OKC Thunder Roster Fill-In Project: High Flyer – JaMychal Green
Grading the Move: Grade C+
The option to bring JaMychal Green to the OKC Thunder could be viable, particularly if there is room to make the move without losing any assets. However, that option seems remote. Further as noted, why lose on two fronts? That being not investing in one’s own youth (Huestis/Grant/Abrines/McDermott) or give up quality assets.
The C plus grade is more a factor of JaMychal Green being a restricted free agent than about his ability. That said, it does seem like Green will be available at a savings, since the Grizzlies have taken so long to sign him.
In early July the Grizzlies extended a qualifying offer. The fact Green has not agreed to this offer speaks to him likely not being impressed with the initial numbers. That in itself could present issues, as JaMychal Green may come away from this feeling like he’s being under appreciated.
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Certainly Green would be a better talent and more serviceable than Kyle Singler, but the odds of the Grizzlies making that exchange are slim to none. In addition, one has to consider perhaps this is a similar situation to what occurred with the Spurs Jonathan Simmons. After having to work so hard to break through onto a varsity squad perhaps he fills the need to get his pay day now.
For this reason Green gets a C grade, but it’s more indicative of his situation than his talent.
Closing:
Expanding upon my point above — in 3 seasons with the NBA Green has earned a total of $1.85 million. Last season his contract was for less than a million dollars. In an era where players are collecting record setting pay days, is it any wonder Green would like to sign one healthy, long term contract then?
Still it is curious the Grizzlies haven’t delivered an offer, or Green’s camp hasn’t signed what was offered. It feels like this may be a stale mate scenario. OKC should keep an eye on the situation and if the Grizzlies end up relinquishing his restricted free agency status swoop in with a fair offer. This might require them to waive Singler and utilize the stretch exception. But, Green would definitely be worth that investment.