The OKC Thunder parted ways with fan favorite swingman Isaiah Joe this Friday, sending him to the Detroit Pistons for a return of two future second-round picks.
Needless to say, the move was heavily influenced by financial incentives, as his departure, along with Aaron Wiggins' migration to Atlanta earlier this week, has now reduced Oklahoma City's luxury tax penalty by $140 million.
Of course, the exchange netted OKC far more than just draft capital and much-needed salary cap flexibility, as they have now been granted their second Traded Player Exception (TPE) in a span of just four days.
Such a luxury is given to teams that send out salary without taking back any in return, which then can be used to take on players within a certain price range via trade without their arrival going against the cap.
By not bringing back any salary in exchange for Joe and Wiggins, the Thunder now have TPEs valued at $11.3 million and $9.2 million, respectively.
Though these exceptions most likely won't be used during the offseason, in the event of unforeseen midseason injuries or any other hardships, they could come in handy at or around the 2027 trade deadline.
Thunder clearly focused on getting under second apron this summer
While the draft capital and TPEs received from the Wiggins and Joe trades are certainly welcome, the overall goal for this Thunder front office is not to add assets but, rather, to part ways with substantial salary.
As things currently stand, Oklahoma City finds itself committed to roughly $390 million in total roster expenses, which is $18.8 million above the second apron threshold.
While the recent I-Joe deal cut $76 million from their impending tax penalty, clearly, the club still has plenty more to go before it can declare the mission accomplished.
Unfortunately, this could lead the Thunder to go against cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's wishes and trade beloved veteran teammate Lu Dort.
His departure alone would bring the thunder within $1 million of ducking under the dreaded second apron, while declining Kenrich Williams' $7.16 million team option would help thrust them over the finish line.
Only time will tell how Sam Presti and company will ultimately go about reducing the team's salary costs, but, at this point, there's no doubt that doing so is the most pressing objective for this front office.
The recent departures of Joe and Wiggins are clear indicators of this.
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