Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder 30 for 30 part 22 – Analyzing Veteran wing CJ Miles

By Lawrence George

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 17: C.J. Miles #0 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the anthems prior to the first half of an NBA game against the New York Knicks at Air Canada Centre on November 17, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 17: C.J. Miles #0 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the anthems prior to the first half of an NBA game against the New York Knicks at Air Canada Centre on November 17, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
CJ Miles, OKC Thunder 30 for 30 series (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Contract and Trade

More from Thunderous Intentions

2018-19 – $8,333,333
2019-20 – $8,730,159 (player option)
2020-21 – UFA

Trade tools
Trade Exception (TE) – $1,378,242 (Dakari Johnson/Rodney Purvis trade)
Trade Exception (TE) – $10,883,189 (Carmelo Anthony trade with ATL)
Tax Payer MLE – $4,498,536 remaining (Hamidou Diallo ($838,464)).
Cap Space – -$47,406,213
Draft Assets – 2020-2022 second-round picks

The following trade relies on two primary factors:

  • Toronto’s desire to reduce its luxury tax bill this season
  • The Raptors need to create more cap space for 2019 free agency

Satisfying both factors is challenging given the contracts on OKC’s books and Miles’ salary for this upcoming season. The Thunder could absorb his deal using the TE but that comes with a massive increase in luxury tax and OKC would be stuck with 16 guaranteed contracts (should they acquire him without other trades taking place). In this case, a third team needs to be involved to avoid the increased tax penalty.

In a head to head trade, Oklahoma City could Alex Abrines and Terrance Ferguson for Miles. This trade satisfies both of Toronto’s needs assuming Miles picks-up his 2019 option (which is likely).

However, the sticking point in this trade is moving Ferguson who is just 20 years-old and has shown flashes of potential. Historically, Presti has been reluctant to trade young, controllable contracts so a transaction hinges on whether the Thunder GM is willing to release him for an ageing veteran.

Final Thoughts

The Thunder are light on small forward depth so adding Miles provides OKC with a reliable back-up to superstar Paul George. The 31 year-old addresses Oklahoma City’s lack of perimeter shooting while also offering veteran leadership and experience its roster. The biggest issue is whether Toronto will bite on what little the Thunder have to offer.

Next. Thunder 30 for 30 part 23 – A Thabo Sefolosha breakdown. dark

Miles would be a tremendous upgrade at the back-up small forward position and allows OKC to deploy a offense heavy line-up. Should he come available, the Thunder must do what they can to get a deal done.

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