Friday Bolts: 6.29.17

Woj says the Thunder remain interested in Rudy Gay: “The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday that the Oklahoma City Thunder view free-agent forward Rudy Gay as a good fit. Wojnarowski added Gay will host free-agent visits in Austin, Texas, over the weekend once free agency kicks off at midnight on July 1. The 30-year-old Gay spent most of the past four seasons with the Sacramento Kings.”

The Knicks are reportedly interested in Sam Presti as team president: “Another name that has been mentioned internally as a candidate is Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti, sources told ESPN. The Knicks would likely need to offer compensation to the Thunder for Presti, who is currently under contract.”

Former OSU Cowboy Markel Brown will play Summer League with OKC: “Brown, 25, played for the Cowboys from 2010 to 2014, and developed into a bonafide professional prospect in his four-year careeer.  He averaged over 17 points and 2.9 assists as a senior and was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets.”

Tramel on why finding a backup point guard is huge for OKC: “So how can the Thunder get better in the next week or 10 days? The easiest path is also the simplest path. Sign a quality backup point guard. It’s been two months, but that’s not long enough to forget how flimsy the Thunder became anytime Russell Westbrook took a rest.”

Erik Horne explains Russell Westbrook’s potential “super max” extension: “Since Westbrook earned All-NBA honors last season, he’s eligible to sign a Designated Veteran Player Exception, which would add five years to his existing deal, placing him under contract with the Thunder for a total of six years guaranteed. In the process, it would wipe out his player option year in 2018-19 and the new five-year extension would begin that season.”

Enes Kanter in Vice News:

An OKC art teacher drew a sidewalk mural to honor Russell Westbrook’s MVP: “The mural was designed on the sidewalk near 10th and Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City. Allied Arts commissioned the mural as part of the Brackets for Good Championship Celebration.”

The Ringer’s NBA free agency predictions: “The best part about the NBA — the free-agency period — is finally here, and the first superstar is already on his way from California to Texas. Beginning at midnight Eastern time tonight, free agents will be allowed to negotiate terms with teams, though they can’t officially sign those deals until July 7 (see: Jordan, DeAndre). Who will go where?”

Rob Mahoney on how all eyes are on Blake Griffin in LA: “A fully unleashed Griffin is a sight to behold and a statistical marvel. Griffin knows this as well as anyone, perhaps to the point where he might be interested in returning to the Clippers for the sake of trying on a larger role in an otherwise familiar environment. This path—and the rationale of trying to keep at least one of the team’s two best players—is straightforward and self-explanatory. The alternative is where everything falls apart.”

Jimmy Butler invited his Chicago critics to call him, then gave out his phone number: “Somebody’s got to take the blame. I’ll be that guy. I’m OK with it. I’m fine. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. But with that being said, my phone is in my back pocket right now. If whoever has anything to say to me, feel free. 773-899-6071.”