Jazz guard Keyonte George and Pistons forward Ausar Thompson both agreed to deals on Friday, so who’s next in line to get paid?
• 5 min read
The landscape of the NBA is perpetually reshaped by the influx of young talent and the subsequent financial commitments teams make to secure their future. A significant report from sportsamo.com on Friday highlighted the latest developments, as Keyonte George and Ausar Thompson became the third and fourth players from the vaunted 2023 NBA Draft class to ink lucrative rookie-scale extensions. This pivotal moment underscores the financial confidence teams are placing in their promising young stars as the league’s salary cap continues its upward trajectory.
Keyonte George, the dynamic guard for the Utah Jazz, agreed to a substantial five-year, $157.5 million deal, a testament to his impressive growth and impact since being selected 16th overall. His ability to score efficiently, create off the dribble, and contribute defensively has cemented his place as a foundational piece for the Jazz. Meanwhile, Ausar Thompson, the athletic forward for the Detroit Pistons, secured a nearly identical five-year, $155 million contract. Thompson, drafted fifth overall, has consistently showcased his elite defensive versatility, rebounding prowess, and burgeoning offensive game, making him indispensable to the Pistons’ long-term vision. These extensions follow earlier agreements for Victor Wembanyama, the consensus No. 1 pick, and Ausar’s twin brother, Amen Thompson, marking the initial wave of the 2023 class to transition from their rookie deals to substantial second contracts. The question now looms large: who among their talented peers will be the next to cash in?
The consensus next in line for a massive payday, potentially even eclipsing the $200 million mark over the life of his contract, is Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller. The Hornets, fresh off a transformative offseason that saw them trade away star guard LaMelo Ball to Minnesota, have effectively cleared their salary cap sheet beyond the current season. This strategic move signals a clear commitment to their retooled young core, prominently featuring Miller and the promising Kon Knueppel. Miller, the No. 2 overall pick, has been a central figure in the Hornets’ rebuild, showcasing an impressive scoring touch, developing playmaking abilities, and a smooth perimeter game that has drawn comparisons to elite wings. His decision by Charlotte to select him over Scoot Henderson in the 2023 draft was a major talking point at the time, a decision that appears to have paid dividends given Henderson’s somewhat slower start to his professional career. Miller’s continued development, coupled with Charlotte’s newfound financial flexibility, makes him an undeniable candidate for a maximum or near-maximum rookie extension.
With Keyonte George now secured, the spotlight shifts to other deserving players from the 2023 class. Here’s a closer look at who might be next to sign an extension, and who might need to wait a bit longer to prove their long-term value:
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
The verdict: Pay the man.
Brandon Miller has rapidly emerged as the cornerstone of the Charlotte Hornets’ future. His three seasons in the league have been a mix of dazzling potential and unfortunate injury setbacks. Drafted second overall, Miller has averaged roughly 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game across his career, demonstrating an advanced offensive toolkit for his age. His smooth shooting stroke (hovering around 38% from deep on high volume), isolation scoring, and improving defensive awareness make him a coveted talent. The decision to trade LaMelo Ball earlier this offseason to the Timberwolves was a clear indication that the Hornets are fully committed to building around Miller and their new acquisition, Kon Knueppel. This move freed up significant cap space, placing Miller squarely in line for a projected five-year, $200 million deal, potentially even more if he continues his upward trajectory. The only asterisk remains his injury history; Miller missed 17 games in his rookie season and a more concerning 55 games in the 2024-25 campaign. If he can maintain health and continue his development, a $200 million deal could quickly become a steal for Charlotte, as his ceiling suggests perennial All-Star potential.
Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers
The verdict: Wait and see.
Scoot Henderson entered the 2023 NBA Draft as one of the most hyped guard prospects in years, with many projecting him as a future superstar. However, his professional career with the Portland Trail Blazers has been a challenging adjustment period. Despite flashes of brilliance, particularly his explosive athleticism and fearless drives, Henderson has struggled with consistency in shooting efficiency and decision-making, averaging around 14 points and 6 assists but with high turnover rates. The Blazers’ guard rotation has been a complex puzzle, especially in the wake of the Damian Lillard trade. The team has experimented with various backcourt combinations, including Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, which has at times relegated Henderson to a less prominent role or forced him into situations that don’t maximize his strengths. While the original article suggests a hypothetical starting backcourt of Ja Morant and Jrue Holiday, which would indeed push Henderson to the bench, his current situation with Simons and Sharpe already presents significant competition for minutes and touches. Given his current trajectory and the team’s crowded backcourt, Portland will likely exercise patience. Henderson could be a prime candidate for restricted free agency next summer, allowing the Blazers to assess his development further and potentially match an offer that reflects his true market value.
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic
The verdict: Pay the man.
Anthony Black has been a revelation for the Orlando Magic, quietly developing into a key piece of their formidable young core. Drafted sixth overall, Black is coming off a breakout 2025-26 season where he started 40 games, averaging an impressive 15 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. His unique blend of size, defensive tenacity, and advanced playmaking for a guard has made him an invaluable asset. Black consistently demonstrates high basketball IQ, excelling in creating for others, making smart cuts, and disrupting opponents with his length and anticipation on defense. He perfectly complements Orlando’s existing stars like Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs, all of whom already command significant salaries. While Orlando has considerable money tied up in these four players for the foreseeable future, securing Black with a rookie-scale extension now makes strategic sense. His continued development suggests that an early extension could quickly become a tremendous value contract for the Magic, solidifying a core that aims to contend for years to come in the Eastern Conference.
Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
The verdict: Wait and see.
Bilal Coulibaly, the seventh overall pick, has shown flashes of immense potential, particularly on the defensive end, but his journey with the Washington Wizards has been hampered by inconsistent availability. He has yet to play more than 63 games in any of his first three seasons due to various injuries, which has slowed his development and ability to establish a consistent rhythm. When healthy, Coulibaly is a long, athletic perimeter defender with the ability to guard multiple positions and impact passing lanes. His offensive game, while improving, remains a work in progress, particularly his shooting efficiency and creation. The Wizards are in a full-scale rebuild, highlighted by the recent arrival of highly anticipated No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, who is expected to be the face of the franchise. This makes the 2026-27 season a critical “make-or-break” year for Coulibaly. Washington will want to see sustained health and more consistent offensive production before committing to a long-term extension. It’s highly probable that Coulibaly will enter restricted free agency next summer, giving the Wizards more time to evaluate if he truly fits into their future plans alongside Dybantsa and other young talents.
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
The verdict: Pay the man (or else someone else will).
Cason Wallace, selected 10th overall, has been one of the most quietly impactful players from the 2023 draft class, often flying under the radar amidst the Oklahoma City Thunder’s star-studded roster. Wallace is a tenacious perimeter defender, a capable spot-up shooter, and a low-mistake player who consistently makes winning plays. His ability to seamlessly fit into any lineup, guard multiple positions, and contribute without needing the ball makes him an invaluable “glue guy” for a contending team. He averaged solid numbers across his first three seasons, often excelling in efficiency metrics despite modest volume. The Thunder, known for their shrewd roster management and accumulation of assets, cleared significant cap space this summer by trading away players like Isaiah Joe and Lu Dort. This strategic financial maneuver positions them perfectly to prioritize an extension for Wallace. If the Thunder fail to reach terms on a rookie extension, Wallace will undoubtedly become one of the most sought-after restricted free agents next summer. Teams with cap space and a need for a reliable two-way guard will aggressively pursue him, potentially forcing Oklahoma City into a difficult decision or a costly match. An extension for Wallace should be at the top of OKC’s priority list to maintain their championship-caliber depth.
Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
The verdict: Wait and see.
Dereck Lively II’s NBA career has been a rollercoaster, showcasing immense potential followed by significant injury concerns. As a rookie, the 12th overall pick looked like the perfect lob threat and rim protector alongside Luka Dončić, instantly elevating the Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt. His athleticism, shot-blocking, and ability to finish above the rim were crucial in the Mavericks’ unexpected run to the NBA Finals. However, his subsequent two seasons have been plagued by health issues, limiting him to just 43 games combined in 2024-25 and 2025-26. He underwent season-ending surgery last December, and his status for the upcoming season’s start remains uncertain, with reports earlier this summer indicating he was still unable to run or jump. While his “yoked” offseason photos sparked some optimism, the consistent injury setbacks raise legitimate questions about his durability and long-term outlook. Given the uncertainty surrounding his health and availability, the Mavericks will almost certainly take a “wait and see” approach. Lively’s next deal will heavily depend on his ability to return to form, stay healthy, and consistently produce at the level he showed in his promising rookie campaign.
Gradey Dick, Los Angeles Clippers
The verdict: Wait and see.
Gradey Dick, the 13th overall pick, is embarking on a fresh start with the Los Angeles Clippers after being part of the blockbuster trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to Toronto. His rookie season with the Raptors saw him appear in 76 games, but primarily in a limited role, averaging a career-low 14 minutes per game as he adjusted to the NBA pace and physicality. Known as a sharpshooter coming out of college, Dick’s offensive game has yet to fully translate, and he’s still developing his defensive prowess. The move to the Clippers offers him a new environment and a potentially different role on a revamped roster. The Clippers, in their post-Leonard era, are likely looking to redefine their identity and integrate younger talent. Dick will have an opportunity to carve out a niche, but he’ll need to demonstrate more consistent shooting and defensive improvements to warrant an early extension. It’s most probable that the Clippers will evaluate his fit and performance throughout the upcoming season before considering a new deal, pushing his potential payday to next summer or beyond.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
The verdict: Wait and see.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2023 draft class, dramatically outperforming his 18th overall draft position. His strong rookie season, characterized by polished post moves, tenacious defense, and a high motor, saw him finish an impressive second in Sixth Man of the Year voting to Keldon Johnson. The original article places Jaquez as part of a fictional “biggest trade of the NBA offseason” that saw Giannis Antetokounmpo move from Milwaukee to Miami, with Jaquez landing on the Bucks. In this new context, Jaquez’s versatility and mature game would make him an immediate asset for the Bucks. Milwaukee’s roster, after such a seismic trade, would likely be in a transitional phase, making Jaquez’s consistent production even more valuable. Despite his undeniable talent and readiness, the Bucks will likely want to assess how he fully integrates and performs within their new-look roster before offering a long-term extension. With their current major cap hits beyond next season primarily being Myles Turner, Gary Trent Jr., and Damian Lillard’s dead cap hit (which extends to 2029-30), the Bucks have some flexibility but will still be prudent in their long-term commitments. Jaquez will get paid, but the timing will likely hinge on his fit and performance in his new environment.
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors
The verdict: Wait and see.
Brandin Podziemski, selected 19th overall, quickly became a fan favorite and a surprisingly impactful player for the Golden State Warriors. His hustle, rebounding for his size, playmaking, and surprisingly efficient shooting immediately carved out a significant role for him, even in a crowded backcourt. Podziemski’s high basketball IQ and willingness to do the dirty work made him one of Golden State’s most consistent performers since he was drafted. The Warriors, known for their disciplined financial approach and desire to maintain flexibility, have kept their books relatively clean beyond the current season. Their lone cap hits over $10 million after this year are Moses Moody ($13.4 million) and Kristaps Porziņģis (who holds a $20.4 million player option). This cap flexibility allows the Warriors to be strategic with their future commitments. While Podziemski has certainly earned consideration for an extension, the Warriors’ philosophy suggests they might wait to see how he continues to develop and if he can sustain his impact over another full season. It’s plausible Podziemski could be waiting until next summer to secure his long-term deal, especially if Golden State opts to preserve cap space for other potential moves or to re-sign their own talent at a later date.
The 2023 NBA Draft class continues to prove itself as a deep and talented group, with the latest extensions for Keyonte George and Ausar Thompson underscoring the significant financial investments teams are making in their foundational young players. The next few weeks and months will be crucial for the remaining players on this list, as teams weigh potential, performance, and long-term financial strategy. The rising salary cap provides ample opportunity for these young stars to secure life-changing contracts, but the process is far from uniform. Some, like Brandon Miller and Anthony Black, seem destined for immediate extensions, while others will face a more prolonged evaluation, potentially leading to restricted free agency. The ultimate success of these deals will not only shape the careers of these individual players but also dictate the competitive trajectories of their respective franchises for years to come.
