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3 Free agents Thunder could target to replace Mike Muscala

The Thunder are slated to be without Mike Muscala's veteran presence next season, but they could look to add a few seasoned professionals to try and make up for this now vacant attribute.

By Mark Nilon

Apr 14, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Mike Muscala (50) runs down the court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Mike Muscala (50) runs down the court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
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JaVale McGee

It's not every day that a title-hopeful team gets the opportunity to add a player who served as a key contributor on three separate NBA Championship teams, but the Thunder find themselves with the means of doing so via a signing of JaVale McGee.

The highly athletic, defensive-minded big is fresh off his 16 season in the NBA and first as a member of the Sacramento Kings.

Despite seeing an incredibly reduced role (average of only 7.4 minutes a night) with the franchise, McGee still found himself posting solid averages of 4.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and just shy of half a block per game which, when translated into per 100 metrics, converts to an astonishing 26.5 points, 18.1 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks all while registering in with a highly respectable 109 defensive rating.

Not only is this Thunder team now missing a true backup big man who can man the middle and intimidate opposing teams with their size and skills after the departure of Muscala, but, on top of everything, they are heading into 2024-25 with a severely limited number of playoff familiarity, let alone championship experience, as the majority of their core players just recently participated in their first-ever playoff games this past season.

With his size (7-feet, 270 pounds), specific attributes, and title-winning resume, McGee is a player who still should be high up on GM Sam Presti's radar this summer.

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