Each NBA offseason, teams analyze which young talent should be locked in at a low rate before their value jumps. As salaries rise with the cap, many teams are becoming serious about locking in core players earlier. The recent extensions for Andrew Nembhard, Christian Braun, Herb Jones, Franz Wagner, Cade Cunningham, and Scottie Barnes illustrate how essential finding long-term stability is these days. Cason Wallace, Payton Pritchard, and Brandon Miller represent the next players who seem to be destined for big contracts.
Predicting the Next 3 Young Players To Get Extensions
Cason Wallace
Cason Wallace has emerged as one of the best young two-way players in the NBA so far. In his third season, he averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 43.2% from the field and 35.1% from three. Wallace’s skills have given him the rare capability of defending the best perimeter shooter while spacing the floor efficiently. Thus, he has seamlessly fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
Oklahoma City also looks future-oriented by freeing up cap space, as they are likely to prioritize contracts for players like Wallace. As the Thunder continue building around their young core, Wallace’s defensive versatility and willingness to embrace his role make him an ideal long-term complementary piece. Keeping him in Oklahoma City would preserve the chemistry and depth that have become hallmarks of the franchise’s championship aspirations.
Payton Pritchard
From a reserve guard constantly competing for playing time, Payton Pritchard has developed into one of the NBA’s most reliable and productive sixth men. During the 2025–26 season, he averaged 17.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from the field, 37.7% from 3-point range, and 89.0% from the free-throw line. His ability to score both on and off the ball, run the offense when needed, and bring consistent energy has made him one of the Celtics’ most valuable players.
Rather than comparing Pritchard to traditional backup point guards, his overall impact is much closer to that of players like Derrick White and Immanuel Quickley, whose contracts reflect the premium the modern NBA places on two-way versatility and high-level complementary play. As Boston navigates an increasingly expensive roster, having a proven playmaker who can start or come off the bench gives the team critical flexibility. A long-term extension would help ensure the Celtics retain one of their most dependable contributors during their championship window.
Brandon Miller
Brandon Miller has the highest potential compared to the other names in this list, and the Hornets’ future is clearer now that they have gotten rid of LaMelo Ball. After recording the best numbers in his career last season, Miller managed to average 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while maintaining an impressive efficiency with 43.5% from the field and 38.3% from deep, not to mention his fantastic 89.2% from the free-throw line. If he can repeat last season’s durability, Charlotte will have all the justification for building their franchise around him, as he looks exceptionally good as a player and can help the Hornets win going forward.
Miller’s development lines up perfectly with forwards such as Franz Wagner and Scottie Barnes, who all got max rookie deals after establishing themselves as cornerstones of their respective teams. Miller has the scoring ability and shot creation to become the centerpiece of Charlotte’s offense for years to come. Locking him into a long-term extension would give the Hornets stability as they continue rebuilding around a young core capable of competing in the Eastern Conference.
The Last Word
All three are different players in terms of the positions they occupy, yet they have proved themselves to be very influential for their teams. Wallace provides Oklahoma City with an additional top-tier defender for a championship squad. Pritchard has turned into one of the most productive value-for-money guards in the league. And Miller seems to be a focus of Charlotte’s reformation after a strong rookie season. They all fit recent NBA extension trends, suggesting they will be able to sign those long-term deals soon, which will benefit them and their teams.
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