In the news: OKC Thunder salary dilemma, George getting in work, and draft prospects

In the news for June 6th features a look at the OKC Thunder roster and salary dilemma, Paul George getting in workouts and more draft prospect previews.

We’ve reached an exciting phase on the NBA calendar with only four potential finals games remaining, the NBA Draft 15 days away and free agency less than a month from now. With these latter dates approaching Thunderous Intentions is picking up steam on our OKC Thunder draft prospect series so the profiles will come fast and furious over these next two weeks.

With that let’s look at some hot articles in the news.

OKC Thunder salary and roster questions:

Shams Charania inadvertently opened a can of worms with his recent article updating on the status of several teams this offseason. Although the emphasis of Charania’s article was about Anthony Davis a simple note about the Thunder sparked our interest. Specifically, Charania relayed news Sam Presti was looking to deal the Thunder pick and cut costs.

Although this might be a typical process for all GMs just to gauge all options and may not hold water it does point to the elephant in the room. That being the salary situation of the Thunder, existing contracts and who is or isn’t tradeable. I broke down the three salary groups with a view to these questions and offered some perspective on options, limiting as they may be. You can view that article in its entirety by clicking the box below.

Paul George already on the court:

With the Thunder fully engaged in the offseason, OKC assets are at work improving their games. The one player no one expected to already be in the gym is Paul George. Having surgery is one thing but George’s was significant (torn rotator cuff). The recovery time (as per our previous offering) is typically four to six months . George will also need to address his left shoulder which sustained a small labrum tear as some point this summer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByLtTwLJTQC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Still, just short of a month after the surgery to repair the torn rotator cuff it was surprising albeit extremely encouraging to learn George is already back in the gym. And he wasn’t alone. As per Karl-Anthony Towns Instagram post, George joined the Wolves star along with jazz players Donovan Mitchell and Royce O’Neale.

Cody Taylor of Thunder Wire, article cites this meeting of the four NBA players at the Proactive Sports Performance facility.

Taylor’s article also details this wasn’t the first time George hit the gym as per the above video which was also at the same facility.

Notably, George has a solid partnership with Proactive Sports working with this group during his offseason conditioning. The video below showcases the superstar working out two summers ago just prior to beginning his stint with the Thunder.

More Prospects:

The TI writing team is actively producing our draft prospect profiles to get you prepared for the draft. Each one offers insights to the players in the 2019 NBA Draft class likely to hear their name called on June 20.  Some of our recent additions to the series are:

Cam Reddish

 Jarrett Culver

Keldon Johnson

Although TI is looking at all the prospects it bears noting the 21st pick limits who Sam Presti can select especially in a class considered top heavy and thin on talent. Still, our writers approach each preview with the view of how the prospect would fit with OKC or in the case of the very top prospects where their landing might affect the Thunder.

That’s it for today. Have a wonderful Wednesday!