Thunder trade Perry Jones to Boston

The Thunder are trading Perry Jones and a future second pick to the Celtics, according to league sources. It’s strictly a tax saving deal, and the Thunder will receive a $2.1 million trade exception. With the move, the Thunder will immediately save roughly $7 million.

Jones, 23, averaged 4.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 43 games last season with the Thunder. He flashed his potential, though, during a three-game span early in the season filling in for the injured Kevin Durant where he scored 32, 20 and 16 points, before badly bruising his knee which caused him to miss the next 13 games.

The Thunder can still deal Steve Novak (making $3.75 million), but may choose not to, at least for now, because of how much trading Jones saved. Novak was pretty popular in the Thunder locker room, and the team may be willing to foot the bill to keep him around.

The move also brings the Thunder down to 14 players under contract, meaning they could add another player (Josh Huestis?) if they wanted.