As the NBA free agency looms, teams are starting to show signs and intentions of moving some of their assets in order to gain leverage next season. The latest to do so is Oklahoma City Thunder following its announcement that it is willing to part ways with at least one of its key rotation piece.
Reports revealed that the Thunder have put Steven Adams, Dennis Schroder, and Andre Roberson on the "very available" status. Sources with insider information have said that the Thunder are looking to clear some of its cap space for it to be able to offer a sizeable contract to its potential pick in the NBA Draft.
Of the three names on the "very available" list, Adams appears to be the most hyped. The big man averaged nearly a double-double last season with 13.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. The 7-footer Kiwi played a key defensive role throughout the Thunder's season, providing the much-needed verticality and physical presence on the block. Adams is on the last year of his $100 million four-year contract with the Thunder, and he still has $25.8 million left in his contracts.
Despite being a key piece on the Thunder's offense and defense during the regular season he failed to maintain momentum during the playoffs. The Thunder's lost in the first round of the playoff to the Portland Trailblazers. The Thunder is still in great shape to become a perennial playoff team next season.
Although Schroder is not a starter, he played an impressive backup point guard role giving Russell Westbrook some much needed minutes to rest. Schroder averaged 15.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists off the bench last season. Roberson, on the other hand, while widely considered as an effective wing defender missed all games of the season after sustaining multiple knee injuries.
As of this writing, no team has yet to show the intent of acquiring all three Thunder players. However, there are some sports analysts that have shown a little bit of disappointment for the team's decision to entertain suitors for Adams, who is widely regarded for his on-court leadership. Whatever the Thunder's final deal for these three players though, it will surely revolve around the team's core duo of Westbrook and Paul George.
As of its draft prospects, the Oklahoma City has this year's 21st pick, and they are expected to pick shooting-guard Kevin Porter Jr. from the University of Southern California.
