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Bet on Yourself: Which NBA Players Are Set Up For Larger Payday Next Summer?

Nick Crain – 8/30/22

Whether it’s signing a one-year “prove it” deal before testing free agency next summer, or just outright not signing a contract extension until getting what they’re worth, the league has several players in a position to bet on themselves this season. As we consider the ebb and flow of the season, we’re able to use ProFitX models to project which players have been set up to earn a larger deal next summer than they could have now.  Thomas Bryant While our models project Bryant’s production value this season will be around $6.65 million, he’s still a unique case study given the injury history. Prior to an ACL tear that kept him out for a full year, he was on track to be one of the better young centers in the NBA. In fact, during the 2019-20 season we projected Bryant’s real-time contract value to be upwards of $15 million. Now that the 25-year-old is healthy and has a full season ahead of him, could the one-year minimum deal he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers set him up for a larger payday next summer? Lonnie Walker After playing the past four seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Walker will now get a new level of exposure in Los Angeles. Playing for a team with championship aspirations will be a new test for the 23-year-old guard, but it’s one we think he’ll rise to the occasion for. We project that Walker’s production next season will be worth nearly $17.5 million despite playing on a one-year, $6.48 million contract. At the rate he’s improving, he could be a key piece for the Lakers before hitting the market again next summer. Collin Sexton Although his situation is a bit different, Sexton is still betting on himself. He’s been seeking a large contract extension for the Cleveland Cavaliers for some time now but talks have stalled, especially after a season-ending knee injury. Regardless, we project his value will be worth around $33.26 million next season. If Sexton does end up entering the 2022-23 season without a new deal, it will be his final opportunity to prove he’s worth more than the offers he’s gotten to this point. He’s a stat sheet stuffer that can score in bunches.

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