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.
This seemed inevitable. OKC brought in a number of free agents for a workout and Raymond Felton participated in the five-on-five scrimmage with several of the Thunder's young players (like he was still on the team). OKC seemed to know he was coming back. https://t.co/9AwPgZ5vPX
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 4, 2018
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.
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/4/2018.
Related: Raymond 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.
Raymond Felton & 2Pat on why they wanted to come play in OKC. #Thunder pic.twitter.com/NF5UKeDrsR
— Nikki Kay (@NikkiKaySN1) July 11, 2017
What does this mean moving forward?
The Thunder were purchased for $350 million. Their salary and projected tax is $300 million. https://t.co/bOnbiPzg61
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) July 4, 2018
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.
So with PG and Grant back, the Thunder would be looking at a salary plus repeater tax bill of $289.9 mm, w/out filling out roster. Stretch Melo, and that drops to $180.3 mm. So they could save over $100 mm by stretching a player who hurt them in the playoffs last year.
— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) July 1, 2018
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.
Related: Three 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.