State of the Franchise
Projected Cap Space (before luxury tax): $7.1 million
Background: The Thunder have been an extremely competitive team these past couple of years, built around a core of 2013 MVP Kevin Durant, superstar PG Russell Westbrook, and star PF/C Serge Ibaka. Durant is a 3-time scoring champion, and Westbrook and Ibaka have no problems scoring as well, with Ibaka being one of the elite rim-protectors in the league. Westbrook is an excellent defender and Ibaka is one of the league's best elite shot blockers. The Thunder made the Finals in 2013 but lost to the Miami Heat in a 5 game series. As a small market team, the Thunder are known for their unwillingness to pay any luxury tax, even as a championship team. They traded their 6th Man of the Year SG James Harden because he was due for a new contract and they didn't want to pay the amount he earned. They have been a constant playoff team these past few years, but have been constantly plagued by injuries to superstars Durant and Westbrook. With a couple of minor moves, they should be a huge favorite for the title.
Current Financial State: The Thunder are expected to have $70 million tied up in contracts. Most of their money is committed to their stars. Durant is being paid $20 million, Westbrook $17 million, and Ibaka $12 million. Durant is going to be a free agent in the stacked 2016 free agent class, which includes names like LeBron James and Chris Paul. Westbrook and Ibaka are under contract for one year after that, until 2017. The Thunder recently traded for SG Dion Waiters who's on his rookie contract, and they are now putting PG Reggie Jackson on the block. While Westbrook was injured, Jackson filled in phenomenally. As a free agent this coming offseason, Jackson is due for a contract much larger than his current $2 million deal. Another contract they have been striving to move for a while now is C Kendrick Perkins' $9 million contract, which expires after this year. After drafting C Steven Adams in the 2013 NBA Draft, Perkins has moved into a bench role and is being paid too much for the Thunder's liking. Before this deadline, the Thunder will be looking to move Jackson and Perkins for more talented or affordable players.
Targets: The Thunder have reportedly been interested in Brooklyn Nets C Brook Lopez, as the Nets have been shopping Lopez's contract in hope to free up cap space. Oklahoma City would likely have to move Perkins' $9 million expiring deal among other pieces, likely rookie PF Mitch McGary in order to acquire Lopez. McGary is averaging 10 points on a blazing-hot 65% shooting, as well as 6 rebounds in just 14 minutes per game, albeit just playing four games. The Michigan standout would be an excellent fit next to C Mason Plumlee in the Nets’ frontcourt. For the Thunder, they would receive a productive, scoring center in Lopez to pair with defensive stud Ibaka. The Nets would receive financial relief in Perkins' expiring contract, something they've been looking for. A possible team that could be looking to acquire Reggie Jackson is the Indiana Pacers. Paul George is out for the year after his gruesome preseason injury, and the Pacers haven't received much scoring from PG George Hill, PF David West and C Roy Hibbert. With Jackson, they get a scoring guard who can also distribute the ball and run the offense. The Thunder will likely give away Jackson and Perkins and get PG Donald Sloan in return, along with veteran PF David West. West’s leadership helps the Thunder and contract comes off before 2016 free agency where the Thunder will need as much money as possible to re-sign Durant. Donald Sloan plays like Jackson but is on a much more affordable deal and isn't expected to get as substantial a raise as Jackson is. By making these moves, the Thunder can simultaneously add more talent while not ruining their financial future.
The Fit: Whether they get Lopez or Sloan and West, the Thunder will be receiving players who can quickly fit into their offensive and defensive scheme. Lopez will give them more scoring from the 5 and add some more rim protection along with Ibaka. His lack of rebounding ability can easily be compensated by Ibaka and Durant's, as well as Westbrook's not uncommon triple doubles. Sloan fits in with the Thunder because he can score. Jackson will essentially be replaced by recently acquired Dion Waiters, but Sloan can provide additional scoring too. West fits really well, also. As a championship team, they could really use some veteran leadership and the power forward’s scoring and rebounding off the bench. If they make the right moves this offseason, they could keep Durant past his free agency and go on to win a championship.
Projected Cap Space (before luxury tax): $7.1 million
Background: The Thunder have been an extremely competitive team these past couple of years, built around a core of 2013 MVP Kevin Durant, superstar PG Russell Westbrook, and star PF/C Serge Ibaka. Durant is a 3-time scoring champion, and Westbrook and Ibaka have no problems scoring as well, with Ibaka being one of the elite rim-protectors in the league. Westbrook is an excellent defender and Ibaka is one of the league's best elite shot blockers. The Thunder made the Finals in 2013 but lost to the Miami Heat in a 5 game series. As a small market team, the Thunder are known for their unwillingness to pay any luxury tax, even as a championship team. They traded their 6th Man of the Year SG James Harden because he was due for a new contract and they didn't want to pay the amount he earned. They have been a constant playoff team these past few years, but have been constantly plagued by injuries to superstars Durant and Westbrook. With a couple of minor moves, they should be a huge favorite for the title.
Current Financial State: The Thunder are expected to have $70 million tied up in contracts. Most of their money is committed to their stars. Durant is being paid $20 million, Westbrook $17 million, and Ibaka $12 million. Durant is going to be a free agent in the stacked 2016 free agent class, which includes names like LeBron James and Chris Paul. Westbrook and Ibaka are under contract for one year after that, until 2017. The Thunder recently traded for SG Dion Waiters who's on his rookie contract, and they are now putting PG Reggie Jackson on the block. While Westbrook was injured, Jackson filled in phenomenally. As a free agent this coming offseason, Jackson is due for a contract much larger than his current $2 million deal. Another contract they have been striving to move for a while now is C Kendrick Perkins' $9 million contract, which expires after this year. After drafting C Steven Adams in the 2013 NBA Draft, Perkins has moved into a bench role and is being paid too much for the Thunder's liking. Before this deadline, the Thunder will be looking to move Jackson and Perkins for more talented or affordable players.
Targets: The Thunder have reportedly been interested in Brooklyn Nets C Brook Lopez, as the Nets have been shopping Lopez's contract in hope to free up cap space. Oklahoma City would likely have to move Perkins' $9 million expiring deal among other pieces, likely rookie PF Mitch McGary in order to acquire Lopez. McGary is averaging 10 points on a blazing-hot 65% shooting, as well as 6 rebounds in just 14 minutes per game, albeit just playing four games. The Michigan standout would be an excellent fit next to C Mason Plumlee in the Nets’ frontcourt. For the Thunder, they would receive a productive, scoring center in Lopez to pair with defensive stud Ibaka. The Nets would receive financial relief in Perkins' expiring contract, something they've been looking for. A possible team that could be looking to acquire Reggie Jackson is the Indiana Pacers. Paul George is out for the year after his gruesome preseason injury, and the Pacers haven't received much scoring from PG George Hill, PF David West and C Roy Hibbert. With Jackson, they get a scoring guard who can also distribute the ball and run the offense. The Thunder will likely give away Jackson and Perkins and get PG Donald Sloan in return, along with veteran PF David West. West’s leadership helps the Thunder and contract comes off before 2016 free agency where the Thunder will need as much money as possible to re-sign Durant. Donald Sloan plays like Jackson but is on a much more affordable deal and isn't expected to get as substantial a raise as Jackson is. By making these moves, the Thunder can simultaneously add more talent while not ruining their financial future.
The Fit: Whether they get Lopez or Sloan and West, the Thunder will be receiving players who can quickly fit into their offensive and defensive scheme. Lopez will give them more scoring from the 5 and add some more rim protection along with Ibaka. His lack of rebounding ability can easily be compensated by Ibaka and Durant's, as well as Westbrook's not uncommon triple doubles. Sloan fits in with the Thunder because he can score. Jackson will essentially be replaced by recently acquired Dion Waiters, but Sloan can provide additional scoring too. West fits really well, also. As a championship team, they could really use some veteran leadership and the power forward’s scoring and rebounding off the bench. If they make the right moves this offseason, they could keep Durant past his free agency and go on to win a championship.