The Oklahoma City Thunder could be forced to part ways with Turkish power forward Enes Kanter in hopes of adding another star alongside triple-double machine Russell Westbrook. According to Berry Tramel of the Oklahoman, Kanter is ‘absolutely’ on the trading block, and will likely be dealt to another team this offseason.
Sam Presti – the Opportunist
In an interview with Tramel, Sam Presti stressed that the Thunder front-office will continue to be aggressive in making deals this offseason, despite the fact the team has $110 million in guaranteed salary next season.
The Thunder general manager added they are looking to explore other options, including opportunities on the trading block.
“We’ll make every single phone call to every single team, and the players that everyone I think probably thinks about and fantasizes about. You know, if we can make those players be here, they would probably be here by now.” Presti said.
Kanter, who averaged 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds last season, is seen by many executives as the best trade target on the Thunder roster not named Westbrook. The Turk pocketed over $17MM during the 2017/18 season and will be under contract for two more years, including a player’s option worth $18MM for the 2018/19 season.
Teams with cap space and assets (Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns) could make a run at Kanter, but playoff contenders like the Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics (if they struck out on key free-agent and trade targets) should not be counted out.
Westbrook Super-Max Deal
Presti is hoping Westbrook will sign a long-term extension with the Thunder worth $217MM over five seasons. Westbrook, who is a lock to make the All-NBA selection and leading contender to win this year’s MVP after pulling off a historic statistical season (31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game), is eligible for the Designated Player Extension this summer.
Westbrook’s camp has never made any comment if they are interested to stay in OKC for the next five years. It is widely known the Los Angeles Lakers are eager to pair Westbrook with another L.A native All-Star Paul George in 2018.
Andre Roberson’s Next Paycheck
Defensive-stopper Andre Roberson is expected to get a significant pay raise this summer after putting up a strong output in the postseason.
The former 26th overall pick earned just around $2 million during the 2016/17 season, but can get $50MM to $70MM guaranteed money in his next deal because of his 3-and-D ability.
While Roberson might be a liability in the foul line at 42 percent clip in reg-season and 14 percent in the postseason, he shot 42 percent from deep in the playoff matchup vs. the Rockets and made things uncomfortable for James Harden the entire series. Again, the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers – teams that actually look to upgrade the small forward spot – are the strongest suitors for the perimeter defender. However, Presti is still optimistic he and Roberson can work out a win-win deal for both parties.
