Keyonte George has become the third player from the 2023 NBA Draft to secure a rookie-scale contract extension, agreeing to a five-year, $157.5 million deal with the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN. Notably, George is the first non-lottery pick from this draft class to receive such an extension, joining Victor Wembanyama and Amen Thompson as the initial players to sign their second NBA contract.
George’s lucrative deal signals that other players from his draft class are poised for similar financial rewards soon. Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller is the most likely to follow, potentially earning around $200 million over five years. After trading star guard LaMelo Ball to Minnesota, the Hornets appear committed to building around Miller and Kon Knueppel. The franchise’s decision to draft Miller over Scoot Henderson—the third overall pick selected by the Portland Trail Blazers—was a major offseason storyline. Henderson has struggled to meet expectations and might have to wait until next summer’s restricted free agency to negotiate a contract.
With George’s extension as a backdrop, here’s an overview of draft class members who may be next or might wait before signing deals:
Brandon Miller, Hornets
Verdict: Pay him now.
Miller could secure a more lucrative deal than George, potentially five years for $200 million. Despite showing tremendous potential, his injury history—missing 55 games in 2024-25 and 17 last season—poses some risk. If he stays healthy and continues to develop, he could exceed the value of such a contract.
Scoot Henderson, Trail Blazers
Verdict: Wait and see.
Once deemed one of the decade’s top guard prospects, Henderson has yet to live up to that hype. Portland’s guard lineup is crowded and complex; with stars like Ja Morant and Jrue Holiday possibly starting, Henderson might remain in a bench role. His opportunity to be a key restricted free agent could come next summer if his role diminishes during this season.
Ausar Thompson, Pistons
Verdict: Pay him after resolving Jalen Duren’s contract issues.
Thompson has emerged as a top defender, but contract talks may be stalled due to an ongoing Duren disagreement. With training camp approaching, Duren’s situation is the Pistons’ top priority; until it’s sorted, Thompson’s extension is unlikely despite his deserving status—especially considering his twin, Amen, recently signed a five-year, $208 million deal with the Rockets.
Anthony Black, Magic
Verdict: Pay him.
Black broke out last season, averaging 15 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while starting 40 games. Now a core member alongside Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs, his extension could turn into a bargain if he keeps improving despite Orlando’s significant salary commitments to other key players.
Bilal Coulibaly, Wizards
Verdict: Wait and see.
Coulibaly may delay contract talks until next summer due to injury issues that have limited him to under 63 games per season. When healthy, he’s a strong perimeter defender. The Wizards’ exciting young core, led by number one pick AJ Dybantsa, sets a high bar; this season might be pivotal in deciding if Coulibaly is part of their future plans.
Cason Wallace, Thunder
Verdict: Pay him—or risk losing him to another team.
Wallace could become a top restricted free agent if an extension isn’t reached, likely attracting major offers from teams with salary space. The Thunder have freed up cap space this summer and should prioritize locking him in, as he’s one of the league’s most underrated players.
Dereck Lively II, Mavericks
Verdict: Wait and see.
Lively’s promising rookie campaign positioned him as a perfect alley-oop partner for Luka Dončić, but injuries have limited him to 43 games in the past two seasons. After season-ending surgery last December and ongoing recovery, his readiness for the new season remains uncertain, leaving his next contract in flux.
Gradey Dick, Clippers
Verdict: Wait and see.
Recently traded from Toronto to Los Angeles in the Kawhi Leonard deal, Dick is seeking a fresh start. He played 76 games last season but averaged just 14 minutes per game, so he will likely wait until next summer to sign a new contract after establishing his role with the Clippers.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Bucks
Verdict: Wait and see.
Jaquez joins the Bucks after a major offseason trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami. He finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season and is expected to earn a significant contract eventually. However, Milwaukee might delay negotiations to see how he fits alongside their current roster and existing salary commitments.
Brandin Podziemski, Warriors
Verdict: Wait and see.
The Warriors have kept their roster financially flexible beyond next season, with few big cap hits. Podziemski has been among Golden State’s better players but may have to wait until next summer for a contract extension if the team’s strategy of maintaining salary cap room continues.
Fan Take: This wave of rookie contract extensions marks the next phase of NBA superstars emerging from the 2023 draft class, signaling who franchises see as their foundational pieces. For basketball fans, these moves shape the competitive landscape and hint at the future stars who will define the league’s next era.
Source: www.cbssports.com
