Good catch - 3rd year is an option year. Source.

Posted on: March 19, 2018 at 17:23:58 CT

https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/info/rookie_scale

First post were numbers for 2017-18 btw - I'm repopulating for 2018-19.

The 3rd year is an option year and the optional 4th year is a % increase tied to original 3rd year salary.

2 year totals:

Pick 1: $14,647,500
Pick 2: $13,105,500
Pick 3: $11,687,700
Pick 4: $10,610,800
Pick 5: $9,608,600
Pick 6: $8,272,200
Pick 7: $7966,900
Pick 8: $7,298,500
Pick 9: $6,709,000
Pick 10: $6,373,400
Pick 11: $6,054,800
Pick 12: $5,752,300
Pick 13: $5,464,400
Pick 14: $5,191,500
Pick 15: $4,931,400
Pick 16: $4,685,100
Pick 17: $4,450,900
Pick 18: $4,228,400
Pick 19: $4,038,000
Pick 20: $3,876,200

So the increase in Rookie Scale was approximately $500,000 from year 1 money in 17-18 to 18-19. Assuming the same $500,000 increase in 19-20, I think if I'm MPJr I start to have a real decision to make the closer I get to #10.

It's also very possible MPJr declines to compete at the NBA Combine -- multiple top picks declined last year -- as his body still likely won't be back a full 100%.