Zion Williamson, Morant, DeAndre Hunt and other top picks in the Class of 2019 all received early contract extensions over the summer, but there were some notable peers who did not renew. HoopsHype reporter Michael Scott and salary expert Gozlan discussed the players' situation through dialogue.
Cameron Johnson
Scottow: Before the start of the season, the Suns and Johnson discussed an early contract extension between $66 million and $72 million for four years, according to people familiar with the matter. In the past few years, shooters like Bertans, Joe Johnson, and Duncan Robinson have all been offered contracts with similar average annual salaries. But as the salary cap continues to rise, new television contracts are coming, and a similar average annual salary means that the proportion of the salary cap is declining. Given Johnson's role in this championship-contending team, many league insiders believe he could easily get a bigger contract.
Before suffering a torn meniscus injury, Johnson was a solid Suns starter, shooting a career-high 43.1 percent from three-point range. Surgery will keep him out for 1-2 months.
Previously, the Suns renewed Mikal Bridges for 4 years and 90 million, and some league executives believe they will not give Johnson a contract of the same level, and Johnson will turn 27 next March.
Gozlan: According to previous reports, Johnson chose to remove part of the torn meniscus, which saved him from being absent for too long. Even if Johnson chooses to fix the meniscus season reimbursement, I still feel like he can get the salary range you just mentioned. Sexton suffered a torn meniscus last season, was reimbursed for the season, and ended up with a four-year, $72 million contract, and Johnson looked similar.
You mentioned Bertans, Harris, Robinson, these goalscorers, Johnson is better than all of them, he has better athleticism and he has a better ability to create points than those guys. I'm curious about how willing the Suns are to renew his contract early. Now that Johnson has not renewed his contract early, the Suns can use him as a trade chip at any time.
P.J. Washington
Scottow: The Hornets and Washington have discussed a four-year contract of $50 million to $52 million, the sources say. The size of this contract is similar to the previous Magic early extension Wendell Carter. But Washington was seeking a contract with an annual salary of about $20 million, so he did not renew it.
With Miles Bridges unable to play in the midst of a domestic storm, Washington, who was a solid starter, averaged a career-high 15 points per game and had 1.1 blocks.
GOZLAN: I think Washington has reason to reject this early renewal offer. In a few years, 50 million in 4 years is equivalent to the price of a middle-class exception.
Grant Williams
SCOTT: The Celtics never made an offer for more than $50 million in early contract extension negotiations with Gwi, and according to my previous reports, Gwi could accept a contract with an average salary of about $14 million.
For now, Gwe's performance is geared toward getting a bigger contract next summer. He has shot more than 60 percent from the field and around 50 percent from three-point range so far in the season. Some within the league believe that Gwi is now worth around $18 million in an average salary, and he will wait for an offer after becoming a restricted free agent. If there really is a team that big a contract for him, it will be difficult for the Celtics to match. Of course, if Gwey only gets a full mid-class offer, the Green Army can be matched.
Gozlan: I don't think the Celtics even made a $14 million offer for Gwee, they thought it would be okay to wait until next year to match another team's offer. Looking around, Tucker, Kléber, and Nance Jr. all have contracts with an average salary of 11 million to 12 million, which is about the size of a full-scale middle-class exception. It's normal for Gwey not to accept it, I think he can get more.
SCOTT: When it comes to the Celtics, they should be the only team that develops the general manager of the league team (Garrell Christian) who also has the role of player development coach.
Cam Reddish
Scotto: The Knicks have never had a serious early contract extension conversation with Reddish, and recently Reddish entered the Knicks' starting lineup and had a chance to prove himself as the team's shooting guard. Reddish's talent has always been there, and his ability has left some executives eye-catching, but he has yet to prove himself to be that consistent player.
Gozlan: We all know Reddish has talent and athleticism and he can be a good defender. If he can stay consistent, I expect him to get a full mid-tier offer.
Kobe White
Scott: White's play and numbers have declined for the third year in a row, and according to other team executives, the Bulls intend to send White away before the trade deadline.