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Corey Brewer and the Thunder linked after Lakers buyout

ByTony Heim|
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 8: Corey Brewer #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the OKC Thunder on February 8, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 8: Corey Brewer #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the OKC Thunder on February 8, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Lakers bought out Corey Brewer, meaning the OKC Thunder may have a difficult decision to make in the next few days.

Corey Brewer or Tony Allen?

That is the question facing Sam Presti as I type this post.

The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to buyout Brewer’s contract earlier today, just a day before the deadline ended for players to enter the free agent pool before the Playoffs. That move isn’t too surprising. What is, however, is the idea that Brewer and Oklahoma City are already linked.

OKC failed to make a move at the recent Trade Deadline, then proceeded to miss on a few more-talented buyouts. They’re now left with either Allen, a 36-year old coming off a fibula fracture, or Brewer, a 31-year old journeyman. I’ve already written about a potential Tony Allen signing, so let’s go over the pros and cons of Brewer now. We’ll star with the negatives first.

Cons

  • Brewer isn’t that great of an NBA player, nor does he fit a specific need. The OKC Thunder need one of two things: shooting and/or defense. Brewer isn’t above-average in either skills, making it hard to see what kind of role he’d have.
  • The former Laker is supposedly looking for a team that will give him a bigger role – that’s not happening in OKC. If anything, Brewer would be joining the shooting guard-by-committee rotation with Alex Abrines and Josh Huestis, with Billy Donovan opting to ride with the hot hand.
  • He played for the Rockets last season and Lakers this season. Not sure we want that stench in the locker room.
OKC Thunder center swatting Corey Brewer
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – JANUARY 29: Steven Adams #12 of the OKC Thunder tries to prevent Corey Brewer #33 of the Houston Rockets from shooting at the goal during a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on January 29, 2016 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)

Pros

  • The 31-year old has more experience than anybody else in the shooting guard-by-committee Donovan currently employs. Although not supremely talented, the Thunder would have somebody they could turn to who wouldn’t royally screw up.
  • Brewer played with Billy Donovan at Florida to great success, so he’d be comfortable sliding right into the scheme.
  • Corey Brewer as the 15th man is infinitely better than nobody as the 15th man.

Next: Breaking down the Thunder's remaining schedule

Looking back, it’s an incredibly bleak time for potential Thunder additions. Brewer wouldn’t impact the outcome of a Playoff series. He might affect a single-game. With that being said, Oklahoma City might as well use the final roster spot on somebody.

So what’s your move Sam? Corey Brewer or Tony Allen?

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