Biggest NBA rookie, vet contract extension decisions to watch - ESPN

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?

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.

Friday, Oct. 16
• Nuggets at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Timberwolves at Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET
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