2. Squad Goals
As it stands, the Thunder are already over the cap limit. They have 4 near-max to max players (Westbrook, Victor Oladipo, Steven Adams and Enes Kanter) before thinking about Taj Gibson and Roberson. This summer, something – someone, maybe even more than one – has to give.
For starters, I think there is consensus the Big 3 of Westbrook, Victor Oladipo and Stevens Adams should and will remain. I am probably more tempted than most Thunder fans when it comes to considering trading Oladipo. But, at the end of the day, I know there is value in patience. And more importantly, I know Presti is a man of patience. So the Big 3 remain.
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The problem is if the Thunder pull off another Westbrook extension, it will add on at least another $10 million to next year’s salary bill. Because of that, the Thunder will pay the luxury tax, even if they let go of Roberson, Gibson and Kanter.
Presti will thus have to choose. My guess is he will only get to choose one of the three because the Thunder still need to set aside salary for their draft pick and potential trades.
Death By Decisions
Between the three, Kanter is probably the first out of the door. It is the most practical decision. Being active about trading Kanter gets the Thunder at least some draft picks and possibly wing help.
The choice really comes down to Gibson and Roberson. Both have their perks, so I think this choice will come down to the small things like timing of when Roberson gets an offer and the possibility of a sign-and-trade for either.
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In theory, choosing to stick with Gibson will make great sense if the organization sees potential in Domantas Sabonis. Gibson will be Westbrook’s pick-and-pop partner while providing solid defense out on the perimeter. In the locker room, having Gibson around will help Sabonis with his defensive rotations and post ups.
It is hard to predict what Presti will do when it comes down to Gibson and Roberson. But what Thunder fans know is Presti is not afraid to pull big moves. If the chips start to sway in Gibson’s favor, Thunder fans should not be surprised at all.
The next factor could be the nail in the coffin for Roberson’s exit.