Oklahoma City Thunder

Nerlens Noel is staying put after all.  

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Noel agreed on a deal to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday after initially committing to a new deal Sunday but asking "for time to reevaluate" his decision.

The 25-year-old posted two question marks to his Instagram story.

While Noel's status was back up in the air, Wojnarowski relayed that the Thunder signed free-agent big man Mike Muscala.

Noel had declined his $1.9 million player option to become a free agent, The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania reported Thursday, and "several other teams" were expected to be interested outside of Oklahoma City.

The thinking behind Noel's hesitation hasn't been disclosed. It could have had to do with another potentially bigger offer from another team, the addition of Muscala or something else entirely. ESPN.com's Royce Young believes Muscala's tenure with the Thunder could impact another frontcourt player more.

"No idea what's going to happen with Noel's situation from here, but I believe Muscala's addition impacts Patrick Patterson's future with OKC more directly," the Thunder beat writer tweeted Sunday night. 

Noel appeared in 77 regular-season games (two starts) for Oklahoma City last season behind starting center Steven Adams. The 2013 sixth overall pick averaged 4.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.

The 2018-19 season was also Noel's first with the Thunder after three with the Philadelphia 76ers and two with the Dallas Mavericks; he missed his entire rookie year after knee surgery. The Kentucky product's best statistical season came in 2015-16 with the Sixers, when he averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks in 67 games (62 starts). 

Noel's ultimate decision to remain with the Thunder presumably means he believes he can grow into a more impactful player. Details of his deal with Oklahoma City have not yet been disclosed.

Free-agent big man Mike Muscala has agreed to a contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Sean Kennedy of Excel Sports, Muscala's agent, told Wojnarowski the news.

Muscala, who turns 28 on Monday, averaged 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds on 40.2 percent shooting for the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers last season. The 6'11" big man can also stretch the floor, as evidenced by his 36.5 percent mark from three-point range for his career.

Drafted 44th overall out of Bucknell in 2013, he spent five years with the Atlanta Hawks as a reserve before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Another deal sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

Muscala now joins a Thunder team whose frontcourt may experience a bit of turnover given rumors that center Steven Adams could be on the move. Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated reported on June 19 that Adams, Andre Roberson and Dennis Schroder were all "very available at the moment."

Muscala likely isn't the long-term answer as a starting center if Adams does leave, but he'll undoubtedly be asked to provide minutes to give the Thunder some scoring punch off the bench. Plus, the Thunder finished just 22nd in three-point percentage last year, so he could give his new team a boost there.

The Muscala news dropped soon after a Wojnarowski report that big man Nerlens Noel, who reportedly agreed to a contract with the Thunder earlier Sunday, "asked OKC for time to re-evaluate their earlier commitment on a new deal."

Noel and Muscala can co-exist as big men off the bench, but the latter is good insurance in case the former decides to head elsewhere. The Kentucky product averaged 4.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 13.7 minutes per game for OKC last year.

Nerlens Noel may not be returning to the Oklahoma City Thunder after all.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday Noel agreed to a deal for undisclosed terms with the Thunder. Hours later, Wojnarowski followed up to report Noel "has asked OKC for time to re-evaluate their earlier commitment on a new deal" and that the sides were maintaining a dialogue.

Noel averaged 4.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in his first season with the Thunder.

While Noel's per-game numbers don't jump off the page, they're largely a result of his limited playing time. He averaged only 13.7 minutes in 77 appearances.

The 25-year-old was an effective presence when he did play, averaging 16.7 points, 14.4 rebounds and 4.2 blocks per 100 possessions, according to Basketball Reference. It was a return to form for the 2013 first-round pick after a disappointing tenure with the Dallas Mavericks.

Noel was especially good on defense. He held opponents to 24.1 percent shooting on three-pointers and a respectable 54.5 percent shooting inside six feet, per NBA.com. Not only did he protect the rim, but he also held his own on the perimeter when he was pulled away from the basket.

Re-signing Noel is important for the Thunder because they enter the 2019-20 season with a $148.9 million payroll, per Spotrac, which doesn't factor in any of the free-agent moves reported Sunday.

Finding an adequate replacement for Noel will be almost impossible for Oklahoma City given the team's limited financial means.

Klay Thompson is likely to miss most or all of next year as he recovers from a torn ACL, while Wojnarowski reported Kevin Durant agreed to a four-year, $164 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The Western Conference is bound to open up as the Golden State Warriors take a step backward.

By running it back with last year's squad, the Thunder can be one of the top contenders in the West. Losing Noel would be a blow to their title hopes.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Nerlens Noel has declined his $1.9 million player option for the 2019-20 season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Per that report, "Noel and Thunder will discuss potential reunion, but several other teams are expected to express interest."

Noel, 25, had a solid 2018-19 season as Steven Adams' backup, averaging 4.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 13.7 minutes over 77 appearances. 

To say Noel's career has taken a rocky path would be an understatement. He was the No. 6 pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans but was acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers in a draft-night trade. 

After missing a year with a torn ACL, Noel watched as the Sixers selected centers Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor in the next two drafts, creating a logjam at the position that eventually led to an unhappy Noel being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2016-17 season. 

Noel then turned down a four-year, $70 million contract offer from the Mavericks in the 2017 offseason, instead betting on himself and signing a $4.1 million qualifying offer. That bet didn't pay off, as Noel appeared in just 30 games for the Mavericks in the 2017-18 season and fell out of favor with the team, famously making headlines when he visited the media room during halftime of one game to eat a hotdog. 

With bridges burned in Dallas, Noel signed a two-year, $3.7 million contract with the Thunder last offseason, with a player option for the 2019-20 campaign. He played well enough to earn a raise on the open market, and for teams that are seeking a rim-running, shot-blocking option, Noel should be intriguing.

He won't get anywhere near the huge offer the Mavericks once made him—and may have to compete for a starting job wherever he goes—but Noel should have plenty of suitors, even in a saturated center market. 

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.

Given Dort's raw upside, Twitter was surprised by Dort's fall:

The NBA Draft comes to an end. ASU's Luguentz Dort and Zylan Cheatham not selected. Dort is a surprise. He spent a good portion of the second round listed as ESPN's best available.

— Doug Haller (@DougHaller) June 21, 2019

Man Luguentz Dort is a first round talent and he's still sitting there.

— Ryan Phillips (@RumorsandRants) June 21, 2019

Dort from Arizona State is still on the board? #NBADraft

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) June 21, 2019

https://twitter.com/Sam_Vecenie/status/1141929549170708480

            

Dort's Scouting Profile (h/t B/R's Jonathan Wasserman)

Offensive Strengths

Strong, athletic driver. Puts pressure on the rim, but he can also make outside shots when in a rhythm.

       

Offensive Weaknesses

His finishing instincts are poor. Needs to improve shooting and decision-making.

        

Defensive Outlook

Strength, quickness, competitiveness causes problems defensively. Has Marcus Smart-like defensive potential.

         

Projected role: Toughness specialist

Dort was the best player at Arizona State as a freshman in 2018-19. He led the team with 16.1 points per game en route to being named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, but there were some drawbacks to his game that will need to be refined at the next level. 

Specifically, Dort's shooting is a work in progress after he made just 40.5 percent of his attempts last season. Wasserman described the Montreal native as potentially being a "key role player" if he can develop his basketball skills to match his overall athleticism. 

One reason for optimism at the next level is Dort told The Athletic's Sam Vecenie he has emphasized playing defense since picking up basketball at the age of 11:

"Even if you are an average player, if you are able to guard somebody and play defense, it'll open up your options. One time, I was in a camp and they didn't know about me. I was like, 'All right, I'm going to show them how I play defense on the ball so they give me the chance to play, and then I'll show them I can play on offense.'

"I started picking up men full-court, and coaches started to get more confidence in me, and that's how they let me play. It was a way for me to get opportunities on offense. I'm fast enough, and athletic enough, and know how to move my feet well. Oh, and I like getting steals and going to the rim and dunk the ball. It's something I really took pride in."

If Dort is able to translate his hard-nosed defensive style into the NBA right away, he will find an immediate role as a rookie. Defense typically takes longer to develop at the professional level, but he looks capable of being an imposing force at 6'4" and 220 pounds. 

As long as the Thunder's coaching staff can help Dort develop a consistent shot and get him to finish strong, the 20-year-old has the upside to be one of the biggest steals in this year's class. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder added Darius Bazley with the No. 23 in the 2019 NBA draft Thursday night.   

The Jazz select Darius Bazley with the the No. 23 pick in the 2019 #NBADraft!

He will reportedly be headed to the @okcthunder via trade. pic.twitter.com/y2u9BuXNye

— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 21, 2019

Here is how the Thunder's roster looks after the selection:

Thunder Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Abdel Nader, SF: $1.4M (2021)

Andre Roberson, SG: $10M (2020)

Dennis Schroder, PG: $17.5M (2021)

Deonte Burton, SF: $0.8M (2020)

Hamidou Diallo, SG: $1.1M (2021)

Jerami Grant, SF: $9.1M (2021)

Nerlens Noel, C: $1.9M (2020)

Patrick Patterson, PF: $5.5M (2020)

Paul George, SF: $34.2M (2022)

Russell Westbrook, PG: $41.4M (2023)

Steven Adams, C: $25M (2021)

Terrance Ferguson, SG: $2.1M (2021)

Darius Bazley, SG: $2M (2023)

Free Agents

Donte Grantham, PF: RFA

Jawun Evans, PG: RFA 

Nerlens Noel, C: Player option

Markieff Morris, PF: UFA

Raymond Felton, PG: UFA

   

The 19-year-old last played for Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. The 6'9", 208-pounder was a five-star prospect after graduating in 2018, according to 247Sports, but he decommitted from Syracuse—also turning down offers from Ohio State, Syracuse, Cincinnati, Florida and Georgetown—to sign with agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.

Through Klutch Sports, Bazley accepted an internship with New Balance, which could pay him up to $1 million over five years.

To create ur own path,accept challenge,is what @BazleyDarius did on his jounrey to the NBA.We couldn’t be more excited to see what’s next for not just a special talent but a special person.Thanks @newbalance for thinking outside the box n partnering with us to make this a success pic.twitter.com/ThanE2Nm01

— KLUTCH Sports Group (@KlutchSports) April 1, 2019

OH THEY BIG MAD!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/DP2bGAeWq8

— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 24, 2018

The forward streamlined his unconventional path with what's expected of NBA prospects by attending the NBA combine in Chicago. There, he posted a 7'0" wingspan. 

On The Grind 🤫

Former intern @BazleyDarius takes the next step today in Chicago 📈 @newbalance #NBHoops pic.twitter.com/bLQ4QntpnA

— New Balance Basketball (@newbalancehoops) May 16, 2019

Heading into the draft, HoopsHype formulated Bazley's aggregate ranking among all prospects to be 35. There was much debate over how he might stack up against NBA competition considering he last played organized basketball in high school.

At the combine, ESPN's Jonathan Givony noted his observations. On June 4, Givony compared Bazley's measurements to those of Paul George and Jayson Tatum—noting that how his body develops remains a "big factor" in his NBA viability:

Very useful to see Brian Bowen and Darius Bazley in this setting after both didn't play college basketball this season due to very different reasons. Bowen brought terrific energy and physicality even if his jumper was a bit streaky. Bazley had some nice moments on both ends.

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 16, 2019

Darius Bazley's closest physical comps in our measurement database are interesting. Which way his body develops will be a big factor in what kind of player he develops into. If he can fill out like Young or Kleber eventually did, that will give him pretty intriguing versatility. pic.twitter.com/kH8Nm1NpJ1

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 5, 2019

Clearly, Oklahoma City liked what they saw enough to bet on Bazley's upside. In the meantime, Thunder will look to Bazley to contribute off the bench.

Salary info via Spotrac.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are aggressively looking to shed some cap space, making some of their top rotation players available in trades. 

According to Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated, Steven Adams, Dennis Schroder and Andre Roberson are all on the market, while the team could sweeten any deal by trading away the No. 21 overall pick in Thursday's NBA draft.

The Thunder have had problems with the luxury tax lately and the issue seems to be hampering the squad this offseason as well.

Per Spotrac, the team is currently $16.6 million over the luxury tax threshold, which will lead to a $50.4 million bill.

This is quite a big cost for a team that hasn't made it out of the first round of the playoffs in any of the past three years.

The organization appears determined to hold onto stars Paul George and Russell Westbrook, but they will make over $71 million combined in 2019-20. This means the team will have to deal away its other high-priced stars, even at the expense of the talent on the court.

Adams has been with Oklahoma City for his entire six-year career and has been a staple in the low post thanks to his efficiency on both ends of the court. He finished last season ranked 18th in the entire NBA with 9.1 win shares, per Basketball Reference.

However, he is owed more than $25 million in each of the next two seasons, which could lead to a trade.

Schroder is set to make $15.5 million in each of the next two years, while Roberson has one year and $10.7 million remaining on his deal. While Roberson missed all of last season with a knee injury, each of these players can still provide a lot of value on the court.

A team with a lot of cap space could get a steal with any of them while the Thunder just try to shed cap space.

Oklahoma City Thunder swingman Paul George reportedly underwent successful surgery on his left shoulder.

Royce Young of ESPN.com reported the news Tuesday, noting the surgery was done to repair a torn labrum. He also pointed out George will be reassessed at the start of training camp with a timetable that "is the same [as] it was when he had surgery on his right shoulder a few weeks ago." 

In May, Young and Adrian Wojnarowski reported George underwent rotator cuff surgery on his right shoulder to repair a partially torn tendon. He was expected to miss some of preseason training camp at the time.

Wojnarowski and Young noted the six-time All-Star suffered the right shoulder injury on Feb. 26 against the Denver Nuggets and played with the problem the rest of the season.

That was one reason the Thunder went from 38-21 and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference at the time to 49-33 and the No. 6 seed with an 11-12 finish. George was averaging 28.7 points per game behind 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 40.3 percent shooting from deep before Feb. 26 and then averaged 26.1 points a night behind 39.7 percent shooting from the field and 33.8 percent shooting from deep after.

"Injuries are part of the game," he said at his season-ending news conference. "I've missed a season being hurt. ... The training staff assured me I was fine to play through it, and I will be fine going forward. I'd had no other thought in my mind but to be out there and play and ride it out with my guys."

Oklahoma City lost in five games in its first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, and George shot an unspectacular 32.3 percent from deep even though he posted 28.6 points per game.

Ideally for the Thunder, George’s multiple shoulder surgeries this offseason can clear the path for a healthy 2019-20 campaign as they look to challenge the Golden State Warriors and others in the West.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have reportedly had conversations with teams about trading the No. 21 overall pick in June's draft for salary relief.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Thunder have spoken to "various" teams in the lead-up to the draft.

The Thunder had the NBA's second-highest payroll during the 2018-19 season at $142.9 million, behind only the Golden State Warriors. Oklahoma City will also have to pay an exorbitant luxury-tax sum this offseason.

The Thunder currently have the NBA's highest payroll for the 2019-20 season ($147.6 million). The rookie-scale amount for this year's 21st pick is $2.1 million, but it would cost the Thunder far more since they're well above the luxury-tax threshold for this coming season.

The Thunder will likely attempt to improve their roster through free agency and/or trades this offseason. They have a win-now mentality with Russell Westbrook and Paul George, but two straight first-round exits have magnified the deficiencies in their supporting cast.

Oklahoma City could also look to draft-and-stash a prospect at No. 21. That would alleviate current cap concerns with that pick while also giving the franchise a potentially promising piece down the road.

The Thunder are no strangers to using cost-cutting measures during the draft. They took Josh Huestis with the No. 29 pick in the 2014 draft with the understanding that he would not sign his rookie contract that season and would instead play in the G League. Huestis signed his rookie deal ahead of the 2015-16 season and played only 76 games for the franchise. 

Power forward Patrick Patterson will remain with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2019-20 NBA season after reportedly picking up a $5.7 million player option in his contract.

Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported the update Saturday.

Patterson signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder in July 2017, but he's played a limited role across the last two seasons. He averaged 3.9 points and 2.4 rebounds while appearing in all 82 games during the 2017-18 campaign, and he put up 3.6 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in 63 appearances this season.

The 30-year-old University of Kentucky product ranked 98th out of 100 qualified power forwards in ESPN's real plus-minus in 2018-19.

Yet, despite the lack of consistent playing time and lackluster numbers, Patterson said during his season-ending press conference he was "happy" with the Thunder:

Patterson's role next season will be heavily dependent on what else Oklahoma City does with its frontcourt during the offseason.

While starters Jerami Grant and Steven Adams are slated to return, the rest of the team's depth up front could leave the organization. Nerlens Noel owns a player option, Markieff Morris is an unrestricted free agent and Donte Grantham is a restricted free agent.

Patterson could emerge as the first frontcourt player off the bench for OKC if there are no major additions.