Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder trade rumors: Rodney Purvis will be flipped for Abdel Nader

By Tamberlyn Richardson

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Abdel Nader #28 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 23, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Abdel Nader #28 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 23, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder will flip recent trade asset Rodney Purvis to Celtics for Abdel Nader. A small move, but one with positive tax implications.

The big moves are out of the way for OKC Thunder General Manager Sam Presti. Chief among those was re-signing Paul George and moving Carmelo Anthony without having to eat his contract and stretch it.

Presti also managed to land a talent in Nerlens Noel at an economical salary with the hopes the Thunder’s style will allow Noel to demonstrate why he was once considered the top choice in his draft class.

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Adding to Presti’s prowess was the ability to not just get a team to take on Melo’s massive contract, but to bring back assets in the deal. Dennis Schroder and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot accomplished that feat. Specifically the Thunder who are short of play makers and a true sixth man could recognize that via Schroder.

Yet, the smaller deals Presti is accomplishing are no less important. Of these the ability to send out an asset who doesn’t fit their system was key. That was accomplished via the minor trade of Dakari Johnson to Orlando. For as much as DJ was a product of the Thunder’s development program he wasn’t able to expand his game to becoming a serviceable asset.

In short order Presti has flipped the returning asset from the DJ deal (Rodney Purvis) for Abdel Nader. With a non-guarantee Purvis could’ve been waived without any penalty. But, ever the magician the OKC Thunder GM saw an opportunity to add a player and do so cost effectively.

Specifically, the 24 year old Abdel Nader  was showing promise in the Celtics G-League program growing in virtually all key categories. Unfortunately, Boston are jam packed with youthful talent so retaining the small forward was deemed a no go. This because the Celtics are jam packed primarily on the wings and at small forward.

As per Keith Smith the move will be facilitated via part of the trade exception (TPE) the OKC Thunder obtained via the Dakari Johnson trade.

Moving forward:

It’s uncertain if the OKC Thunder will retain Nader as an end of bench asset or potentially send him to their G-League OKC Blue affiliate. It would seem the intention is to retain Nader however, given OKC could’ve simply waived Purvis with a non-guaranteed contract.

Next: 3 reasons why Dennis Schroder raises OKC roster’s ceiling

Last season Nader split his time with the Celtics varsity squad and G-League Maine Red Claws. In his 48 appearances with the main squad his numbers aren’t earth shattering. But, like many of the Celtics youthful assets he won’t do anything to hurt the Thunder squad.

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