OKC Thunder: Offseason key dates to know
As lockers were cleaned out following the OKC Thunder first round playoff loss the franchise kicked fully into their offseason schedule.
‘To say the 2016-17 OKC Thunder season was eventful would be putting too fine a point on a eventful year. As Sam Presti pointed out in his annual season ending press conference the OKC Thunder did the unthinkable by remaining a playoff squad despite losing Kevin Durant, trading Serge Ibaka and Dion Waiters exiting in free agency.
And while Sam Presti won’t have much wiggle room with the team limited by their salary cap, this offseason could prove to be even more active.
In an effort to help you plan your summer around the key OKC Thunder activities here is a list of key dates to keep in mind:
Current date until NBA Draft: Pre Draft work outs
Unfortunately, unlike teams who are extremely transparent in their pre draft workouts Presti and his team tend to keep this information relatively quiet.
NBA Draft early entrant withdrawal deadline: : May 24
Prospects who decide to withdraw have until 5:00 p.m. ET to withdraw their names and retain their NCAA eligibility.
2017 NBA Draft: June 22
Barring trading up or down the OKC Thunder will make their lone selection (21) in first round
Restricted Free Agents Options: June 24
For restricted free agents who have player opt out features, this is the cut off day to exercise opting out of their contracts. The only player effected with a team option on Thunder is Jerami Grant
NBA Awards Show: June 26
Toronto rapper Drake hosts the inaugural award show with Russell Westbrook looking to win the season’s Most Valuable Player in addition to several fan awards. Victor Oladipo is also up for the fan awarded dunk of the year.
Last day for player, team and early termination options: June 29
Notably there are exceptions (on a player by player basis) which may dictate them disclosing their choices sooner.
Qualifying Offer Deadline: June 29
For the Thunder this is the last day they can make a qualifying offer to Andre Roberson
Free Agency Moratorium officially begins: Midnight, ET, July 1st
This date is also the first time Sam Presti can openly discuss signing Russell Westbrook to the Designated Player Extension. Remembering the DeAndre Jordan nightmare between the Mavericks and Clippers this is only when verbal agreements can be made and are not legally binding.
Orlando NBA Summer League: July 1-6
Teams participating include the two teams from the host Orlando Magic, as well as two west teams the OKC Thunder and Dallas Mavericks. In addition to the Magic, five eastern squads will also attend: Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, and the New York Knicks.
Utah NBA Summer League: July 3-6
Occurring simultaneously to the Magic tourney is the smaller 4 -day Jazz event with the host Utah Jazz as well as the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs.
Free Agency Moratorium over: July 6
Starting at noon ET teams and players can officially put ink to paper
Cut Off to withdraw RFA Qualifying Offers: July 13
Last day to cancel/withdraw restricted free agent qualifying offers.
Cut Off for first round picks to sign offers: July 15
Last day teams can issue mandatory tenders to unsigned first-round picks. If there is no resolution between the first round pick and team then the player becomes a free agent on July 16.
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Christon Contract Guarantee: July 7
Semaj Christon’s $1,312,611 guarantees for 2017-18.
Vegas NBA Summer League: July 7-17
Twenty-four teams will participate at the largest of the three summer league events. All four teams participating in Utah will also play in Vegas as will two teams from the Orlando tourney (Dallas and Miami). Unlike previous years no D-League All-Star team will participate this season.
Cut off to waive players and apply stretch provisions: August 31
Last day teams can waive players and apply stretch provisions to their coming 2017-18 salaries.
Cut off for second round picks to sign offers: September 5
This is the last day teams can issue mandatory tenders to unsigned second-round picks. If there is no resolution between the second round pick and team then the player becomes a free agent on September 6.
Training Camps open: late September (TBA)
Media Day: late September TBA
Preseason begins: October (TBA)
Team option deadline: October 31
Team options are due on Domantas Sabonis and Josh Huestis. In addition this date is also the cut off to offer Doug McDermott his extension.