Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder 30 for 30 part 23 – A Thabo Sefolosha breakdown

By Lawrence George

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 4: Thabo Sefolosha #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Maccabi Haifa in preseason action at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 4, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 4: Thabo Sefolosha #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Maccabi Haifa in preseason action at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 4, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder 30 for 30 Series (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Contract and Trade

2018-19 –$5,250,000
2019-20 – 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

A trade for Sefolosha comes with three hurdles:

  • He’s recovering from a torn MCL
  • OKC and Utah are in the same Conference
  • The Thunder and Jazz are Northwest Divisional rivals

While Sefolosha’s salary is easy to match in a vacuum, agreeing to a trade with a conference and divisional rival is difficult. Factor in his recent MCL injury and the Thunder could be reluctant to offer anything substantial.

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A second option sees the Thunder send Alex Abrines whose contract is also similar in value to the Swiss. However, I’d imagine OKC are reluctant to offer the Spaniard given his ability to hit threes at an above average clip. In Quin Snyder‘s system, he could come back to haunt Oklahoma City later in the season.

The third option sees the Thunder send two of Terrance Ferguson, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Abdel Nader. This option seems most unlikely as Presti has elected to acquire young talent in preparation for the future.

Final Thought

Utah opted to retain Sefolosha at the July 1 deadline instead of waiving his salary for the upcoming season. This suggests they view the Swiss as an integral part of their roster despite recovering from a torn MCL. Even at 34 years of age, he is still an exceptional defender and offers the Thunder positional versatility.

With Dre projected to return in December, the Thunder need a solid defender to take his spot while he recovers. Additionally, it would be a ceremonious welcome home for Thabo who spent six good seasons prior to being traded.

Next. Thunder 30 for 30, Part 24: Bogdan Bogdanovic is a perfect fit. dark

Should the Swiss become available, the Thunder should reach out and see if they can bring the veteran home.

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