The NBA season starts in one week, but that isn't the only thing on the minds of league executives. The deadline for rookie extensions is Monday, a day before the 2026-27 regular season tips off.
Since the start of the offseason, five players -- Victor Wembanyama, Amen and Ausar Thompson, Keyonte George and Brandin Podziemski -- have signed rookie extensions. That's currently far below the average of 11 rookie extensions signed per year since 2023, but expect that number to rise in the coming days. Of the 34 players to land rookie extensions in the past three seasons, 17 signed on deadline day.
What deals will the next week bring? We broke down what to expect for six of the 16 eligible players.
Rookie extension decisions aren't the only things we're watching. Oct. 19 is also the deadline to extend veterans with two years remaining on their contract -- not including an option year -- and the deadline to reduce rosters to 15 players on standard contracts.
Let's examine the league's most important extension decisions and what Monday's deadline could bring for teams around the league.
Jump to a section: Six big rookie extension decisions KAT, Giannis among vets to watch Moves coming for Lakers, Knicks?
Rookie extension candidates to watch
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Why an extension could get done: Following offseason trades of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, the Hornets view Miller and Kon Knueppel as the franchise's new foundation. An injury-plagued sophomore 2024-25 season limited Miller to 27 games, but he rebounded last season to post career highs in 3-pointers made, 3-point percentage and free throw attempts and averaged more than 20 points per game for the second straight season.
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Friday, Oct. 16
• Nuggets at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Timberwolves at Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET • Warriors at Lakers, 10 p.m. ET
Thursday, Oct. 22
• Cavaliers at 76ers, 7 p.m. ET • Nuggets at Thunder, 9:30 p.m. ET
Why it might not: Miller views Amen Thompson's five-year, $208 million extension with Houston as a comparable salary. The main difference: Thompson played at least 60 games in each of his first three seasons and was selected for the All-Defensive First Team in 2025.
What I would offer: Five years, $175 million. The contract can either start at $30.2 million and increase each year, ending at $39.8 million, or start high and decline each season. (Coby White's latest contract with the Hornets declines in Years 2 and 3.) With no player earning more than $25 million in 2027-28, Charlotte has the flexibility to increase Miller's offer. Not including new contracts for Miller and center Moussa Diabate, who is eligible for an extension in February, Charlotte projects to be $80 million under the luxury tax next season.