OKC Thunder 30 for 30 Part 8: Adding historical sniper Kyle Korver
Contract
2018-19 – $7,560,000
2019-20 – $7,500,000 ($3,440,000 – partially guaranteed)
2020-21 – UFA
Korver is guaranteed roughly $11 million over the next two seasons, a fair amount considering his age, However with shooting a hot commodity in today’s game, it’s a decent price for a good shooter let alone a historic one.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Trading for Korver is a difficult proposition should OKC try to interest Cleveland in a direct transaction. The Thunder don’t have the assets to tempt the Cavs unless they are willing to take someone like Terrance Ferguson (21st pick in 2017 draft) and Kyle Singler just to make the salaries work. As it stands, Cleveland are seeking a first-round pick for Korver’s services.
Trade in the works?
Recently, there has been transaction on a proposed trade involving the Miami Heat and Cleveland, centered around Hassan Whiteside and Tristan Thompson. The supposed trade would see Whiteside don the wine and gold while the Cavs would send Thompson and Korver to Miami.
Should this trade go through, Oklahoma City could have a chance to acquire Korver since Miami have no use for his skill set and are looking to get under the salary cap. However, there would be extensive interest in Korver’s services should he become available.
Final Thought
Despite being 37-years old, Korver is a proven commodity and Oklahoma City need knock down shooting. Abrines is a poor mans Korver and has really struggled to solidify himself in OKC’s rotation. While he showed improvement in the finals series against the Utah Jazz last season, his lack of consistency has caused his place in the rotation to be sporadic. Using Korver in his place seems like a considerable upgrade.
Next. 30 for 30, Part 9 – A Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Breakdown. dark
If Oklahoma City can acquire Korver he would be dynamite alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George. As it stands though, the price tag Cleveland has placed on him is a little rich.