How This Deal Impacts Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder, at some point, have to start adding talent to the roster that can help on the court; not just absorb contracts other teams don’t want into cap space with draft compensation. This offseason could afford them some chances to do so and this is one scenario in which they do.
Nicolas Claxton is a prime breakout candidate should he receive more playing time during the 2022-23 season. In 19 starts this season, averaging 23 minutes, Claxton put up 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. Oklahoma City could provide him that extended run he is seeking without the pressure of being on a win-now roster.
With things getting expensive in Brooklyn, the Thunder take advantage by signing Claxton to a decent-sized offer sheet that the Nets cannot afford to match. It will cost them Kenrich Williams and Mike Muscala, but this is a no-brainer deal for Oklahoma City.
Williams will be 28-years old during the upcoming season and on an expiring deal. He doesn’t fit the timeline that the team is on, so cashing in on his value makes sense. Muscala is going to be 31-years old this offseason, serving little more than a mentor role for a young Thunder team.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Predicting Top NBA Free Agency Spots: Brunson, LaVine, Ayton, More
Claxton could be the long-term answer in the middle for the Thunder with Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and Josh Giddey manning the backcourt along with whatever first-round picks the team adds to the roster this offseason.
