Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace's contract negotiations have reportedly begun. As ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel noted, Wallace's offer could start at $30 million annually from other teams if the Thunder and Cason don't come to an agreement ahead of the October 19 deadline.

However, Wallace and the Thunder have begun contract negotiations in the $25 million range, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

“Sources say talks between Wallace's camp and the Thunder, meanwhile, have begun in the $25 million range in annual average value … inspired by recent signees such as Atlanta's Dyson Daniels (an All-NBA defender like Wallace) and Denver's Christian Braun,” Stein said. “Can Wallace ultimately secure a new contract that pays more than $25 million annually?

“How far shy will the pact ultimately land compared to George's new five-year, $158 million deal in Utah? Sources say those are key questions to be resolved in these final negotiation stages.”

Wallace is one of the Thunder's best on-ball defenders. He led the NBA in steals last season and is coming off an All-Defensive Second Team nod. He's projected to become an everyday starter in the wake of Oklahoma City's Lu Dort trade during the offseason.

Will Cason Wallace, Thunder reach a deal before 2026-27 season?

With the max extensions of Thunder's core — All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams — all set to hit the books in 2027-28, Cason Wallace's new contract could ultimately come down to how much the front office is will to pay. After the Thunder parted ways with Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins as a means of dumping salary, how they proceed with Wallace will be interesting.

If the Thunder don't strike a deal with the defensive guard, Wallace making $30 million a year elsewhere is a possibility, as ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel noted.

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“Whether or not the Thunder can ink Wallace to a long-term extension comes down to how much they are ultimately willing to pay. There are absolutely teams around the league who would jump on the opportunity to sign Wallace to an offer sheet next offseason if he is a restricted free agent,” reported Siegel.

Siegel also mentioned that “…at least two different teams would be prepared to offer him a deal that exceeds $30 million in annual value.”

Wallace averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game last season.