Like others in the 2023 NBA Draft Class, including Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George, Cason Wallace of the Oklahoma City Thunder is seeking a rookie contract extension. According to “The Stein Line,” the two parties have been discussing numbers in the ballpark of $25 million per year, a figure Wallace may be open to signing for before the Oct. 19 deadline.
However, if talks fall through because Wallace wants a salary close to George (average annual value of $31.5 million) or Thompson’s (average annual value of $31 million), the LA Clippers could easily steal him from the Thunder, as they will have the money available to meet his demands next summer in restricted free agency.
This is because they are projected to have the third-most cap space in the league, thanks to their strategy. For context, there are no long-term commitments on the Clippers’ books outside of Darius Garland.
The Clippers must hope an extension between the Thunder and Wallace isn’t agreed to
Between now and October 19th, the LA Clippers need to hope and pray they don’t get hit with the news that Cason Wallace and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to an extension.
Why? It’s simple: Wallace is the type of player the Clippers dream of having.
Last season, in 77 games, Wallace averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 43.2% from the field and 35.1% from beyond the arc.
Although these numbers may not scream $30-million value, he’s playing behind a number of scorers and playmakers on the Thunder’s roster. In fact, Oklahoma City has three All-Star talents in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams.
When the ball has been in his hands, or if the Thunder are short-staffed, Wallace has consistently demonstrated the ability to step up to the plate, show out on both sides of the floor, and win games. He could easily go somewhere else and double his points average while remaining just as good defensively.
In addition to already winning a ring at the age of 22, Wallace has All-Rookie and All-Defensive honors on his resume. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me.
In the event talks are unsuccessful between Wallace and Oklahoma City, the Clippers shouldn’t hesitate to send a $30 million offer to the former lottery pick’s inbox.
The potential he has is through the roof, and as a cornerstone for the Clippers’ franchise, he could easily be their next great two-way star.
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