NBA4 hours ago1 minute read

Thunder, Celtics, and Warriors Lock In Key Players With Extensions

NBA teams are securing talent with long term deals, including extensions for Cason Wallace, Payton Pritchard, and Brandin Podziemski.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Thunder commit big money to Cason Wallace

Oklahoma City agreed to a five year extension worth $139 million with guard Cason Wallace. The deal pays him $27.8 million per year. Wallace made the All Defensive second team last season and is one of the top perimeter defenders in the league. In the conference finals against San Antonio, he averaged 10.1 points while making 50% of his three pointers.

The Thunder traded Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe this summer for financial reasons. Shai Gilgeous Alexander has a supermax extension kicking in next year. Speaking to Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman, Thunder executive Sam Presti said, "The impression I have been given is that the savings generated this summer, and from being out of the tax the last several years, will be reallocated to future teams." Oklahoma City is projected to sit $26 million over the second apron next season.

Celtics and Warriors secure key contributors

Boston signed guard Payton Pritchard to a two year contract extension worth $44.2 million. Pritchard won the Sixth Man of the Year award after averaging a career high 17.0 points and 5.2 assists per game last season. He is a career 39% shooter from three point range.

Golden State reached an agreement with guard Brandin Podziemski on a five year deal worth $110 million. The contract starts at $18.9 million in the first year. Detroit also handed center Jalen Duren a five year contract worth $200 million.

What it means for the next game

Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons (NBA, Tue, 20 Oct): Detroit Pistons win 47%, Boston Celtics win 53%; projected score Detroit Pistons 110, Boston Celtics 111. Our safest pick: Pistons +9.5.

Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs (NBA, Wed, 21 Oct): San Antonio Spurs win 52%, Oklahoma City Thunder win 48%; projected score San Antonio Spurs 116, Oklahoma City Thunder 113. Our safest pick: Thunder +10.5.