Thunder rumors: Cason Wallace could command a $33 million annual salary, per NBA insider

After Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti made some difficult decisions in order to get from under the dreaded second apron, many wonder how he'll be approaching Cason Wallace 's looming contract extension ahead of the October 19 deadline. Presti moved on from three Thunder veterans this summer — Isaiah Joe , Aaron Wiggins , and Lu Dort. This paves a way toward re-signing Wallace, as many anticipate will be Oklahoma City's latest contract ahead of the upcoming season.

Presti re-signed Thunder starting center Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $75 million extension this summer, which cemented Oklahoma City's frontcourt, featuring All-Star Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams for the foreseeable future. For some, Hartenstein's new deal is a bargain compared to what he could have earned in the open market.

However, will Wallace, a vital piece to the Thunder's backcourt, especially after Dort's departure, be willing to take a similar pay cut for a team competing for its second championship in three seasons?

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After talking with 10-15 NBA front office members asked to rank Wallace in comparision to members of his 2023 draft class who have yet to reach their first contract extension, including Orlando Magic 's Anthony Black , and Golden State Warriors ' Brandin Podziemski , Wallace was unanimously deemed most likely to receive the highest pay raise of the three, according to NBA insider Zach Lowe.

"It probably wouldn't surprise you that Cason Wallac was universally the No.1 rated player of these three by rival front office people," Lowe said. "I did not text anyone with these teams. I didn't want to put them in that position. Generally, guesses for his annual average salary and what would be fair were 25 on the low end and 33 on the high end."

For Thunder's Cason Wallace 's services, north of $25 million isn't as absurd as some would think, as an investment for what the fourth-year guard is projected to become in Oklahoma City. Wallace, 22, has shown expotential growth over the years from a 3-and-D prospect to one of the better on-ball defenders in the NBA.

While his scoring much to be desired, averaging a career-best 8.4 points last season for a guard who could be on the cusp of making over $25 million in the near future, that's not why the Thunder value his production. Wallace's defense shines the brightest. Staying in front of opposing team's best guards, Cason proved his worth while connecting on 37.4% of his 3-point attempts throughout his first three years in Oklahoma City.

He made his first All-Defensive Team last season while finishing second to Detroit Pistons ' Ausar Thompson as the 2026 steals champion. Wallace led the NBA in total steals with 150 swipes throughout the 2025-26 season and is in position to lock down a vital role alongside two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Thunder's starting lineup in 2026-27.