NBA rookie extension market quiet with only

Only Victor Wembanyama from the 2023 draft class has signed a rookie-scale extension, with negotiations for other top picks like Brandon Miller and the

Only one player from the 2023 NBA draft class has signed a rookie-scale extension so far. That player is Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

Windhorst reported the status on Friday's episode of The Hoop Collective podcast. He stated that he is hearing nothing regarding meaningful negotiations for other players entering the final year of their rookie contracts. This slow pace could lead to a crowded restricted free agency class in 2027.

Top Candidates Still Waiting

Entering the offseason, other players drafted in 2023 were considered the most likely extension candidates. Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets was among them. So were the Thompson twins, Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons.

Windhorst used the Thompsons as an example. He reported that both of their teams would love to get them signed. However, he noted that if it were easy, it would already be done. The era of the easy "Fun Max" extension is reportedly over.

Team Strategies and Complications

Team approaches are contributing to the quiet market. The Houston Rockets have a history of signing their extension candidates for less money, as they did with Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith. Their situation with Amen Thompson is part of that pattern.

The Detroit Pistons are dealing with multiple contract situations. Movement on an extension for Ausar Thompson could wait until there is a resolution with All-NBA big man Jalen Duren, who is also approaching restricted free agency.

Another interesting case is Cason Wallace of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their front office is managing a payroll that is rapidly increasing, which complicates any new long-term financial commitment.

A New Negotiating Reality

Windhorst explained that negotiations are much tougher across the league under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement compared to the previous one. A team decision-maker told him it all comes down to flexibility relative to the luxury tax aprons.

Having room under the aprons allows a team to make trades and acquire talent. Because of the strict apron rules, front offices are reportedly terrified of putting financial handcuffs on themselves. They fear losing the ability to build and maintain a competitive roster.

Given how hard teams are now negotiating, the October deadline for these extensions could be when progress is finally made for several players. The market remains in a holding pattern until then, with only Wembanyama's deal finalized.

Source: RealGM