Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder ink Hamidou Diallo to 3 year term

By Tamberlyn Richardson

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Hamidou Diallo #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 13, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Hamidou Diallo #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 13, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder reach 15 guaranteed roster spots with the signing of rookie Hamidou Diallo to a three year term

OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti continues to work his magic on the roster shoring up contracts. While the big issues of re-signing Paul George and ridding the team of Carmelo Anthony’s gigantic salary have been addressed there remains other roster business to address.

Specifically, Presti must contend with the gaps on the team and make decisions on who fills specific roles. This includes making decisions on the three draft prospects who arrived in OKC this summer.

After an impressive campaign at the 2018 NBA Summer League in Vegas the one rookie who impressed was Hamidou Diallo. In Vegas Diallo averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds in 19.2 minutes along with a couple of earth shattering dunks. For his efforts and based on what the team undoubtedly believes is a high ceiling the Kentucky Wildcat will be inked to a three year deal.

light. Related Story. NBA Summer League: Thunder Fab Five -ranking top 5 Vegas performers

Diallo was the prospect the OKC Thunder made a trade for at the end of draft night and was argubably the top prospect the team landed.  Brooklyn drafted Diallo in the 45h spot which was considered a bit late, but injury issues saw Diallo fall down the ladder.

Based on early reports Diallo was inked to an economical three year $4 million dollar term. This is vital for a squad still trying to drive down their overall salary and lessen their luxury tax. And, while his signing brings the OKC Thunder to their full complement of 15 roster players by no means does it indicate Presti is finished.

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An ongoing theme on TI is the desire for Sam Presti to either waive and stretch Kyle Singler or find a trade partner. Surely, if Presto Presti can pull off some the amazing feats which saw Paul George arrive and Carmelo Anthony exit he can also find a willing partner to absorb Singler’s remaining season.

Should the OKC Thunder stretch Singler’s contract they could do so over three seasons. Singler’s final season is contracted for $4.9 million meaning if OKC waive him they would absorb approximately $1.6 million through the 2020-21 season.

Unfortunately prospects to facilitate a Singler trade are few and far between given only two teams are currently under the cap (Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns), but this doesn’t mean a deal can’t get done.

A key date to remember is August 31st as this is the deadline for when the Thunder could waive and stretch Singler’s contract.

As noted previously, a team has the entirety of a season to address salary since it’s the final day of the season when calculations are etched in stone.

The tax exemption Presti obtained in the Anthony trade also rests on the books. While the team has a year to utilize this TPE it would seem logical to not waste over $10 million to upgrade the roster.

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