When can a rookie scale contract typically be extended?

A rookie scale contract can typically be extended prior to the last year of the contract. This timing allows teams and players to negotiate terms for an extension while ensuring that the player still has significant time left on their contract, which generally spans four years for first-round draft picks. This extension period is designed to give teams a chance to secure their young talent for the future and provide players with financial stability at an earlier point in their careers.

While extensions cannot occur after the last year of the contract, they must happen within a specific timeframe that falls before that final year. The precise details of when and how these extensions can be negotiated are outlined in the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, which governs agent practices and team-player agreements. This implies the importance of adhering to the established timeline for contract negotiations to maximize the benefits for both the player and the franchise.

In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios that either don't align with the established rules or misunderstanding of the contractual process involved in rookie scale contracts. For instance, suggesting that extensions can only occur after the first season ignores the more flexible timing that allows for negotiation while the player is still under contract, promoting a proactive approach to team-building and player management.