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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason targets for the Oklahoma City Thunder

By Akash Anavarathan

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 21: Russell Westbrook
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 21: Russell Westbrook /
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May 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) during the first quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 136-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) during the first quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 136-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Patty Mills, PG, San Antonio Spurs

Patty Mills is in an awkward situation with the San Antonio Spurs. Tony Parker was hurt during the playoffs, but will likely return to San Antonio. There are rumors that Chris Paul is also interested in joining San Antonio as a free agent. Dejounte Murray got valuable playing time in the playoffs and will likely become the future backup in San Antonio.

That likely leaves Mills as the odd man out in San Antonio. That’s okay, just leave Texas and come to Oklahoma to join the Thunder and become Russell Westbrook’s backup. The Thunder superstar had an insane usage rate, 41.7 percent, this past season and that needs to come down for the longevity of his career.

Mills can come in and be more than just a normal backup in Oklahoma City. This past season with the Spurs, Mills scored 9.5 points and dished 3.5 assists per game. The Australian also shot well from distance, connecting on 41 percent of his 3-point attempts. That’ll bode well for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Mills is also a gritty, tough-nosed defender that the Thunder could use off the bench. Currently, the Thunder will hand the backup point guard job to Semaj Christon. That’s probably not going to be work out well for Oklahoma City. It’s a position that they have to address during the offseason and there may not be a better option than Patty Mills.

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