Up to $1.1 billion! A detailed breakdown of the 2022 draft class extensions: 9 superstar rookies secure massive deals

Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Paolo Banchero, among the 2022 NBA rookies, have all secured substantial contract extensions. For NBA franchises and players in the last year of their rookie contracts, extension discussions prior to the new season traditionally become a time-sensitive battle. This year followed the same pattern, as several notable first-round rookies from 2022 negotiated repeatedly with their teams to lock in long-term deals.

Some players, like Dyson Daniels and Christian Braun, successfully finalized their extensions before the 6 PM Eastern deadline on Monday. However, others such as Jalen Duren, Jabari Smith Jr., and Emoni Bates did not reach agreements and will play the 2025-26 season under their rookie contracts’ final year, becoming restricted free agents next summer.

Of course, those who haven’t extended yet are not guaranteed to hit the restricted free agency market — teams typically negotiate new deals before players test free agency. Currently, it seems likely that Duren and Bates will follow this path.

The 2022 rookie class has already made a significant impact in the NBA: Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren were central to the Thunder’s championship run and earned max extensions; Paolo Banchero has become the cornerstone of the Orlando Magic; Jabari Smith Jr. and Keegan Murray are key players for the Rockets and Kings respectively; Dyson Daniels was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player for the 2024-25 season.

Before the start of the 2025-26 season, many talented players have secured rookie extensions, including9 players whose combined contract value reaches $1.1 billionThough fewer than last season’s 11 players at the same point, this group still represents a strong lineup of talent.

Below are the details of the 9 players who completed their extensions before the new season began—

1. Jalen Williams — Oklahoma City Thunder

Contract details: 5 years, $241 million, with incentives potentially raising it to $287 million

Extension background: Before the offseason and especially after the team’s championship, extending Williams was almost a certainty for the Thunder. The 24-year-old wing guard has become the league’s premier “second star,” second only to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and fully embraces his role with remarkable selflessness.

Player value: Over three seasons, Williams has grown from an underrated rookie to an All-Star candidate, then an All-Star and champion, now regarded as a top 25 player in the league, still on the rise. This deal guarantees him $241 million through the 2030-31 season, with potential to increase to $287 million if he earns further honors.

2. Paolo Banchero — Orlando Magic

Contract details: 5 years, $241 million, with incentives that can raise the total to $287 million

Extension background: Had it not been for an oblique injury early in the 2024-25 season, Banchero might have made the All-Star team and All-NBA selections, and the Magic could have finished higher than seventh in the East. The Magic are widely regarded as an Eastern Conference dark horse this upcoming season, and as the number one overall pick, Banchero’s consistent 20+ points per game career average and all-around skills have convinced management he is the franchise’s foundation.

Contract incentives: Similar to Williams, Banchero’s deal includes honor-based incentives, potentially boosting the total to $287 million.

3. Chet Holmgren — Oklahoma City Thunder

Contract details: 5 years, $241 million, with incentives up to $250 million

Extension background: Despite only playing 32 games last season due to a hip fracture and other injuries, Holmgren has shown he is one of the most versatile big men in the league, with potential to compete with Victor Wembanyama for multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. He is a core part of the Thunder’s championship team and a key pillar of their elite defense — in the 2024-25 season, he, Wembanyama, Walker Kessler, and Anthony Davis were the only players averaging at least 2.2 blocks per game.

Special significance: Although Holmgren received the same $241 million max contract as Williams and Banchero, his maximum incentive bonus is capped at $250 million, saving the Thunder salary cap space and allowing more flexibility for the team’s future moves.

4. Keegan Murray — Sacramento Kings

Contract details: 5 years, $140 million

Extension background: The 25-year-old Murray will miss the start of the 2025-26 season due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb, but Kings fans need not worry about his departure — this deal locks him in through the 2030-31 season.

Player value: Since joining the Kings three seasons ago, Murray has made at least 150 three-pointers each season, with a total of 543, the highest among Kings players in that span. Despite the team’s uncertain outlook, he has become a central figure in Sacramento’s long-term rebuilding plan.

5. Christian Braun — Denver Nuggets

Contract details: 5 years, $125 million

Extension background: Since being drafted by the Nuggets, Braun has steadily improved on both ends of the floor. Last season, aside from Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, he emerged as one of the team’s most crucial players, contributing to wins through defense, rebounding, and playmaking beyond just scoring.

Roster status: This contract makes Braun the fourth Nugget earning at least $20 million annually by the 2026-27 season.

6. Jabari Smith Jr. — Houston Rockets

Contract details: 5 years, $122 million

Extension background: Although Smith has yet to develop into an All-Star or the team’s primary scorer, the Rockets remain confident in his potential and have committed long-term. Partnering with Kevin Durant next season will provide him with more offensive opportunities and a chance to learn from the “7-foot sharpshooter” legend. Smith was a key part of the Rockets’ 52-win campaign last season.

Future potential: At 22, Smith still has significant untapped abilities on both offense and defense, and the Rockets expect his role and stats to grow in the coming years.

7. Dyson Daniels — Atlanta Hawks

Contract details: 4 years, $100 million

Extension background: Like Braun, Daniels completed his extension before the deadline. In his first season with the Hawks, he showed impressive talent: becoming a two-way core player at shooting guard, leading the league in steals, winning the 2024-25 Most Improved Player award, making the All-Defensive First Team, and finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Team considerations: After signing Jalen Johnson to a $150 million extension last season, the Hawks offered Daniels a $100 million deal to avoid a potential “extension drama” if he reached restricted free agency.

8. Shaedon Sharpe — Portland Trail Blazers

Contract details: 4 years, $90 million

Extension background: The Blazers highly value Sharpe’s talent and potential, placing great expectations on the 22-year-old for the 2025-26 season. Last season marked Sharpe’s third with Portland, where he averaged a career-high 18.5 points per game. Under Coach Chauncey Billups, he will pair with Avdija as the team’s primary scorers.

Contract significance: This deal affirms Sharpe’s potential while avoiding excessive salary burden on a single young player, preserving financial flexibility for the team.

9. Nikola Jović — Miami Heat

Contract details: 4 years, $62.4 million

Extension background: Many questioned why the Heat were eager to re-sign Jović rather than wait to see his performance in his fourth season. However, the Heat’s management holds him in high regard, believing that after Butler’s departure, Jović will break out in the 2025-26 season.

Player performance: The 27th pick in the 2022 first round, Jović has a career three-point shooting percentage of 37% and has steadily improved his offensive stats over the past three seasons. Last season, in 29 games without Butler, he averaged 12.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

Financial considerations: The $15.6 million average annual salary has a minimal impact on the Heat’s salary cap and leaves room for future long-term negotiations with Tyler Herro.