Thunderous Intentions
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NBA Free Agency: Corey Brewer leads the race to return to OKC Thunder

By Gideon Lim

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 1: Russell Westbrook #0 and Corey Brewer #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shake hands before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 1, 2018 at Smoothie King Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 1: Russell Westbrook #0 and Corey Brewer #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shake hands before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 1, 2018 at Smoothie King Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NBA Free Agency
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MARCH 15: Oklahoma City Thunder player Russell Westbrook and general manager Sam Presti volunteer with Thunder players, coaches and staff on March 15, 2018 at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Finding the last jewel on the crown

Before the madness of NBA free agency even kicked in, Sam Presti got off to a fast start by going from one to three second-round picks. With that, the Thunder get a first shot at cheap rookies while still getting to wait out for the market. The rookie Devon Hall, for one, will likely fill out the third point guard slot once free agency is settled.

Now, the glorious part of free agency is done and dusted. Billy Donovan knows he has a solid core of Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams to work with. PG13 admitted that he was returning to OKC not because it was the best team in the league, but because he liked enough of what he saw. And Presti’s offseason moves so far seem to be a vote of confidence toward the team’s broad tactical skeleton.

MUST READ: Three low-key free agents for OKC to target

At the same time, this last bit of free agency may be nitty, but it certainly is gritty. First, Presti needs to decide if he wants to jettison anyone from the current roster. Kyle Singler and obviously Carmelo Anthony, are prime candidates for a buyout.

And the Thunder are not as bereft of trade potential as some fans might think. Alex Abrines is essentially on an expiring $5 million contract and could intrigue teams willing to give up a second-round pick for extra shooting. Depending on how these first set of decisions turn out, Presti will then turn his attention to his remaining pair of free agents.

Assessing the situation

Take a look at the Thunder’s depth and salary chart for some context.

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Image and video hosting by TinyPic /

The luxury tax bill is unsightly, especially when considering Paul George’s likely extension in 2020. Even if Presti gets Melo off the books, he will still be looking to add at least one of his two remaining second-round wing picks to the roster.

That leaves Presti with a fundamental question – if he has only one minimum contract to offer, which of his two remaining free agents is ahead of the queue?

With that, let’s dive into the game film and let it lay out each player’s merits.

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