million if he is not waived on the first day of the regular season.
- The Clippers and Cam Christie agreed to move back his guaranteed date twice during the offseason. Now with a Thursday deadline looming, LA can guarantee the former second-round pick and waive a player on a guaranteed deal -- newly acquired Gradey Dick, for example -- or cut bait with Christie.
- The four-for-one trade that sent Antetokounmpo to Miami has Milwaukee with 16 guaranteed contracts. Pete Nance's deal becomes guaranteed if he is not waived by Monday.