OKC Thunder won’t use mid-level exception, Markieff Morris follows NBA trend

News on the OKC Thunder focuses on the team not expected to use mid-level exception, Markieff Morris following an NBA trend, and former first-round pick Cam Payne joining Mavs Summer League team

With the NBA Free Agency moratorium one day away, the OKC Thunder salary situation looms as the biggest elephant in the room. In the news features two stories tied to the team and it’s cash strapped situation. Also of note, a former first round draft pick of the Thunder, Cameron Payne will play in Vegas for Dallas as the journeyman seeks to find a fit in the Association.

OKC Thunder won’t use mid-level exception:

First up, Erik Horne of The Oklahoman writes about Nerlens Noel and expectations he’ll opt out of his final contract year. The main point to take away from Horne’s article is the OKC Thunder aren’t expected to utilize their mid-level exception due to salary constraints.

"The Thunder currently doesn’t plan on using its $5.7 million mid-level exception, which would really cost around $24 million when factoring in luxury taxes unless more salary could be moved. But what if the Thunder thinks it can get the production of Adams from a combination of Noel and another center brought in via trade or a minimum contract? That 2-for-1 choice would come at less than the remaining $53.5 million left on Adams’ contract through two seasons."

Notably, Noel could be at the center (no pun intended) of options General Manager, Sam Presti has at his disposal as he navigates how to shuffle his roster with a view to remaining competitive while also trying to get the team out of the luxury tax. Thunderous Intentions will address this question throughout the summer as we dive into options mostly tied to Steven Adams who’ll give Sam Presti the greatest margin of flexibility.

To that end, the decision facing Sam Presti is whether the OKC Thunder can afford to jettison Adams elsewhere and re-sign a player like Noel knowing there will be a price to pay for losing a player of Adams’ ilk but also knowing it may be his only option.

Markieff Morris expected to leave OKC Thunder:

Writer Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman writes of the likelihood Markieff Morris is headed elsewhere this offseason following a league-wide trend. This isn’t a new trend as many buy-out players use their brief stays at new clubs to test the initial chemistry of joining a new club.

"If Morris doesn’t re-sign with Oklahoma City as a free agent this offseason, he’ll be following a league-wide pattern. It has been the norm for players like Morris, those who went to new teams midseason via the buyout market, to either go elsewhere in free agency or hang up their basketball shoes for good."

The reality is those situations don’t necessarily lead to long term relationships. Whether it be a player joining the ranks of what we deem ring hunters (trying to join a club to win a ring) or if it’s just a matter of testing the waters. In some instances, the player may be searching for a quick landing spot just to finish the season and may already have a short list (or specific target) of where they want to play the following season.

More from Thunder News

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• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

In Markieff’s case, the situation could be two-fold. One: he stated in his exit interview he wouldn’t return if his role was the same. Read: he wants consistent minutes and a larger role in the team. Two: with his brother also a free agent the twins who are extremely close may be entering free agency with the hopes of pairing up on the same team again like they did while playing for the Phoenix Suns.

Former OKC Thunder first round pick to play in Summer League for Mavericks:

In other news, Cameron Payne – remember the OKC Thunder player who famously danced his way into Russell Westbrook and fans hearts with their pre-game dance routine? Since the trade that sent Payne to the Chicago Bulls, the point guard has struggled to fit in. Last season he spent time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and this offseason is seeking to find a landing spot on a new team.

For as many great draft picks as OKC Thunder GM, Sam Presti has made Cam Payne stands out as one who failed to meet preconceived expectations. That is unless fancy footwork counts toward success.

That’s wraps up in the news on Saturday, June 29th. Check with TI for our NBA Free Agency primers for all the teams. This summer was earmarked to be the most exciting in recent history given all the top tier free agent talents on the board but injuries have impacted the very top of the totem pole.

Regardless, each and every move will affect other squads. One key is whether the free agent ends up in the West or East which ultimately will have the greatest impact on the OKC Thunder next season.