Thunderous Intentions
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Kyle Singler’s time in Oklahoma City may come to an end

By Tony Heim

Apr 19, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (15) is substituted out of the game during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (15) is substituted out of the game during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kyle Singler of the OKC Thunder stares down his opponents.
Apr 7, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; OKC Thunder forward Kyle Singler (15) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle Singler could be a victim of the NBA stretch provision this offseason. But what exactly does that mean for him and the OKC Thunder?

What comes to your mind when the name “Kyle Singler” is brought up? Best player in the NBA? The Kingler? Whatever you may be thinking, there is a 98% chance that sarcasm is a significant part of your thought process.

Singler was traded to Oklahoma City over two seasons ago to provide better spacing for the OKC offense. Sadly his shooting has significantly deteriorated after signing a five year deal worth nearly $25 million two seasons ago.

Fast forward to this offseason and the Thunder are in a cap bind. 11 “active” contracts for next season add up to nearly $110 million, already $9 million over the projected cap. Although Kyle Singler is set to make under $5 million next season, his contract is the sixth-highest figure on the roster. Singler hasn’t shown he can be a viable rotation player so keeping him around doesn’t make sense for this team. Trading him away is the best option, but who wants a 29-year old who averaged less than 3 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist in only 32 games played?

Enter the stretch provision. Brett Dawson and Fred Katz have already mentioned it; when it comes from two beat writers who are heavily invested in the team then you have to listen.

If Singler is in fact waived with the stretch position, it would mean stretching the last two guaranteed years of his deal over the next seven seasons. Instead of having a $4.6 million cap hit next season and be on the team, Singler would have a $1.4 million hit while playing basketball elsewhere. That $1.4 million hit would return for six more seasons in order to fulfill Singler’s guaranteed contracts.

Related Story: Looking at the Andre Roberson, Taj Gibson free agency situation

A move like this makes sense in the present. Singler isn’t contributing much – saving $3 million could be the reason why they are able to re-sign Andre Roberson or Taj Gibson. But does it make sense to have Kyle Singler effect the Thunder’s cap space for seven whole seasons even though he isn’t on the team?

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That’s what Sam Presti must figure out.

Personally I side towards cutting Singler lose. A $1.4 million hit is minuscule in today’s NBA, let alone the fact that Singler simply isn’t an NBA-caliber player anymore. His roster spot could then be used as a flyer for a veteran looking to reboot his NBA career; think Javale McGee with the Warriors this season.

The Thunder aren’t getting anything from Kyle Singler. The stretch provision allows them to minimize his impact on the team’s tight salary cap situation this offseason. It will hurt in the future, but $1.4 million is enough to swallow if it means getting a player who can truly make an impact when on the court.

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