Why I’m bullish on the rookie extensions for the 2023 NBA Draft class

Seven first-round picks from the 2023 NBA Draft agreed to lucrative rookie contract extensions before the deadline. The writer expresses overall optimism regarding all seven nine-figure agreements, analyzing how each deal impacts respective team salary structures. Headlining the group, Victor Wembanyama secured a five-year extension with the San Antonio Spurs worth an estimated $252 million, structured at 25 percent of the cap rather than the maximal 30 percent.

The writer also evaluates deals for Brandon Miller, Amen Thompson, Keyonte George, Ausar Thompson, Cason Wallace, and Brandin Podziemski. While analyzing each player's financial and on-court fit, the author notes that notable eligible players who did not reach extension agreements included Anthony Black, Scoot Henderson, and Jaime Jaquez Jr.