Dion Waiters and the Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be parting ways after spending roughly one-and-a-half years together, and the shooting guard is drawing some interest on the open market.
Nets Reportedly Met with Waiters
Wednesday, July 20
Marc Stein of ESPN reported that Waiters and the Brooklyn Nets "spoke face-to-face" earlier this month in Las Vegas. Stein added that "early indications" are that the Nets "haven't changed their stance" on the shooting guard after passing on signing him.
On Monday, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported Waiters was an "intriguing target" for the Nets after the Thunder rescinded their qualifying offer.
Waiters to Become Free Agent
Monday, July 18
The Thunder have rescinded their qualifying offer to Waiters, according to Wojnarowski, who added that he is now an unrestricted free agent.
76ers Reportedly Interested in Waiters
Monday, July 18
Wojnarowski reported that Waiters is an "intriguing target" for the Philadelphia 76ers now that he is no longer a restricted free agent.
Michael Scotto of the Associated Press reported on June 28 that the 76ers were interested in Waiters.
Waiters Reportedly Wants to Join Heat
Friday, July 8
Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reported that Waiters has expressed interest in joining the Miami Heat.
Kings Reportedly Interested in Waiters
Friday, July 1
Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee spoke to a source that described Waiters as "locked in" on the Sacramento Kings. Jones also said to "expect any offer sheet to be big."
Chris Mannix of The Vertical reported Thursday that Waiters was "gaining significant traction" with the Kings.
On June 28, Scotto first reported the Kings were interested in Waiters.
Waiters Becomes Restricted Free Agent
Thursday, June 30
Royce Young of ESPN.com reported that the Thunder "tendered a qualifying offer to [Waiters], officially making him a restricted free agent. They can now match any offer sheet."
Presti Discusses Waiters' Future in Oklahoma City
Monday, June 6
On Monday, general manager Sam Presti indicated in his state of the franchise press conference Oklahoma City would be open to bringing the shooting guard back, per Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman:
Waiters Comments on Future
Monday, May 30
Waiters has already indicated he'd be willing to stay following his team's Game 7 exit in the Western Conference Finals, per Slater:
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 31, 2016
Waiters Has Shown Potential in Beginning of Career
Waiters, a restricted free agent, presents a difficult case for Presti and the Thunder front office. The 2012 No. 4 overall draft pick is still just 24, and he has undoubtedly shown flashes of potential on the court. However, that potential has failed to materialize much beyond those brief glimpses.
In 78 regular-season games for Oklahoma City in 2015-16, Waiters averaged 9.8 points on 39.9 percent shooting, including 35.8 percent on three-pointers. According to NBA.com, the Thunder were seven points better per 100 possessions when he was off the court.
Strictly based on his numbers, the Thunder might be better off without Waiters. Presti will have to consider factors beyond just Waiters' performance, though, especially with Kevin Durant hitting the open market. Durant may not take too kindly to seeing Oklahoma City jettison Waiters this summer.
The Oklahoman's Erik Horne believes the two may be a package deal:
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) May 31, 2016
In a September 2014 interview with Cleveland.com's Chris Haynes, Mike Miller said the Miami Heat amnestying him after the 2012-13 season rankled LeBron James. It probably wouldn't be a stretch to say Miller's departure played at least some role in James signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014.
In order to give themselves their best chance at keeping Durant for the long term, re-signing Waiters might be a necessary step for the Thunder.
At the same time, though, Oklahoma City may have trouble justifying matching an offer sheet for Waiters should another team throw a hefty salary his way.
Russell Westbrook will both be an unrestricted free agent in 2017, while Steven Adams and Andre Roberson will be restricted free agents. If the Thunder do re-sign Waiters, then they'll likely have to let at least one of those four players walk a year from now.
Presti will have a tough task ahead as he weighs the potential consequences of offering Waiters a new deal.
0 nhận xét: