The NBA season is finally underway, meaning the NBA Extension Deadline is done. The expected moves were made as far as players, but perhaps not the amount of expected money. It wasn’t just rookie extensions either, key role players re-signed on long-term deals. Below are the best deals of the day.
Atlanta has done a brilliant job re-signing Jalen Johnson for another 5 years. Heading into his fourth season, Johnson had a breakout season last year. He averaged 16 points and 8.7 rebounds in a ‘Most Improved Player’ caliber season, and those numbers only project to increase.
$30 million a year is incredible value for Atlanta, especially considering this guy has elite potential as a 23-year-old.
At the same time, not even Jalen Johnson himself would say he could’ve expected to get a $150 million deal a year ago today.
The first reaction to this deal from most NBA media was that it was an extreme overpay for Aaron Gordon’s production.
Looking at the stats last season of 13.9 points and 6.5 rebounds, on well under league average shooting from 3-point range (29%), you can maybe understand that reaction. However, Gordon provides Denver with defensive versatility and excellent complimentary offense next to Nikola Jokic.
The specific skillset that Gordon provides is very difficult to find at the wing position in the NBA, and with how well it complements the Nuggets’ current roster’s playstyle, he’s worth the money. If any other team was giving him this money, it probably would be an overpay, but this makes sense for Denver and is an excellent deal for Gordon.
The Houston Rockets lock up the two biggest pieces of their young core for at least the next few seasons. Alperen Sengun looks primed for an All-Star quality career at the least, and securing his services for the next 5 years (5th-year player-option) is fantastic for Houston.
The Rockets front office did a phenomenal job keeping Sengun’s contract under the max, ending up with a $185 million deal. From the 16th overall pick in 2021 to $185 million, not bad at all for the 22-year-old out of Turkey.
Jalen Green was drafted second overall in the same year, though hasn’t quite yet blossomed to the same extent as his teammate. He certainly looks to have the talent to be a top-quality scorer in this league, evident from his last 30 games or so of last season. He ends up with three years for $106 million, with a player option in the final year.
One of the first deals of the day, and one of the best for both sides. The Pelicans secure their dynamic young wing for another four years and at a solid price of $112 million.
Trey Murphy III is coming off an injury-riddled season, which often hurts players’ value in a contract year.
Clearly, the Pelicans have more than enough belief in what they’ve seen from Trey to extend him long-term. This is a smart move, as there aren’t many non-superstar wings that can produce the 3-point shooting ability and perimeter defense that Murphy does. Of course, he’s only 24 years old, so he’ll only get better over the length of this contract.
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