Thunderous Intentions
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NBA free agency: OKC should consider rolling with energetic big man Montrezl Harrell

By Alex Mcewen

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 09: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks to shoot against Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half of the game at Staples Center on April 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 09: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks to shoot against Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half of the game at Staples Center on April 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 10: LA Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell (5) goes to the basket for a slam dunk during the game between the Orlando Magic and the LA Clippers on March 10, 2018, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 10: LA Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell (5) goes to the basket for a slam dunk during the game between the Orlando Magic and the LA Clippers on March 10, 2018, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Salary Impact:

Oklahoma City’s cap situation is currently in flux due to the team parting ways with Carmelo Anthony. This because there are multiple ways the team could shed Anthony. Each option, whether a trade, buyout, waiver and the additional aspect of stretching out the payment will impact the bottom line.

At this point, the best contract for the Thunder to sign would be minimum deals. Since Harrell will be going into his fourth year his minimum salary would be $1.1 million. Therefore signing Harrell to a minimum deal would cost far less than signing say Corey Brewer to a minimum deal.

Other Suitors:

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Most of the free agency dust has settled, however, there is always scuttlebutt about one thing or another. Murmurs regarding Harrell have been few and far between.

This is not uncommon with restricted free agents, just ask Marcus Smart and Capela. Some restricted free agents go into training camp before reaching a deal, at this rate, it would not be surprising to see this happen with multiple restricted free agents this summer.

Conversely, restricted free agents could decide to play for the one-year qualifying offer and re-enter free agency next summer as an unrestricted free agent.

Fit with the OKC Thunder

Last season the OKC Thunder were extremely thin in the frontcourt. With the addition of Nerlens Noel and the retention of Jerami Grant Oklahoma City has fortified this area.

Yet, with the recent news about the Thunder and Melo going their separate ways the Thunder could bring Harrell in to play the role Grant did last season. Paving the way to insert Grant into the starting lineup.

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If OKC chooses to start Grant it will deplete the bench, but if they add Harrell that would form a formidable bench brigade.

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