OKC Thunder In the News: Alex Abrines earns Emmy Nod, PG touches on Supermax, Free Agency Shakeup

Former OKC Thunder guard Alex Abrines received a Heartland Emmy nomination. PG discussed the supermax enticing players, and the NBA has tweaked free agency.

Alex Abrines was released by the OKC Thunder on February 9, 2019, due to undisclosed circumstances. As of today, Abrines’ dismissal remains a mystery to the public, but the Spaniard guard recently resurfaced in the news for a positive reason.

The NBA made a major tweak to the beginning of free agency, which could have lasting implications for years to come. And, last but not the least Paul George touched on the much-discussed supermax contract.

Paul George Touches on the Super Max

Much was made about the fact Warriors guard Klay Thompson was left off the All-NBA teams. Because of the caveat, Thompson will not be eligible for the leagues supermax contract. Recently, PG discussed the leagues most valuable contract with ESPN’s Tim’s Bontemps, below is George’s quote:

"“I mean, when you’ve got guys that know their talent, know their skill set, and know what they’re capable of from a money standpoint, you can’t really entice somebody with a bag. You know what I mean?”"

George makes a compelling point; later on, he tells Bontemps each player has their own agenda. Which is striking, the bottom line to the whole conversation is this; some players value the money, while other’s are seeking the best possible situation to win. Regardless, of what any athlete chooses, it would be unwise, to speculate on a players upcoming decision, based off a different players choice in the past.

Alex Abrines Continues Making Headlines

The situation surrounding Abrines is quite peculiar. Typically when a player is cut/bought out they receive the majority of their paycheck, Abrines sacrificed a large sum of his remaining salary. Now the former OKC Thunder guard has earned a Heartland Emmy nomination for a 22 minute documentary on the Spaniard shooting guard, which was produced by the Thunder.

The short film was released back in October of 2018, and it’s available to view on the team’s official website. The Thunder has also produced short films on Nick Collison and Steven Adams, next month they will unveil their latest original creation titled: Growing Up George, which is appropriately named because it focuses on Paul George. The short will debut at next months Deadcenter Film Festival.

Moving up the Moratorium

It’s no secret, in years past, teams have talked to players before the opening of free agency on midnight July 1. Therefore; in theory, moving up the moratorium will prevent under the table deals and late night signings. However, moving the moratorium only encourages contract talks and deals to even begin sooner. Details on the announcement are in our T.I. article here.

Until the NBA decides to more strictly enforce tampering regulations, there is no benefit for teams to follow league rules regarding the moratorium.

That’s it for today’s edition of Thunder in the news, check back with Thunderous Intentions as the off-season continues to heat up; because we will bring you any and all news related to the OKC Thunder.