Brandon Miller, Ausar Thompson in Extension Talks
ESPN's Shams Charania reports Hornets forward Brandon Miller and Pistons forward Ausar Thompson are in active contract extension discussions.
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller and Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson are engaged in active conversations with their respective teams about rookie scale contract extensions. This news comes from ESPN's Shams Charania, who reported the discussions on Friday's episode of NBA Today.
Charania pointed to the pair as key candidates to sign new deals before the October 19 deadline. He specifically noted there is optimism surrounding a potential extension for Ausar Thompson in Detroit. The report follows the recent five-year, $157.5 million extension signed by Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George.
The 2023 Extension Landscape
Keyonte George became the third member of the 2023 draft class to sign a rookie scale extension this offseason. He joined San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama and Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson. Charania's report now shifts focus to other high-potential players from that draft who have yet to finalize new contracts.
Beyond Miller and Thompson, Charania suggested keeping an eye on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Jaime Jaquez. A graphic shown during the ESPN segment listed several other notable players without extensions, including Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson, Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black, and Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II.
Team Perspectives on Key Deals
Charlotte's interest in locking up Brandon Miller is not new. Hornets head of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said in July that he had discussed a potential extension with Miller and his representation. Peterson declined to provide details but stated the team's hope was to sign the former Alabama star to a long-term deal. Miller is currently recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
In Detroit, Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon praised Ausar Thompson back in May. A report at the start of September indicated the two sides had been discussing a new contract. Charania's update is the first to publicly express optimism that a deal could be reached.
Notable Players Awitting Deals
The ESPN segment highlighted a group of talented 2023 draftees whose extension status remains unresolved. The following players were shown in a graphic as not having signed extensions:
Charania did not share specific information regarding Henderson, Black, or Lively II during the broadcast. The deadline for these rookie scale extensions is October 19, setting up several weeks of critical negotiations for teams and their young stars.
