Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder 30 for 30, Part 10- Examining big man Noah Vonleh

By Lawrence George

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 29: Noah Vonleh #30 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 29: Noah Vonleh #30 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Noah Vonleh, Chicago Bulls handles for OKC Thunder trade article (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Contract and Trade

2018-19 – $1,621,415 (partially guaranteed)
2019-20 – UFA

Vonleh’s contract is non-guaranteed and as I mentioned earlier, enters training camp competing for a forward spot on New Yorks roster. Should his contract become guaranteed, his camp hit is small and Oklahoma City could acquire him via trade or use of a Trade Exception (TE).

More from Thunderous Intentions

If Vonleh is waived prior to the season, the OKC Thunder could acquire him off waivers and add him to the squad. Given the Knicks shortage of small forwards, the Thunder could easily move Abdel Nader or Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot to make salaries work.

Final Thought

While Vonleh doesn’t solve the Thunder’s perimeter shooting problems, its not often a 22 year-old former top 10 pick becomes available for virtually nothing.

His huge motor, willingness to do the dirty work and hustle for loose balls are three tremendous qualities OKC lacked last season.

While having one of the most talented squads in the NBA, the Thunder were guilty of complacency and were outworked. Additionally, Vonleh’s defensive rebounding would be a huge plus on a team that struggled to clean its defensive glass last season.

Next. 30 for 30, Part 11 – Analyzing Malcolm ‘the President’ Brogdon. dark

If he does become available, it would be smart for Oklahoma City to take a flier on him. With depth at power forward thin at best, Vonleh’s addition is a win-win.

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