- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The 5:00 pm CT Monday deadline for 2023 first-round rookie scale extensions approaches with 16 players still eligible to reach deals. Only five of the eligible picks have signed so far this offseason.
Brandon Miller sits atop Luke Adams' ranking of most likely candidates to secure an extension before the cutoff. Adams speculated on Oct. 4 that Miller could land in the $170-190 million range over five years, potentially approaching the $208 million Amen Thompson received from Houston. Brandin Podziemski, ranked second on Adams' list, already signed with Golden State last week.
Cason Wallace ranks third and Black fourth, though Orlando reportedly remains unwilling to meet Black at Podziemski's $22 million annual figure. ESPN's Brian Windhorst cited Magic salary cap and luxury tax concerns as obstacles to a Black deal.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. ranks fifth, with Adams projecting "at least $20-25MM per year," though alternative speculation places him at $15-19 million annually. Murray and Dick occupy the bottom tier, with extensions deemed unlikely.
Any unsigned players will become restricted free agents next year if not waived. Extensions signed now will begin in the 2027/28 season.
Source: Hoops Rumors - Sun Oct 18, 1:11 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).