As many as 11 players from the 2021 draft class agreed to rookie scale extensions with their teams before the Oct. 21 deadline. This list includes Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green of the Rockets, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs of the Magic and sharpshooting wing Trey Murphy III of the Pelicans. Even the Warriors extended Moses Moody.
However, several notable players couldn’t agree to contract extensions, meaning they become restricted free agents in 2025. They essentially bet on themselves to produce big this upcoming season and get paid next year.
Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors)
Leading to Monday’s deadline, there were rumblings that the Warriors and Kuminga weren’t “close to striking a deal,” and the latter was looking for either the max or close to it. As such, it wasn’t surprising that no deal was reached. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Kuminga believes he has the talent to progress into a star in the mold of Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam, two players with similar stats entering their fourth years. The Congolese player is reportedly determined to have a breakout year and reap the rewards next year.
Josh Giddey (Bulls)
Just two years ago, LeBron James couldn’t stop raving about Giddey’s ability to run an offense. The Aussie was projected to be the next great floor general like Chris Paul or Kyle Lowry. Last season, he did well in his part as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s backcourt partner, except his inability to shoot became an issue in the playoffs. He averaged 18 minutes in the postseason and increasingly became the odd man out in OKC. Now, in a Bulls uniform, he can re-establish himself as the main floor general and work his way to a new contract. He showed flashes of his 2022 form in preseason.
Quentin Grimes (Mavericks)
According to Marc Stein, the Mavs had an offer on the table that Grimes turned down. The fourth-year guard is counting on himself to do big things under Jason Kidd, a year after he bounced around between the Knicks and Pistons and never found his role. Also, he played only 51 games due to a knee injury. Grimes showed flashes of an excellent three-and-D specialist during his time with the Knicks, which is why the Mavs parted with the tenured Tim Hardaway Jr. to acquire him. Coach Kidd has repeatedly shown the ability to unlock the best in players, especially role players, and the same could happen with Grimes.
Others not extended: Davion Mitchell (Raptors), Bones Hyland (Clippers), Tre Mann (Hornets), Ziaire Williams (Nets), Jaden Springer (Celtics) and Chris Duarte (Bulls).
In some ways, teams can’t be blamed for not rushing into these contract extensions since they hold all the leverage in restricted free agency (they can match offers). One wonders if players who don’t get extensions try to do much to get paid, possibly prioritizing personal stats over team wins. It’s always tricky, especially if they don’t get the playing time to prove their worth.
