Welcome to OKC Thunder – In the news for Sunday August 27 , featuring topical daily news on your favorite team.
OKC Thunder in the news serves up the top features from a busy weekend. Headlining the weekend was the big fight in Vegas and a certain block buster trade which is potentially not happening now.
Thomas hip health likely to alter Cavaliers – Celtics deal:
News began to leak out Friday night the block buster deal to send Kyrie Irving to the Celics was potentially in jeopardy. The follow-up Saturday indicates this is a very real possibility the initial offer will be either vetoed or tweaked. Celtics GM Danny Ainge says his club was forthcoming with the Cavaliers regarding Thomas’ health. Ainge confirmed part of the reason Boston was willing to move Thomas was partially tied to his hip injury and concerns over his recovery. However, Ainge says they made this clear to the Cavs.
For years Ainge has been a GM who often gets the best of deals and following the Nets block buster (read: drubbing) he’s developed a bit of reputation. Ask any GM and they’ll tell you they all remember getting shafted by another GM. Hey, I don’t call Danny Ainge – Shylock Ainge for nothing.
Woj drops more news on trade dilemma:
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski offered:
"After Cleveland’s physical examination of Isaiah Thomas‘ injured hip raised concern about the timeline for his return this season, Cavaliers officials are planning to seek an additional trade asset before finalizing a deal to send four-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics, league sources said.Without revisions to the original trade agreement, the Cavaliers could threaten to veto the trade, league sources said."
The initial news indicated Cleveland were hesitant following Thomas’ physical. It has since been upgraded to Cleveland affirmatively looking to alter the deal. As Woj points out in the video this doesn’t mean the deal is dead. Rather, there is a desire by both parties to move ahead. Certainly Ainge will want to make this happen with Irving seemingly headed to Boston. Further, it wouldn’t be ideal to bring back last season’s Celtics MVP (Thomas) or Crowder after trading them. What is most likely to happen is the Cavaliers will ask for the pot to be sweetened via additional trade assets.
Suffice to say moving forward this situation is adding drama to most pundits top two Eastern Conference picks.
For OKC Thunder fans there is anxiousness over their two All-Stars. It’s a given Thunder Nation will need to wait til next summer to learn the fait of Paul Goeorge. As for Russell Westbrook, he has until season start to accept the max contract offer.
But, for the Cavaliers, not only have they lost Kyrie Irving (assuming the Celtics or another deal transpires), but many believe LeBron James will bolt regardless this coming summer.
https://twitter.com/SURBITON_BOXING/status/901641354740203523
Fight Night brings out the stars:
Speaking of Paul George he was busy this weekend in Las Vegas attending the Mayweather – McGregor weigh in. PG was also reportedly in attendance Saturday night, although only LeBron James was photographed court side. Of interest, PG was witnessed these past few days often in the company of Draymond Green. Clearly Green is making his new agenda transparent for the upcoming season.
The Warriors brash defender spent much of 2015-16 recruiting Kevin Durant. Recent rumors pointed to Golden State having designs on Paul George as next summers free agent target. Setting aside the dynamics of what type of massive salary cut PG would need to take let’s address the elephant in the room. Is Draymond Green’s life mission to make OKC fans his mortal enemy? After boldly bragging about the collusion and tampering he did with KD, logical minds might assume he would be a little more careful. Especially considering the Lakers current tampering allegations.
For now, it looks like Green is intent on getting an early start on his new mission. Here’s a thought Draymond: If you’re willing to take a vet’s minimum contract so your Warriors can give PG your salary then and only then will your efforts be considered genuine. (we’ll await your response).
Steven Adams in high demand this offseason:
Recently Steven Adams fans started a petition. It suggested the OKC Thunder center guest star on he wildly successful Game of Thrones. Apparently there are other fields aside from acting the New Zealand native could pursue. Bleacher Reports Zac Wassink details the background behind the Canterbury police offer to acquire the big man’s services.
"Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams may have a second career lined up for him if this basketball thing doesn’t work out. On Thursday, the Twitter account for the Canterbury Police District out of New Zealand posted a picture of Adams, along with a proposal for OKC:"
OKC Thunder Roster Fill-In Progject: JaMychal Green
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Continuing the series of available unsigned free agents, TI takes a look at an intriguing asset – JaMychal Green.
"Green easily fits into the OKC Thunder group as a reserve big. The problem is he’s a restricted free agent which means the Grizzlies can match any offer.Two options might exist in the form of a trade for Green though it’s doubtful Memphis will be eager to add Kyle Singler and Semaj Christon. That said, it wouldn’t be the first time Sam Presti has pulled off a trade for assets others thought were unmovable or not worth much in return.Arguably the front court is the area the OKC Thunder have ample players in place. Several of the assets can play either the small or power forward position. To wit, Paul George, Patrick Patterson, Jerami Grant, Alex Abrines, Doug McDermott, Josh Huestis and Kyle Singler can play either forward role. This abundance of forward options may deter Presit from focusing in that area."
That wraps up OKC Thunder In the News for August 27. Be sure to make OKC Thunder, In the News part of your daily fix.