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 *** ; /
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Alex Abrines
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 27: Alex Abrines #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on prior to Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Alex Abrines

Alex Abrines provides Oklahoma City with the biggest conundrum. He is one of OKC’s best perimeter shooters (career 38 percent) and shows flashes of being a decent defender. In last year’s playoffs, the Spaniard played outstanding defense on rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell. At his very best, Abrines offers whiffs of two-way play. However, its hard to get excited when there’s three years of poor defensive play.

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Set to make approximately $4.5-million-dollars this season, Abrines’ expiring contract and ability to shoot the long ball will garner serious interest on the market. After losing snipers Marco Bellinelli and Ersan Ilyasova to free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers are hunting for perimeter shooting to compliment the play-making of rising star Ben $Simmons.

Another team who is likely to be interested is the Los Angeles Lakers. After acquiring LeBron James, the Lakers have assembled a team built for the 1998 NBA season. With no shooting in sight, LA stands to be one of the worst perimeter shooting teams in the league.

Quantifying what OKC can get is difficult. With teams infatuated by perimeter play, Presti could potentially extract a future first for him. In the event OKC receive no returning salary, the Thunder could save around $34-million-dollars.

Final Word

Of the three players mentioned above, only Singler and Johnson are likely to be moved. Abrines played his way back into the rotation last season after falling out for a stretch of games. He made a key three in Oklahoma City’s 25-point Game 5 comeback last season against the Utah Jazz and figures to be a better player this coming year.

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Singler and Johnson are an after thought. Both aren’t close to entering the rotation and provide no real depth. Moving their contracts and signing two rookies to minimum deals is the smartest choice.

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