Spurs extension dilemma puts these 2022 picks on the hot seat

The NBA offseason isn't fun for everyone, certainly not for General Manager Brian Wright and a group of his young players.

This offseason will be increasingly intensified for Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Bramham, and Blake Wesley as they seek their first payday in their NBA careers.

According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, these 2022 NBA Draft members are "extension-eligible from July 1 to the day before the start of the regular season." This timetable gives the trio and Wright the summer to work out a potential new deal, or perhaps none at all.

As Zach ZoBell stated on LinkedIn, "These types of extensions can have a maximum of five new years and can pay up to 25% of the salary cap in the first year, followed by up to 8% raises each subsequent year." These contracts allow the players to cash in early before they hit unrestricted free agency and give the front office long-term security on their young, drafted players.

In this article, I will put myself in Wright's shoes and decide whether or not I believe these three players are worthy of an extension, and if so, how much money it would be.

F Jeremy Sochan

2024 -25 Stats: 25.3 MPG, 11.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.4 APG

Of the bunch, Sochan has been the most impressive.

Through the first two years of his career, Sochan was thrust into an odd role that wasn't maximizing his strengths. The 6'8" Sochan played a great deal of "point-forward" and was heavily tasked with playmaking. While the experience gained in this transition has greatly benefited him, it wasn't what he felt most comfortable playing.

In year three, with a team of more diverse skill sets, Sochan was back in his usual position. This year, Sochan missed 28 games but put up his most efficient season to date, dialing back the three-point attempts and finishing 53.5% of his overall tries. His three-point shot has struggled so far, shooting only 29% for his career, but he has excelled as a cutter and play-finisher.

Where Sochan shines is on the defensive end. Sochan brings the intensity and is uniquely versatile. Constantly moving around the court, Sochan can guard 1-5 and pick up the slack when necessary.

All of these tools make Sochan a valuable piece for a playoff contender. On the open market, Sochan would get a collection of calls and would be quick to find a new home, but I don't think that happens.

As a role player expected to come off the bench, the Spurs will want to give him a lighter deal that resonates with his on-court value. A team-friendly but justified deal is predicted.

The call: Sochan signs a 3 year deal worth $40 million.

G Malaki Branham

2024-25 Stats: 9.1 MPG, 5 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.8 APG

If there is one thing Branham does well, it is shooting beyond the arc. During his spot minutes, Branham has been productive from three, making 40.5% of his attempts. This number may just be enough to sign him.

Branham's minutes have decreased from the 20-minute mark he reached in his previous two seasons, but he remained a rotational asset this past season. Branham greatly benefited from the opportunities he was given on a poor roster and has only gradually improved his game through three seasons.

Still, Branham is in a tough spot. Although his jump shooting is a prized asset, he hasn't shown enough to be a core part of Head Coach Mitch Johnson's rotation. As the Spurs prepare for what will likely be a busy offseason, does Branham bring enough to warrant an early, long-term deal?

Johnson and Wright likely need to see more before guaranteeing a long-term roster spot, but his three-point stroke could entice them enough to keep him on the team before he would hit free agency in 2026.

The call: No deal

G Blake Wesley

2024-25 Stats: 11.8 MPG, 3.7 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 2 APG

Blake Wesley has built a reputation as a strong defender. At 6'5", Wesley is the ideal length for a defensive-oriented guard and has used that to his advantage. He is always a pest on the court, as seen in his 0.6 steals in just 12 minutes.

Even without an immense offensive skill set, shooting 43.9% from the field and 29.3% from three this season, Wesley has made his way onto the court by locking up opposing guards.

Unfortunately, Wesley's offensive woes may be his downfall. Looking to improve on defense this offseason, the Spurs will aim to bring in a veteran guard who can provide more offense than Wesley. His impressive defensive output may not be enough to bring him back.

An extension is unlikely, but if the 22-year-old can get in the lab and improve his shot, we can't rule out his return following next season.

The call: No deal