Thunderous Intentions
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Who would the Thunder protect in an Expansion Draft?

By Austin Sternlicht

EDMOND, OK - MARCH 30: The Oklahoma City Thunder team poses for a team photo on March 30, 2017 at the Integris Health Thunder Development Center in Edmond, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
EDMOND, OK - MARCH 30: The Oklahoma City Thunder team poses for a team photo on March 30, 2017 at the Integris Health Thunder Development Center in Edmond, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – APRIL 07: Doug McDermott #25 of the OKC Thunder cant get a shot off in time at the end of the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – APRIL 07: Doug McDermott #25 of the OKC Thunder cant get a shot off in time at the end of the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Prediction

It’s important to remember an expansion team can only take one player from another roster. This means there is a very good chance all 15 Thunder players under contract will be back next season. Obviously, the Thunder can’t afford to think like that. Presti will need to analyze the roster and see what works best going forward.

More from Thunderous Intentions

In today’s NBA, wings are beyond crucial. This is something the Thunder have needed the past few seasons. McDermott may be a bench player his whole career, but he has a valuable NBA skill at a position thin on talent. Especially if he can play some power forward, he will be a major asset.

Positional versatility is becoming more and more prominent. Both McDermott and Grant have that skill. While Kanter has shown he can play alongside Steven Adams against some teams, he is really just a center. In addition, with Westbrook and George likely to be staggered, Kanter’s role as the scoring anchor of the second unit diminishes. A once hard decision has now become easier.

Presti leaves Kanter unprotected, hoping the new team doesn’t take his contract. McDermott and Grant are protected.

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