Views from OKC is a public diary from an OKC Thunder fan. Today we take a look at potential offseason additions playing in the Finals.
We’ve gone seven days without a professional basketball game on television. For those non-basketball but yes-Thunder fans, that’s now 37 days without watching your team. It’s not fun, and it surely won’t be fun watching Kevin Durant play on a different team.
But there’s a silver lining in all of this: not every player in the series can return to their respective team next season. There will be current Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers playing on different team’s next year, possibly contributing in a bigger role. Oklahoma City could use a few of these players, and the Finals will be the best opportunity to determine how they would fit.
The Warriors have ten prospective free agents this offseason. The stars (Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant) are assuredly staying, but which role players leave is a big question. On the other side Cleveland has six players not under contract next season. Sam Presti has the opportunity to add a couple pieces from the league’s two best teams, but deciding which players that may be is interesting.
Matt Barnes: There’s a very good chance that Barnes retires after this season, especially if the Warriors end up bringing home the title. At 37 the small forward doesn’t contribute too much, but his cheap contract, hard-nosed attitude and veteran leadership would be a great gift to this young OKC team.
Ian Clark: Of all the players on this list Clark stands the most to lose. The fourth-year player doesn’t have huge career numbers and is destined to be a career backup guard, but a good showing could add a few million to his yearly checks. Clark would be a great backup for Westbrook because he can create shots for himself and others while playing solid defense.
Kyle Korver: Korver is in a similar place as Barnes, but with more productivity. As one of the best all-time shooters there’s no reason for Korver to retire, especially when so many teams will be looking to add a player of his talents this offseason. If he falters and can’t stay on the court because of his defense, OKC could swoop in and nab Korver for cheaper.
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Shaun Livingston: Of all the players on this list, Livingston is the guy OKC fans should want. He’s also going to be the most expensive. Livingston’s ability to come off the bench and score would be perfect for the Thunder; he could also slide in and play off-the-ball with a Westbrook-Oladipo lineup.
Deron Williams: Deron has had a re-birth in Cleveland, probably because LeBron James would not allow for anything else. The 32-year old is in shape, shooting over 41% from three since joining the Cavs. He’s currently being paid by three NBA teams so money shouldn’t be the issue when it comes to signing him this offseason.
Derrick Williams: Derrick, like his D-Will namesake, has had a re-birth in Cleveland. Williams has molded himself into the quintessential role player: he hits open shots, plays solid defense and hustles every time he’s on the court. His versatility to play both 3 and 4 would be a welcome addition to this Thunder team.