Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder 30 for 30: Examining viability of guard DeAndre’ Bembry

By Lawrence George

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 25: DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks poses during media day at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta on September 25, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 25: DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks poses during media day at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta on September 25, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder target DeAndre' Bembry
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 6: Jodie Meeks #20 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against DeAndre’ Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks on April 6, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Contract

2018-19 – $1.6 million
2019-20 – $2.6 million (Team Option)
2020-21 – $3.7 million (Team Option)

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Bembry is midway through his rookie scale contract, due roughly $1.6 million this season and team options for 2019 and 2020. Presti loves controllable contracts, allowing him to pivot and move players when required. With the Thunder deep in the luxury tax, Bembry’s contract is ideal given the financial situation in the Mid-West.

Acquiring an injury prone guard won’t require salary cap gymnastics. OKC can trade Abdel Nader’s contract or absorb his deal outright using the Trade Exception from the Carmelo Anthony deal. Oklahoma City are likely to trade a contract rather than simply absorbing the deal since it will cost OKC approximately $7 million total with luxury tax penalties. Additionally, the Thunder could throw in a second round pick to sweeten the deal.

Final Thought

All things considered, Bembry is a low risk, high reward prospect should Oklahoma City pursue him. Given his injury history, the Thunder could hustle Atlanta with a comparable contract with a second round pick. Bembry was a first round pick in 2016 thus this trade in a vacuum is a win for OKC should Atlanta be willing to part with him.

Next. Thunder 30 for 30 Part 2: Analyzing fit of Semi Ojeleye. dark

His physical tools and basketball skills fit what the Thunder desire – a long, athletic defender who struggles to shoot free throws. With Oklahoma City building a team on the back of strong defense, Bembry is a nice fit alongside the Thunder’s core.

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