OKC Thunder in the news: Singler contract options, Roberson home desires

Welcome to OKC Thunder – In the news for Sunday, July 16, featuring topical daily news on your favorite team and the NBA.

OKC Thunder In the News for July 16 column focuses on Andre Roberson’s strong desire to re-sign, how Kyle Singler’s contract could have huge salary cap implications and more.

Roberson had zero desire to play elsewhere:

ESPN’s Royce Young interviewed Andre Roberson following his new 3 year deal and spoke of his thrill to return to OKC. The article highlights

The Thunder drafted you 26th overall, ready to convert you from a power forward in college at Colorado to an NBA shooting guard. And they’ve always been really invested in your development as a player. What kind of connection with them do you feel?

Roberson: For sure, but not just that, but everybody else in the building. I treat them as family. They look out for me, I look out for them — not just the organization but the fans and the community as well. I just wanted to be part of something special, and Oklahoma City is a great place and somewhere I want to continue to build my legacy.

Kyle Singler options:

It’s no secret the Thunder had very little wiggle room financially entering the offseason. Only the mad magician and MacGyver skills of Sam Presit allowed the for current roster. First of all he completed a theft (Paul George) and 3 reasonable free agent contract signings. Despite the economical deals struck by Presti for Patrick Patterson, Andre Roberson (re-signing) and Raymond Felton OKC are still in tough. Since OKC has been in the luxury for the past two seasons it’s imperative they make every effort to not be a repeater tax team this season.

Two areas Presti may focus on are Semaj Christon though his $1.3 million won’t do much, it’s not yet guaranteed. The larger contract which will draw emphasis is that of Kyle Singler. The severely under used wing stands to earn $4.66 million each of the next two seasons.

Erik Horne of News OK offers a viable option to waive Singler and use the stretch provision. This would allow the Thunder to spread Singler’s contract over several seasons.

"Singler has two guaranteed years remaining on his contract, and a third year which is a team option. That means the remaining $9.66 million guaranteed over two years (2017-18, 2018-19) could be stretched over seven seasons in even amounts. Singler’s cap hit this season would be lowered from $4.66 million to $1.38 million, saving the Thunder $3.28 million this season."

Westbrook, A review of the magical year of records, awards and achievements

More from Thunderous Intentions

The past few weeks Russell Westbrook has been on a terror collecting awards for his magnificent season. He’s also been happily reveling in Sam Presti’s off season brilliance. A glance back over the past year offers a bevy of accomplishments and record breaking.

Reviewing the list of these achievements is mind boggling. Pundits will debate whether this was the greatest season ever by an individual in NBA history. This article details everything in one location and it’s hard to argue the point.

"Looking back to last July 1st, one could argue it represented the lowest point for Russell Westbrook professionally. Certainly losing out to the Miami Heat in 2012 hurt. But, at the time it was thought this was the first of many trips Westbrook and his star teammates would make to the finals. Yet, just as quickly as the basketball gods give, they take away. As was the case the following season when Westbrook missed his first games to significant injury – going all the way back to his childhood. Still, when Kevin Durant left, many felt the Thunder were sunk. Some pundits said it would take a miracle for OKC to even make the post season."

That wraps up OKC Thunder In the News for July 16. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Make sure to check back with TI tomorrow for topical news on your favorite team.

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