From Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) on Twitter:


Oklahoma City has increased its efforts this afternoon to shed salary along with the No. 21 pick en route to dodging luxury tax, league sources say. Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, Dennis Schroeder all very available at the moment.

A lot of folks around here will be awfully upset if Steven goes. . .

From Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) on Twitter:



A lot of folks around here will be awfully upset if Steven goes. . .

I'd be upset because I like Adams, but I'd also understand it because I'm not sure his contract is appropriate anymore. He's due $25 million. Is his level of play for our team worth that much? Maybe. He seems to get better every year. But in our tax siutation, I wouldn't be surprised or overly upset if Presti moves his contract to save money and brings in shooting help or tries to set us up for something better next year.

He got exposed in the playoffs by Enes Kanter and didn't have a great second half of the season either. If you follow this team then it should not be a surprise that these players are on the trade block.

Get Michael Jordan to coach the team.

He might have a better chance at a ring with another team. Worked for Sege Ibaka.

We did a draft tonight. Taken from the NBA thread:


There was a good NY Times article on Bazley in 2018 when he became the New Balance “intern”. Not sure link will work but hopefully,..

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/22/sports/darius-bazley-g-league-new-balance.html




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjReCtR05S8

Super random pick (classic Presti). He seems like maybe a better Ferguson. Will be cool to see how he does with the Blue. This guy did not play college.

We are in PG's prime and Russell is beginning to exit his, we have the most expensive team in the league. We are clearly in win-now situation for the next few seasons, would not be surprised if Presti isn't finished.

My thoughts on presti. Time to go

My thoughts on presti. Time to go

Exactly. It's time to fire Presti and Donovan, trade RW and Adams for some actual shooters (Beal, Booker, Reddick, etc.) let DS run the point, and either improve the Love's patch or replace it with something better. You'll note that the play on the floor became markedly worse when the Love's patch was sewn onto the jerseys. That is no small coincidence. It's a terrible patch, and it Shook the players' confidence.

Exactly. It's time to fire Presti and Donovan, trade RW and Adams for some actual shooters (Beal, Booker, Reddick, etc.) let DS run the point, and either improve the Love's patch or replace it with something better. You'll note that the play on the floor became markedly worse when the Love's patch was sewn onto the jerseys. That is no small coincidence. It's a terrible patch, and it Shook the players' confidence.

Hopefully they tone down the patch. Nothing says Oklahoma like a giant truck stop sign on their jerseys. Maybe use a neutral colored "Loves" or something that blends better with the jerseys.

Hopefully they tone down the patch. Nothing says Oklahoma like a giant truck stop sign on their jerseys. Maybe use a neutral colored "Loves" or something that blends better with the jerseys.

LOVE'S paid big $ for that patch. I'm sure they are the deciders on the color palette.

We did a draft tonight. Taken from the NBA thread:

A intern for a shoe company that has not played in over a year. Could the THUNDER have picked a more underwelming guy than this? No college, no G league, nuthin'.

https://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/813/756/hi-res-7d915212900820fbd7b0a28d8d9e5a56_crop_north.jpg?h= 533&w=800&q=70&crop_x=center&crop_y=top

Arizona State guard Luguentz Dort, one of the most exciting athletes in the 2019 NBA draft class, signed as a free agent with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

The undrafted Dort signed a full two-way contract with OKC.--Adam Wells, June 21, 2019--Twitter

He looks identical to someone who played for the Thunder on an earlier roster; just can recall off the top of my head.

Exactly. It's time to fire Presti and Donovan, trade RW and Adams for some actual shooters (Beal, Booker, Reddick, etc.) let DS run the point, and either improve the Love's patch or replace it with something better. You'll note that the play on the floor became markedly worse when the Love's patch was sewn onto the jerseys. That is no small coincidence. It's a terrible patch, and it Shook the players' confidence.

This is pretty good satire. Lol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FduxRFIQ6A

https://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/813/756/hi-res-7d915212900820fbd7b0a28d8d9e5a56_crop_north.jpg?h= 533&w=800&q=70&crop_x=center&crop_y=top

Arizona State guard Luguentz Dort, one of the most exciting athletes in the 2019 NBA draft class, signed as a free agent with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

The undrafted Dort signed a full two-way contract with OKC.--Adam Wells, June 21, 2019--Twitter

He looks identical to someone who played for the Thunder on an earlier roster; just can recall off the top of my head.

Sort of looks like DeAndre Liggins, imo

But Emmanual Mudiay is even closer.

New Uniform Leaks for Oklahoma City Thunder...

http://news.sportslogos.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/okc-thunder-logo.jpg

http://news.sportslogos.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/new-oklahoma-city-thunder-uniform-leak-2020-768x924.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dv1wZ2xVsAAf7Dk.jpg:large
Statement concept jerseys 2018-19

Just make the navy blue and orange versions of these jerseys the primary ones already.

Just make the navy blue and orange versions of these jerseys the primary ones already.
I agree completely.

A intern for a shoe company that has not played in over a year. Could the THUNDER have picked a more underwelming guy than this? No college, no G league, nuthin'.

New Balance paid Bazley a million bucks for 3 months, as i'm pretty sure he will wear their shoe. He was a McDonalds first team All-American but chose a different route.

Just make the navy blue and orange versions of these jerseys the primary ones already.

The color scheme is fantastic but man I hate the offset "OKC" lettering.

I didn't realize the Thunder are replacing their best jerseys -- the navy blue version -- with this orange version. That's a disappointment. I initially thought they were keeping both. I really wish they'd just keep both. It's time to ditch the bland original blue and white jerseys. It's been 11 years long enough.

I just saw on Twitter dot com that Nerlens Noel is not picking up his player option and will become a free agent.

^Which is what was expected. They can still re-sign him but will be tough. He was on a bargain contract.

I think the main purpose of Noel signing with OKC was to increase his value for a higher paying contract. Looks like it worked.

Sorta stinks for OKC, but they have a pretty good ability to take "lockeroom problem" type players and get them rehabbed for higher contracts down the road. Dion Waiters, Enes Kanter, Nerlens Noel, etc.

Sorta stinks for OKC, but they have a pretty good ability to take "lockeroom problem" type players and get them rehabbed for higher contracts down the road. Dion Waiters, Enes Kanter, Nerlens Noel, etc.

Robert Swift, Mitch McGary, Deandre Liggins... oh, wait.

To be fair about McGary, the Thunder drafted him, as well as Swift with the Sonics. I'm thinking more of acquiring people on the cheap to eventually have them get larger deals.

The Liggins thing is a good point though. He, uh, didn't exactly rehab his image/play. And Markieff Morris seemed more "meh" than anything, so it's not exactly a 100% success rate.

I was just kidding and pointing out some problematic guys, but with the exception of Reggie Jackson during his last season, I don't remember the Thunder having any guys that constituted a locker room problem.

I was just kidding and pointing out some problematic guys, but with the exception of Reggie Jackson during his last season, I don't remember the Thunder having any guys that constituted a locker room problem.

Yeah, I gotcha! And yeah, I think Jackson is the only player the Thunder have had where he was obviously disgruntled.

Also, I know Melo isn't exactly beloved here, but everything I've read/heard about him says he was really well-liked in the locker room and only voiced his frustrations with playing time AFTER the season during exit interviews. He never badmouthed the organization/fans/city, even opting to waive his no-trade clause to come here and was willing to be traded to Atlanta to get us Schroder.

OKC has been fortunate to not have any super ugly locker room issues in its short history.

NBA Rumors: Thunder Could Acquire Kevin Love For Steven Adams, Terrance Ferguson, And Hamidou Diallo: https://www.prosportsdaily.com/articles/nba-rumors-thunder-could-acquire-kevin-love-for-steven-adams-terrance-ferguson-and-hamidou-diallo-575237.html

I've never understood any negativity towards Melo. By all accounts, he was a great locker room guy whom the front office, coaches, and fans all wanted. It always felt dirty to see everyone turn on him personally (e.g., he's selfish) as his game deteriorated. Anyway, I think a lot of Thunder fans do like Melo too though.

Antonio Daniels is leaving FSOK to be the new color guy for the Pelicans.

NBA Player Salaries - 2019-2020


Steven Adams, Oklahoma City $24,157,303
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers $24,119,025

Source: http://www.espn.com/nba/salaries

An even trade for Kevin Love would be nice; Love IMO is a walking injury report.

NBA Rumors: Thunder Could Acquire Kevin Love For Steven Adams, Terrance Ferguson, And Hamidou Diallo: https://www.prosportsdaily.com/articles/nba-rumors-thunder-could-acquire-kevin-love-for-steven-adams-terrance-ferguson-and-hamidou-diallo-575237.html

If you don't hear it from Woj take it with some scepticism

If you don't hear it from Woj take it with some scepticism

You bet.

Adams IMO we are paying to much for his services. Nerlens Noel is going to test the free market. Small ball may be our best option; Donovan IMO is ill prepared to make that transition.

Presti's buns will get toasted on the hot seat; if the Thunder doesn't show any2019-20 improvement.

Love IMO is a walking injury report.

My first thought as well.

The color scheme is fantastic but man I hate the offset "OKC" lettering.

It is meant to represent the seismic shifts we occasionally experience.

If you don't hear it from Woj take it with some scepticism

Totally. This trade also doesn't pass the smell test. There's no question OKC is trying to shave money off it's tax bill and this would add to it. Love is making $29, 31, 31, 29 million the next four years.

Antonio Daniels is leaving FSOK to be the new color guy for the Pelicans.

That really hurts, I had really became a fan of his. I knew his days were numbered here in OKC, he was way too talented. but I thought one of the national networks would steal him away not a lateral move to NO.

That really hurts, I had really became a fan of his. I knew his days were numbered here in OKC, he was way too talented. but I thought one of the national networks would steal him away not a lateral move to NO.

Think he is gonna take a position similar to our Michael Cage so it's a step up. I really don't think the Thunder Brass would want someone with an opinion like his doing color on Thunder games. He's a straight shooter unlike Cage the YES MAN. I really wish AD was the Thunder color man.

That really hurts, I had really became a fan of his. I knew his days were numbered here in OKC, he was way too talented. but I thought one of the national networks would steal him away not a lateral move to NO.

not sure i would call it a lateral move. NO is actually going to be fun to watch next year.

Sports radio indicated he wants to get into coaching and that avenue was closed here.

Sports radio indicated he wants to get into coaching and that avenue was closed here.
Al said he was totally speculating about that. He said he had no facts...just Al’s logic...and we know how that goes. 😂

Nerlens Noel is coming back to OKC, reports Woj.

KD, Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan to the Brooklyn Nets. Per ESPN.

Hova!

KD, Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan to the Brooklyn Nets. Per ESPN.

Hova!

Huge if true for OKC.

2019 Free Agency Diary
Report: Mike Muscala, Thunder Agree to Deal: http://www.basketballinsiders.com/report-mike-muscala-thunder-agree-to-deal/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4q9gZVUd-w

Could Steven Adams' days be numbered?

Muscala turns 28 tomorrow.

Noel is now NOT coming back OKC. I wonder what happened. Larger offer?

Noel is now NOT coming back OKC. I wonder what happened. Larger offer?

I don’t think anyone has reported Noel is NOT coming back to OKC yet, but just that reported deal is being “re-evaluated.” Coming back to OKC will be a failure for Noel financially. He is definitely looking for a bigger offer than OKC can make, but we’ll see if he gets it.

He's obviously having second thoughts Dan.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nxKJ8SXPKGZS8Z1SYstIepy69tM=/0x0:2641x3418/1220x813/filters:focal(811x750:1233x1172):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64652252/usa_today_12545012.0.jpg

Nerlens Noel backing out of deal with Thunder? https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/7/1/20656354/nerlens-noel-nba-trade-rumors-thunder-celtics-lakers-free-agency-2019

Players want to be able to negotiate to the maximum what they can get. He (Nerlens Noel) appears to still be undecided or some team has approached him recently wanting to talk.

Kanter only got 2 year $10 million from Boston. So not sure Noel is going to get a big contract.

Kanter only got 2 year $10 million from Boston. So not sure Noel is going to get a big contract.

Noel is so much better as a defensive player

Free agent center/forward Richaun Holmes has agreed to a two-year, $10M deal with the Sacramento Kings, league sources tell Another Back up 10 million 2 year. Can't see Noel getting much more. Rumor was 2 years 13 million to stay in OKC. Not sure he is getting a better offer.

Royce Young @royceyoung

The Thunder are signing guard Alec Burks, according to a league source. A 6-foot-6 ball-handling guard with a career 35.5 percentage from 3 that will help boost their second unit rotation.

Free agent Nerlens Noel has asked OKC for time to re-evaluate their earlier commitment on a new deal, and sides are continuing discussions, league sources tell ESPN.

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn

Nerlens Noel is agreed on a deal with OKC -- again, league source tells ESPN.

.

https://www.sacbee.com/latest-news/31xfrd/picture226075540/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1140/SAC_PK_KINGSSUNS_1132.JPG
Sacramento Kings guard Alec Burks (13) slaps hands with head coach Dave Joerger at Golden 1 Center on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019 in Sacramento. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com


The Thunder have agreed to a deal with free agent guard Alec Burks, a league source tells ESPN. Burks, 27, is a slashing, ball-handling guard with a career 35.5 percentage from 3 that will bolster OKC's second unit. Burks spent his first seven seasons with the Jazz, but was traded last season to the Cavs and then to the Kings. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 64 games between the three teams last season.--Royce Young, ESPN



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKmXAiDUMfI
Alec Burks Full Game Highlight VS Oklahoma City Thunders (8 Points, 3 Rebounds)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5aLSpQsRZ4
Alec Burks 2019 Highlights || Welcome to the Thunder!
HT/WT 6' 6", 214 lbs

Thunder bringing aboard more 3 point shooters.

https://i.redd.it/qc4dc05f7w731.png
July 2, 2008

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2019 Free Agency: Multiple Teams Interested In Jamal Crawford
https://fadeawayworld.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/JamalCrawford.jpg?x97769

At age 39, Jamal Crawford still has some basketball left in him. While he is obviously a shell of his former self, he proved to be a valuable asset for the Suns last year as both a scorer and a veteran locker room presence.

Nobody really knows what is next for Jamal, but there are a number of teams who would be willing to take him on if he continues his career.

As a 3x Sixth Man of the Year and career 14.6 points per game scorer, Crawford is a guy you can stick just about anywhere. He plays within his role, gets easy points for his team, and stays away from adding locker room drama.

After previous stints with Minnesota, Phoenix, and the Clippers (to name a few), could he return to Los Angeles to play with LeBron James? It would make a lot of sense, especially if Crawford wants the chance to win a Championship. His shooting would be needed for the team, and his veteran presence would keep the roster together.

The Sixers, Thunder, and Heat are also in pursuit of the 39-year-old star.

Source: https://fadeawayworld.net/2019/07/03/2019-free-agency-multiple-teams-interested-in-jamal-crawford/