Thunderous Intentions
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NBA Free Agency: Could Rajon Rondo and Russell Westbrook coexist on Thunder?

By Alex Mcewen

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 04: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors react druing an altercation in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center on May 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 04: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors react druing an altercation in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center on May 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 8: Alvin Gentry talks to Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2018 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 8: Alvin Gentry talks to Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2018 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Salary Cap Breakdown

Regardless of the free agents, the OKC Thunder retain, the team is in a bind financially. The only contracts OKC can offer free agents outside their own is the league minimum and the tax-payer exception.

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Depending on the different transactions Oklahoma City completes this summer there is potential for the \team to gain the mid-level exception as well.

Moreover, Rondo will likely look to cash in one final time after his success in the playoffs.

Teams that will or should pursue Rondo

Rajon Rondo had great success with the Pelicans this past season. It would be highly surprising if they did not attempt to retain his services in free agency. Rondo made roughly $3 million this past season. Given his performance on the hardwood Rondo could command upward of $5 million on the open market.

Fit on the OKC Thunder

In terms of culture, Rondo would fit in OKC quite nicely, due to the freedom the coaches give the players. In terms of roster, Rondo and Westbrook would either be a match made in heaven or fire and ice, most likely the latter.

Next: Top 15 NBA Draft picks in OKC Thunder franchise history

Furthermore, Rondo doesn’t seem ready for a bench role yet, therefore both sides could find more ideal suitors.

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