NBA: Predicting Where The Remaining Restricted Free Agents Will Land
Dion Waiters, Oklahoma City Thunder
Position: SG
Age: 24
2015-16 Stats: 27.6 minutes, 9.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.2 blocks
The former fourth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft may have fallen from his lofty draft status but he has proven to be a valued contributor for a contending team in his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In arguably the Thunder’s most important game of the playoffs, with OKC down 2-1 in the Conference Semi Finals facing a 67-win Spurs team, Waiters showed up in a big way, hitting 2 threes and shooting 64 percent from the floor en route to 17 points off the bench in a Thunder win.
Considering his age and ability to produce instant offense off the bench, Waiters will command big money in restricted free agency, something that the Thunder might not be able to offer.
With Andre Roberson and now Victor Oladipo, the Thunder no longer have a strong need for a shooting guard and the right, large offer might put the Thunder in a position where they don’t match the offer sheet.
Philadelphia has been rumored to have a mutual interest in Waiters for a while and if they come calling with a big cheque, you better believe Waiters won’t hesitate heading back home.
Prediction: Waiters signs with the 76ers for four years and $56 million
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