When the Thunder made the player-for-player swap official between Josh Giddey and Caruso, they had to wait six months before officially opening negotiations. That window will open on Dec. 21. OKC GM Sam Presti could gift Thunder fans an early Christmas present by locking down the 30-year-old for the long haul.

The Oklahoma City Thunder can ink Alex Caruso to a new extension in a matter of weeks. This is going to be a priority for Sam Presti and company according to reports.

Smith has been candid about wanting to be the highest-paid talent at ESPN after the network signed deals with Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pat McAfee that had leapfrogged him. In June, Puck’s John Ourand reported that ESPN initially offered Smith $18 million a year and that he was seeking $25 million annually.

ESPN and Stephen A. Smith are reportedly in discussions on a historic new contract in the six-year, $120 million range, according to The Athletic's

ESPN’s initial offer was for $18 million per year. The two sides also discussed both five- and six-year options for the length of contract.