The 2022 NBA rookie class has officially cashed in! Stars like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Paolo Banchero headline a group of rising talents who have collectively signed a staggering $1.1 billion in extensions — a historic total that marks their arrival as the league’s next generation of franchise players.
Each offseason, rookie-scale extensions become a race against time before the new season tips off. This year was no exception: several 2022 first-rounders locked in major long-term deals, while others are set to play out their final rookie seasons before restricted free agency.
Players like Dyson Daniels and Christian Braun sealed their deals before the deadline, while Jaden Ivey, Bennedict Mathurin, and Tari Eason will have to wait for another shot next summer.
💰 The 9 Big Extensions — Totalling $1.1 Billion
Though fewer than last year’s 11, this class might be the strongest extension group in recent memory.
1️⃣ Jalen Williams – Oklahoma City Thunder
Contract: 5 years, $241M (up to $287M with incentives)
Highlight: Championship-caliber two-way wing, fully embraces his role alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
2️⃣ Paolo Banchero – Orlando Magic
Contract: 5 years, $241M (up to $287M)
Highlight: The face of Orlando’s future. Consistent 20+ PPG scorer and complete offensive engine.
3️⃣ Chet Holmgren – Oklahoma City Thunder
Contract: 5 years, $241M (up to $250M)
Highlight: Elite rim protector and versatile big man — one of the few averaging 2.2+ blocks per game.
4️⃣ Keegan Murray – Sacramento Kings
Contract: 5 years, $140M
Highlight: One of the league’s best young shooters, vital to Sacramento’s long-term core.
5️⃣ Christian Braun – Denver Nuggets
Contract: 5 years, $125M
Highlight: Blue-collar contributor who excels in defense, rebounding, and team play.
6️⃣ Jabari Smith Jr. – Houston Rockets
Contract: 5 years, $122M
Highlight: Still developing, but the Rockets see him as a future two-way cornerstone.
7️⃣ Dyson Daniels – Atlanta Hawks
Contract: 4 years, $100M
Highlight: 2024-25 Most Improved Player and steals leader. Defensive backbone of the Hawks.
8️⃣ Shaedon Sharpe – Portland Trail Blazers
Contract: 4 years, $90M
Highlight: Explosive young scorer who averaged 18.5 PPG last season.
9️⃣ Nikola Jović – Miami Heat
Contract: 4 years, $62.4M
Highlight: Heat see him as a post-Butler breakout candidate with a 37% three-point clip.
🔥 The Next Wave Is Here
From Oklahoma City’s dual-core dominance to Orlando’s renewed rise, the 2022 class proves that the NBA’s next era of stars isn’t just coming — it’s already here.
