With less than 24 hours left during the contract extension window, there are a number of players who could possibly sign new deals and avoid the hassle of restricted free agency.
So far, only Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins, Gary Harris, Josh Richardson, TJ Warren, and Norman Powell were able to strike a new deal with their respective teams. There are still plenty of high-profile players hoping for a contract extension as well. The list includes 2014 NBA Draft lottery picks Jabari Parker, Dante Exum, and Julius Randle.
Jabari Parker
Parker could have signed a max rookie scale contract extension right away if he could have stayed healthy.
Unfortunately, the former Duke standout has already gone through two ACL injuries and played only 152 games in three seasons. His max level asking price didn’t help his cause either.
With the Milwaukee Bucks barely below the tax limit, they cannot afford to sign Parker long term without moving a few pieces. They tried to clear some space by shopping John Henson ($11M) and Mirza Teletovic ($10.5M), but they found no takers. At this rate, Parker is almost guaranteed to hit tfree agency next summer.
Rodney Hood and Dante Exum
The Utah Jazz are still licking their wounds following Gordon Hayward’s departure. Thankfully, they still have an up-and-coming wing player who is ready to fill the hole left by the All-Star.
Rodney Hood, another Duke product, will likely get a new contract ranging somewhere between $80M to $84M over four years. It’s a fair price for a player who will have a huge role in next season’s campaign.
On the other hand, Dante Exum will most likely hit the market as a restricted free agent next year. The Australian playmaker has battled through all sorts of injuries over his first three years in Utah, but the shoulder injury he suffered recently could be the biggest blow to his young career.
Although doctors (separated shoulder with ligament damage) recommend a season-ending surgery, the former No.5 pick is exploring other alternatives to the surgical procedure.
Julius Randle
Barring a miracle, Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle will not get a contract extension before the Oct.16 deadline. As everybody is aware, the Lakers are hell-bent in preserving their cap space for next summer’s free agency shopping spree.
Max-level players like Paul George, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, and DeAndre Jordan could all be available next year, and Magic Johnson’s Lakers have emerged as the top suitor for these stars.
