Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder: One free agent target from every Eastern Conference team

By Tamberlyn Richardson

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 30: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks against the New York Knicks in the first half during game four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at State Farm Arena on May 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 30: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks against the New York Knicks in the first half during game four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at State Farm Arena on May 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder free agency: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles during the first half. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Now that the 2021 NBA Draft is complete the OKC Thunder turn their attention to free agency with the moratorium set to begin at 6:00 p.m. EST this evening. The franchise is focused on rebuilding to create a future title team through the draft.

That means in the 2021-22 season OKC will prioritize tanking again hoping for better fortune in the NBA Draft lottery. Given that mandate, the Thunder aren’t expected to be among the most active franchises in free agency but that doesn’t mean OKC won’t be players.

Rather, Sam Presti will be invested in adding assets that’ll complement the core and fit the timeline. Furthermore, the OKC Thunder are one of eight teams with ample cap space.

One free agent the OKC Thunder can target from every Eastern Conference team

That’s relevant because it puts the Thunder in a position to make the best offers. It also would allow Presti an opportunity to play havoc with the opposition. Sean Marks is the perfect example of a ‘spoiler’ (prior to the Big 3 of last season).

Marks made a habit of extending offers to free agents with unique contract caveats. It forced opposing teams to spend extra to retain their free agents while also establishing the fact Brooklyn was willing to go above and beyond to bring in players they desired.

With these parameters in mind, Intentions dives into every team with the view of isolating on one free agent. Notably, in some situations, it wouldn’t behoove Sam Presti to target anyone but for this exercise, we picked one from every team.

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