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OKC Thunder offseason report card – Grading every Sam Presti move

By Lawrence George

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 9: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 9, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bart YoungNBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 9: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 9, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bart YoungNBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder forward Jerami Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 23: Jerami Grant #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder hip-bumps teammate before the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018 Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jerami Grant – Three years, $27 million

Deal Structure:

2018-19 – $8,653,847
2019-20 – $9,346,153
2020-21 – $9,346,153 (Player Option)

Entering July, the biggest question mark was how much Jerami Grant would command on the open market. Luckily, this year’s free agency is heavily affected by the notoriously bad contracts handed out in 2016.

Only a select few teams had cap space to offer Grant a decent offer had he met with opposing teams. But like George, Grant took no meetings and agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal as soon as the clock hit midnight on July 1st.

Grant was outstanding off the bench last year, displaying improved handles, the ability to absorb contact and finish at the rim. The former 76ers forward improved each season since arriving in 2016.

NBA teams are hunting for long, athletic wings who can guard one through four in switch heavy defensive schemes. Grant needs to work on his three point shot to truly maximize his value and take that next step.

For now, OKC can rely on his exceptional athletic ability, strong defensive acumen and savvy ability to get to the hole.

If Grant is able to develop a reliable three-point stroke, his value goes up ten-fold. When he first arrived in Oklahoma City, Grant shot 37.7 percent from distance. If all things work out, the Thunder stand to be the beneficiary of Grant’s continued growth.

Presti re-signing Grant was a no-brainer. Getting him on his contract was an absolute steal.

Grade: A

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