Players from the 2020 draft class headed into the 2023 offseason hoping to get their rookie contract extensions. And while there are many who failed to reach an agreement with their current NBA teams and will now head to restricted free agency come 2024, there are several others who did enough to warrant an extension.
Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, the no. 1 and no. 3 picks of the 2020 class, respectively, headline the top players who have agreed to a new contract this offseason. Below is our NBA 2020 Rookie Extension tracker for a more extensive list of all the deals made for players from the said class.
Anthony Edwards: 5 years, $260 million (Minnesota Timberwolves)
The Minnesota Timberwolves didn't waste time extending Anthony Edwards this offseason after the young guard took a major leap in the 2022-23 season and showed everyone he's the present and the future of the team.
Edwards averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 assists last season, earning him an All-Star berth in the process. The deal, which was announced last July, has a guaranteed amount of $207 million, but it can go up to $260 million if Ant-Man gets an All-Star nod again.
LaMelo Ball: 5 years, $260 million (Charlotte Hornets)
LaMelo Ball is one of the three players in the class, alongside Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton, to be selected to an All-Star team at least once. With that said, it's not a surprise why the Charlotte Hornets invested in Ball so much to keep him through the 2028-29 season.
Ball's 2022-23 season was cut short due to an ankle injury, but when healthy, he's one of the best playmakers in the league. Not to mention that he has also improved offensively every year he has been in the NBA, with his scoring last season jumping to 23.3 points per game.
Tyrese Haliburton: 5 years, $260 million (Indiana Pacers)
Tyrese Haliburton benefitted greatly by being traded to the Indiana Pacers. Had he stayed with the Sacramento Kings, it's unlikely he would have been an All-Star in just his third year in the league, especially since he would be playing second-fiddle to De'Aaron Fox.
With the Pacers, Haliburton is the clear no. 1 option, and Indiana's commitment to him with his designated max rookie extension proves just that.
Desmond Bane: 5 years, $207 million (Memphis Grizzlies)
Desmond Bane inked the largest contract in Memphis Grizzlies history with his $207 million deal that spans for five years. While it's quite surprising given that Bane has yet to make an All-Star team, the fact remains that he's a key piece of the franchise.
With Memphis building for the present and the future, though, locking up Bane is definitely the right move.
Devin Vassell: 5 years, $146 million (San Antonio Spurs)
After landing Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs focused on another key piece of their future in Devin Vassell.
Vassell made a big jump in 2022-23, increasing his averages to 18.5 points and 3.6 assists, all while shooting more efficiently at 43.9 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from deep. The 23-year-old is projected to take another step forward in his development in 2023-24, and with San Antonio in rebuild mode, Vassell has every opportunity to grow as a superstar in the NBA.
Jaden McDaniels: 5 years, $136 million (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Anthony Edwards isn't the only young player from the Timberwolves who earned an extension, with the team also locking up Jaden McDaniels long-term with a five-year, $136 million contract.
McDaniels is already one of the best young defenders in the NBA today, and with him and Edwards in tow, Minnesota is in good hands to compete over the next few years. McDaniels is widely expected to be a defensive star for the years to come, and he could really fit nicely alongside an offensive maestro in Ant-Man.
Onyeka Okongwu: 4 years, $62 million (Atlanta Hawks)
With John Collins gone, Onyeka Okongwu is expected to have a bigger role with the Atlanta Hawks in the future. With that being said, Atlanta made sure he isn't going anywhere with a four-year, $62 million deal. Okongwu averaged 9.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.3 blocks per game in 2022-23.
Deni Avdija: 4 years, $55 million (Washington Wizards)
The Washington Wizards' commitment to their youth rebuild after the Bradley Beal trade continues with the new contract for Deni Avdija. The Israel international is expected to have a more featured role for Washington alongside Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma. Avdija averaged 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 2022-23.
Josh Green: 3 years, $41 million (Dallas Mavericks)
The Dallas Mavericks are Luka Doncic's team, but despite that, there's no denying how important Jose Green is to the franchise. With the Mavs lacking shooting around Doncic, Green figures to be an important part of the team moving forward.
Green improved his 3-point shooting numbers to 40.6 percent in 2022-23, and with him and Luka committed long term, the young sharpshooter is bound to get more open looks in Dallas.
Cole Anthony: 3 years, $39 million (Orlando Magic)
The Magic have quite a logjam at the backcourt with the likes of Markelle Fultz, Anthony Black, Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris fighting for minutes. While it be hard for Cole Anthony toget starting minutes, he has proven to be a solid contributor for the team.
At $13 million per year, the Magic secure a guy who has averaged double-digit scoring throughout his three years with the team. Anthony gives Orlando a significant offensive boost off the bench long term, which is something they need if they want to compete for the playoffs in the near future.
Aaron Nesmith: 3 years, $33 million (Indiana Pacers)
After starting his career with the Boston Celtics and getting limited playing time, Aaron Nesmith has finally found a home with the Indiana Pacers where he would be valued. Nesmith is coming off a season where he averaged 10.1 points on 42.7 percent shooting, making it clear that he's the right fit for the team.
Zeke Nnaji: 4 years, $32 million (Denver Nuggets)
The Denver Nuggets really need a big man to back up Nikola Jokic after Jeff Green left in the 2023 free agency. And by the looks of it, instead of searching elsewhere, they are going to develop what they already have in the young Zeke Nnaji. While Nnaji has yet to make significant strides in his career, hopes are high that a bigger role and Denver's show of faith in him will allow the 22-year-old to thrive.
Payton Pritchard: 4 years, $30 million (Boston Celtics)
Payton Pritchard has always been known as a scorer, but with a team featuring the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, minutes to show his scoring chops have been really rare. With the Boston Celtics parting ways with Malcolm Brogdon in a trade this offseason, though, there might be more opportunities for Pritchard to prove he belongs in Beantown.
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