Oklahoma City Thunder
Paul George will have plenty of suiters starting on July 1, although they can offer him more money than any other team, returning to the Thunder after a lackluster season is far from a sure thing. Russell Westbrooks style of play may not mesh well with the other stars brought in. All of the OK3 experienced dips in both FG% and FT%. Even worse, after anchoring a top three defense for the majority of the season, they collapsed after the injury to Andre Roberson.
If George wanted to be a Laker last offseason, he likely still does, and Magic Johnson will have no issue handing him a max contract. The Thunder will not have the cap space to be able to replace George if he decides to walk. Carmelo Anthony will not be exercising his early termination option and turning down the $27.9 million he will earn next season. Steven Adams has another $24.2 million coming to him. Westbrook will make a whopping $35 million and over $25 million is invested in Roberson, Patrick Patterson, Alex Abrines and Kyle Singler, yes, Kyle Singler.
Oklahoma City also didn’t have a first-round pick this year, although they did end up making three selections toward the end of the second round picking up Devon Hall, Kevin Hervey and taking a chance on the super athletic Hamidou Diallo. The Thunder will need to rely heavily on internal improvements and hope PG13 decides to stay put. This would be a re-tool scenario if they had the cap space, unfortunately, using the MLE is their only chance to re-tool.
Verdict: Rewind