Thunder
The Thunder have another starter locked into a long-term deal.
Cason Wallace agreed to a five-year, $139 million rookie-scale extension Sunday, according to ESPN. The agreement comes ahead of Monday’s extension deadline and keeps another important piece alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
Wallace has already established himself defensively, earning second-team All-Defense honors last season while averaging 1.9 steals. His responsibilities should grow following the offseason trade that sent Luguentz Dort to the Hawks, writes Derek Parker of Sports Illustrated.
“Critical extension for the Thunder to lock in Wallace ahead of restricted free agency next summer,” Charania wrote. “Now having their starting five all under contract for several years.”
The extension averages $27.8 million annually, adding another substantial commitment to an increasingly expensive roster. Oklahoma City is paying to keep its defensive strength intact while betting that Wallace’s offense will continue to develop.
The Thunder open Tuesday against the Spurs, the team that eliminated them in seven games last postseason.
Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer hasn’t played a regular-season NBA game, but Kevin Garnett already sees plenty to like.
During a conversation with Zach Randolph and Tony Allen on KG Certified, Garnett praised the Grizzlies rookie’s decision-making, defense and ability to produce, relays Ryan Kaminski of Sports Illustrated.
“He is really polished. And he plays defense too,” Garnett said.
Garnett expects Boozer to be in the Rookie of the Year discussion and suggested he could become a 20-point, 10-rebound player. He also pointed to Boozer’s passing from the high post when making a comparison to Nikola Jokic.
“He got a little Jokic in his game,” Garnett said. “He is a little more athletic, he will dunk you.”
That’s considerable praise before opening night. Boozer’s preseason at least offered an early look at the skills Garnett was describing.
In four games, Boozer averaged 14 points, nearly six rebounds and three assists against 1.5 turnovers. He shot 47 percent from the field, 33 percent from three and 83 percent at the foul line.
Those numbers came in exhibition games, of course. But the passing and ability to get to the line give Memphis something to build on beyond his scoring.
Magic
Anthony Black’s extension talks are drawing attention from teams wondering whether the Magic’s payroll could eventually make him available.
According to ESPN, rival clubs are monitoring the situation ahead of Monday’s rookie-scale extension deadline. Orlando has not been willing to offer the $22 million annual average that Brandin Podziemski received in his five-year, $110 million agreement with the Warriors.
Black and Podziemski share agent Bill Duffy, making that deal a natural reference point in negotiations, as Matt Hanifan of Sports Illustrated notes.
The Magic’s financial commitments help explain the outside interest. Windhorst reported that Orlando is in line for roughly $32 million in luxury tax payments this season and has fewer draft assets after trading four first-round picks for Desmond Bane.
But other teams watching Black doesn’t mean the Magic are shopping him.
Black, 22, averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists last season, starting 40 of his 64 appearances. His improved ability to create offense made him a valuable part of the rotation, particularly with Jalen Suggs dealing with injuries.
Failing to reach an extension would put Black on course for restricted free agency next summer. It would also leave Orlando with a productive young guard it needs this season, even if the sides disagree on his next contract.
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