OKC Thunder: Little General returns to troops Felton re-signs

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Raymond Felton #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to the scoreboard in the second half during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 27, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Jazz beat the Thunder 96-91 to advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Raymond Felton #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to the scoreboard in the second half during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 27, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Jazz beat the Thunder 96-91 to advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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Raymond Felton re-signs with the OKC Thunder on a one year deal. That pushes the tax bill over $300-million. What does this move mean?

When the season ended, Raymond Felton let it be known he wanted to stay in Oklahoma City. Much like Paul George, he said all the right things. In the middle of the night on Tuesday, Sam Presti made it happen. This move seemed bound to happen.

The 34-year-old point guard will not excite the fanbase. This is not the big splash many OKC Thunder fans talked themselves into–unrealistic or not. However, it is a reliable move. When Raymond Felton suited up for the OKC Thunder a year ago he proved to be at worst the second best back up point guard the franchise had ever seen. Sitting only behind Reggie Jackson on that all-time list, Felton earned another year.

Let’s try again

Outside of Nerlens Noel, it seems like Sam Presti feels comfortable just running the same group back next year. While budget constraints play a part in it, there is an argument to be made that this is still the right move.

Related: Problem child Nerlens Noel offers assets OKC need

Every OKC Thunder fan has heard many scribes, local radio personalities, and even some of the national media drone on about that glorious December stretch. There is validation there. In that December-January stretch, before Andre Roberson was sidelined due to an injury, OKC looked like one of the best teams in the NBA.

Felton, was a big part of that. Again, at 34-years-old he still hit the hardwood in all 82-games. He logged a pair of starts even, on his way to a very solid per game stat-line.

Every OKC Thunder fan that watched the team night-in-and-night-out knows what Felton is about. A veteran leader, who will be welcomed back for another year.

Per Game Table
SeasonAgeTmGMPFG%3P%2P%eFG%FT%TRBASTSTLTOVPTS
2017-1833OKC8216.6.406.352.444.479.8181.92.50.60.96.9
Career93830.3.412.329.445.458.7893.05.41.22.111.4

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/4/2018.

RelatedRaymond Felton Season Review: Filling a longstanding void

Another one for the culture

Upon signing in OKC last offseason, Raymond Felton credited Sam Presti, and the family feeling around the OKC Thunder organization.

What does this mean moving forward?

For a roster that got bounced in the first round, without any context given this seems insane. If you need an explanation for why the OKC Thunder are shelling out an insane amount of money, you can listen to this.

That number looks scary, it looks huge, and it looks devastating for anyones pocket book. However, there is a thing, or two OKC can do to get that number a tad lower.

Trading Carmelo Anthony, or buying him out and stretching the money owed would save a ton.

The financial side of things are not simple, but it also is not my money. Sam Presti clearly has the go ahead from ownership to make it rain on this roster.

RelatedThree Carmelo Anthony trade destinations OKC Thunder should consider

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What is means for the roster

Well, in it’s most basic form, it means another roster spot is taken. For a team in a pinch when it comes to the salary cap that is huge. It does make a direct impact on the roster.

Again, any OKC Thunder fan knows what Felton provides on and off the court. However, does this move take away playing time from Daniel Hamilton? Will Daniel Hamilton ever get his shot? How does this impact Devon Hall? At 6’7 does Hall log some minutes at the wing or does he spend most of his time with the OKC Blue?

With Andre Roberson back in the fold, Alex Abrines, and Terrance Ferguson set to earn more minutes, we might not see a lineup with both Russell Westbrook and Felton on the floor. That actually might be a good thing.

Next: Complete NBA Free Agency primer for all 30 teams

The OKC Thunder are making history with the amount of money they are investing into this team. They hope they can make history on the court this year, as well.