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 free agency:
OKC Thunder free agency: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets

2021 Free Agents:

  • Bismack Biyombo
  • Nate Darling
  • Devonte’ Graham (restricted)
  • Malik Monk (did not extend qualifying offer – unrestricted now)
  • Grant Riller
  • Brad Wanamaker
  • Cody Zeller

2021 Draft Picks:

  • Guard, James Bouknight (11th)
  • Center, Kai Jones (19th)
  • Forward, JT Thor (37th)
  • Guard, Scottie Lewis (56th)

Mitch Kupchak is proving to be a savvy front office executive given the roster and salary situation he inherited and how quickly he’s shifted the direction of the Hornets.

Once again he earns top marks for his draft choices adding a player most OKC Thunder fans expected to be Sam Presti’s selection at sixth in James Bouknight. I’ll note here Giddey like LaMelo Ball is a lengthy point guard with superior passing ability and vision who I had the Warriors selecting seventh so OKC taking him wasn’t as big of a surprise for me.

Similarly, I had the Hornets picking Kai Jones (with their 11th pick) given their need for frontcourt depth so the fact they got him at 19th (via the trade with the Knicks) was another steal.

Of the Hornets free agents, only two should intrigue the OKC Thunder — Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk. News this weekend is the Hornets didn’t extend a qualifying offer to Monk making him unrestricted and clearly Charlotte is moving on from him.

Although OKC isn’t in need of more guards Monk would offer perimeter scoring (40.1 percent on five attempts per game) and since OKC ranked 29th last season it’s worth a conversation.

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