Tuesday Bolts: 5.2.17
Russell Westbrook: Highest-paid player in NBA history? “Because of changes in the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, Westbrook will be eligible for a Designated Player Extension — a five-year, $217 million “supermax” that will make him the highest-paid player in league history…. Westbrook has a player option on the final year of that contract, though, enabling him to enter unrestricted free agency next summer. Should he turn down the Thunder’s extension offer this summer, alarm bells will sound and the franchise will have to look at other options, which would include trading the potential MVP winner. That is a move, however, Presti said he hasn’t considered.”
Berry Tramel on the Thunder’s roster changing: “But everyone can relax. The next Thunder roster won’t look like the most recent Thunder roster. Through trade, through signing, through exodus, through osmosis, things will be different. Even if Presti didn’t and couldn’t say so. Instead, Presti talking glowingly of his players.”
Erik Horne on balancing urgency and long term planning: “Urgency in the form of pursuing of a max-money free agent is a pipe dream under those salary constraints. The Thunder would have to clear $28.5 million in salary cap space. Thus the team isn’t in a position to wine and dine with the offer of a max deal. Rather, another team or teams would have to extend help via a trade.”
Fred Katz on Presti and his “Continuity”: “The Thunder were imperfect. Yet, they managed an impressive playoff season without being able to operate much last offseason. They also brought in young players like rookies Domantas Sabonis and Alex Abrines, shooting guard Victor Oladipo and forwards Jerami Grant and Doug McDermott while acquiring the veteran Taj Gibson, as well. Because of the young talent, Presti will be quick to remind anyone, he doesn’t believe this group has reached its ceiling.”
Our recap of Sam Presti’s press conference
Down to Dunk Podcast discussing the Presti presser & more
Skip Bayless on Westbrook’s future in OKC. Not a great take.
"I think he likes being the man in OKC." — @RealSkipBayless on Russell Westbrook's future with the Thunder pic.twitter.com/wIgj36C51X
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 2, 2017
The Rockets dismantled San Antonio by 27 in Game 1. I had this exact thought:
Houston only led 29% of the minutes in the Thunder series. THAT is how good Russell Westbrook is. The Rockets are awesome.
— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) May 2, 2017