Wolves, Gorgui Dieng Agree on Four Year, $64 Million Extension

With only hours left before the deadline to sign 2013 draftees to extensions that kick in for the 2017-18 season, we get this news:

This only minutes after I opined that I would be in no hurry to sign an extension with Gorgui Dieng unless it was for a bargain price.

Well, I think this is a bargain price. Earlier in the day, both Rudy Gobert (Jazz) and Steven Adams (Thunder) signed four year extensions for $100+ million. While it’s understandable that they might get more than Dieng, a difference of $36+ million over the life of the contract is significant.

Dieng has proven himself quite durable over the course of his career so far, and emerged in a starting role last season. His offensive game has expanded significantly since he entered the league, and he has shown some defensive chops especially in pick-and-roll situations, as well as weakside shot blocking.

The question going forward for the Wolves is whether he is a long term starter next to Karl-Anthony Towns, since center appears to be the best position for both of them. However, at this price, they have flexibility. Dieng is now under contract through the 2020-21 season.

One final note: This signing will reduce their available cap space next summer, since Dieng’s cap figure will now be his contracted salary, as opposed to his free agent cap hold, which would have been significantly less. Nonetheless, there is no way the Wolves could pass up making this deal given what we’ve seen in the market.

Good job Wolves.