The NBA rookie extension deadline has come and gone.
This means Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley will enter the season without long-term security.
The Thunder had until 5 p.m. CT to extend Bazley to a second contract. Monday, Oct. 17 was the deadline for first-round rookies from the 2019 NBA draft to receive an extension.
Bazley will enter next offseason as a restricted free agent, which means other teams could sign him to an offer sheet and the Thunder would have 48 hours to match it.
Considering Bazley’s inconsistent play in his three seasons with the Thunder, it’s not too surprising to see the Thunder pass on an extension.
The Thunder notoriously seldom play the restricted free agency game with their players. If they like someone well enough, they extend them before they reach RFA.
With Bazley not receiving a deal, it feels like his Thunder tenure is coming to a close one way or another.
Sam Presti & Darius Bazley talking after practice
The Thunder have until 5 pm CT to extend Baze pic.twitter.com/vQnPfijrzv
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 17, 2022
