Andre Roberson hasn’t signed with the OKC Thunder yet, but it appears it’s already a foregone conclusion.
It look like we (those who appreciate everything that Andre Roberson does for the Thunder) have nothing to worry about.
It also signals the Thunder are very committed to keeping Andre Roberson. Almost a lock he's back in OKC next season.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) July 2, 2017
The “it” Royce Young is referring to is the Taj Gibson-Timberwolves signing. Going into the offseason Oklahoma City was going to have to choose between Gibson and Roberson if they wanted to stay below the luxury tax line. Now the decision has been made for them.
Although Taj fits a need with the recent Paul George trade, Roberson provides a more important role for OKC. Oklahoma City is back to having two top-15 offensive talents; Roberson’s inhibitions on that end aren’t as big of a problem for at least one more season.
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This is great news for the Thunder. Roberson is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and now he gets to move back to his natural shooting guard position. He’ll be partnered up with a reinvigorated Paul George so guarding a team’s best option 100% of the time won’t be a problem anymore either.
Now we wait for the contract to be announced. Last offseason’s 4 year/$48 million offer was reportedly turned down by Roberson’s team a summer ago. The problem – for Roberson at least – is the market has been surprisingly much lower than last season. PJ Tucker agreed to 4 years/32 million; it’s not crazy to think Roberson accepts the offer he already declined.
Oklahoma City has around $4 million more to work with now that Victor Oladipo is off the boards. In a perfect world they convince Andre Roberson to take a little bit less in order to bring in one more quality piece.
Hopefully Andre’s in it to win it. I believe he is.
#inPrestiwetrust