OKC Thunder prepare for training camp with a 17 man roster after releasing Markel Brown

OKC Thunder training camp begins on Wednesday, October 1 with 17 potential participants and another three openings that could be filled in the coming days.

Following a dramatic offseason for the OKC Thunder, next week the team inches closer to season start with media day on Monday, September 30 and training camp starting Wednesday, October 1.

Presently, a total of 16 players are contracted to participate in the team’s training camp. This number was shaved by one after the recently signed Markel Brown was cut. In late August the team announced they intended to add Eric Moreland to camp via an Exhibit 10 contract, however, since news broke on this intention nothing more was mentioned. If Moreland is still in the mix that leaves three potential openings. Every NBA team can bring 20 players to training camp so in the coming days the team may fill those roster spots.

Many teams elect to fill all 20 positions for a couple of reasons. First, it affords the coaching staff with a full complement of players who can function to push other players. Second, it offers a chance to view players who the franchise could add to the G-League team, in this case, the OKC Blue.

One surprise was the recently signed Markel Brown was cut on Friday, just three days after OKC signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract. Given General Manager, Sam Presti spoke so highly about the guard in his preseason media session this move was a little surprising.

Here’s how the roster looks by position and their associated salaries for this season entering camp:

Guaranteed contracts:

Point Guards:

Chris Paul – $38,506,482 this season with two additional years remaining on his contract, (2020-21 – $41,358,814 and $44,211,146 in 2021-22).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – $3,952,920 this season and team options the following two seasons ($4,141,320 in 2020-21 and $5,495,532 in 2021-22).
Dennis Schroder – $15,500,000 this season and contracted through 2020-21 ($15,500,000).

Shooting Guards:

Andre Roberson (potential to play small forward as well) – in his final contract year ($10,740,741).
Terrance Ferguson – $2,475,840 this season and team option in 2020-21 ($3,944,013).
Hamidou Diallo – $1,416,852 this season and team option in 2020-21 ($1,663,861).

Small Forwards:

Darius Bazley – as a rookie is contracted for four seasons with the final two being team options: 2019-20 ($2,284,800), 2020-21 ($2,399,160), 2021-22 ($2,513,040) and 2022-23 ($4,264,629).
Abdel Nader – $1,618,520 this season with team option for 2020-21 ($1,752,950).
Deonte Burton (also could play some shooting guard or power forward in a small ball line-up) – in his final contract year ($1,416,852).

Power Forwards:

Danilo Gallinari (could also play at small forward) – in last year of his contract ($22,615,559).
Mike Muscala (may also check in at small forward) – $2,028,594 this season and a player option in 2020-21 ($2,283,034).

Centers:

Steven Adams – $25,842,697 this season and contracted through 2020-21 ($27,528,090).
Nerlens Noel (also available to play power forward) – re-signed for one season ($2,028,594)

Non/partial guaranteed:

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Center, Justin Patton – this season’s contract is inked for $1,620,564 but only $700,000 is guaranteed. Patton’s full deal is for three years though none are guaranteed. If his full salary is paid it will equate to 2020-21 ($1,762,796) and 2021-22 ($1,910,860).

Two-Way Contracts:

Shooting Guard, Luguentz Dort – no details on his contract are listed though it’s likely similar to Devon Hall’s listed contract.
Shooting Guard, Devon Hall – Qualifying offer of $1,544,548 extended for this season.

Exhibit 10 Deals:

Power forward/Center – Eric Moreland: News of his signing occurred late August, however, he’s not listed on the roster but Spotrac does list him being contracted this season for $1,620,564.

Although only 16 players are confirmed on the roster and expected to be participating at the OKC Thunder training camp if Moreland is included that brings the total to 17 with three potential positions still open.

Media day will offer insights from the players and Head Coach Billy Donovan and training camp will begin on Wednesday, October 1st. Stick with Thunderous Intentions as the writing team keeps you up to date on these events and all things OKC Thunder.