3 OKC Thunder players Sam Presti could move to reduce luxury tax
![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 *** ;](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5b23d1d600827a6543b1584fc026657355664ca1c68c923d33fc583aae8d442f.jpg)
Dakari Johnson
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Dakari Johnson is a throwback center whose game is outdated in the NBA. He’s not overly athletic, an average rounder and lacks a mid-range game. Johnson is an old-school, back to the basket player who struggles to shoot outside 15 feet. While he is only 23-years-old, his game doesn’t translate into the modern NBA.
If you based his play solely on the NBA Summer League than he’d be someone every team would clamor for. In fact, his great play in Vegas warrants trying to move him right now while there are tangible assets to discuss.
While Johnson’s $1.38-million-dollar paycheck is hardly a back breaker, the Thunder can save $9.7-million-dollars by trading him. Coupling the big man with Singler and a second-round pick seems like the most logical way to move him. The Thunder can then sign a rookie to a minimum deal to take his place.