Due to the team’s ongoing failure to compete in the Western Conference, multiple reports have suggested that the ownership is not willing to pay the luxury tax. The likes of Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, and Dennis Schroder are all being linked with exits, and the Thunder may find themselves with a depleted roster in free agency.
With the franchise unlikely to pursue the summer’s most in-demand free agents, the Thunder will be on the lookout for cheap deals - and here are three players that are options for Billy Donovan’s team.
#3 Enes Kanter
Following his impressive performances during the Portland Trail Blazers’ run to the Western Conference Finals, Enes Kanter will attract plenty of interest in free agency. However, due to his ongoing defensive shortcomings, Kanter will find it impossible to find a deal similar to the four-year, $70 million contract he signed back in 2015.
Kanter may be available on a deal starting at $5 million per season, and the Turkish star has repeatedly expressed his admiration for the franchise that he represented between 2015 and 2017.
During the playoffs, Kanter averaged 13.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, and at 27, Kanter is approaching his prime years. Kanter’s ability to play alongside a fellow big would make him a good fit for Billy Donovan’s team, and he could be motivated to snub larger offers in order to return to his former home.
#2 Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas is entering free agency following another disappointing season, and the former All-Star is expected to be available on another near basement contract. Injuries ruled Thomas out of much of the 18-19 season, and after finally making his return, the 30-year-old soon dropped out of the team’s rotation.
Nevertheless, Thomas has vowed to return to form over the next 12 months and has expressed his belief that he will become the ‘steal’ of 2019 free agency.
In terms of a fit on the Thunder, Dennis Schroder is expected to be moved on to free up cap space, whereas Raymond Felton’s return is far from assured. Thomas would serve as a backup to Russell Westbrook, and the veteran would find himself in a similar role to Schroder - who averaged 29.3 minutes per game during his first year in Oklahoma City.
#1 JaVale McGee
With Nerlens Noel set to leave in free agency, and Steven Adams’ own future in doubt, the Thunder will need to add an experienced center this summer. Jerami Grant could potentially offer cover as he did during the 17-18 campaign, although there is no doubting that Billy Donovan’s team will need to bring in at least one traditional center.
McGee spent the 18-19 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers and the veteran made a huge impact before the Lakers fell away after the turn of the year. In total, McGee played 75 times, averaging 12.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and the 31-year-old offered immense value for his veteran’s minimum salary.
Ultimately, McGee would be a step back from Steven Adams, although he is a much cheaper option that could make an impact in limited playing time.
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