Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

3 OKC Thunder players Sam Presti could move to reduce luxury tax

By Lawrence George

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 18: The Oklahoma City Thunder play the Utah Jazz during the second half of game 2 of the Western Conference playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 18, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** ;
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 18: The Oklahoma City Thunder play the Utah Jazz during the second half of game 2 of the Western Conference playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 18, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** ; /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
OKC Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – FEBRUARY 11: Kyle Singler #15 of the Oklahoma City Thunder greets Shabe during a Make a Wish event on February 11, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. N: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder are heavily in the luxury tax and avidly working to chop down its potential tax bill. Here are some quick fire moves that save OKC millions.

As it stands, the OKC Thunder are on the books for a $160-million-dollar tax bill. While the pockets of millionaires are an after thought for every NBA fan, there is a limit to spending someone else’s money.

The luxury tax is a real thing, paid by real people using real money. While Oklahoma City’s ownership declared its willingness to pay the tax this offseason, it will be done within reason. Its not a free-for-all, contrary to what you may believe.

With that being said, Oklahoma City have a bunch of expiring deals on its books. The Thunder are working with Carmelo Anthony‘s representatives to trade, buy-out or stretch the former All Star.

Melo’s deal is expiring but its by far the most difficult to move. $27.9-million-dollars is a fair chunk of money, particularly in a climate as tight as the NBA is currently. Either way, OKC stand to save over $100-million-dollars if Anthony’s full amount is stretched over three seasons.

However, OKC can save even more money by moving players outside the rotation. For argument sake, lets assume Anthony’s contract is still on the books. By moving the following contracts, OKC stand to save millions.

*NOTE: The following contracts are not compounded on one another. Savings were calculated on the basis of their individual deals being moved.

Home/Thunder News