NBA Free Agency 2018: One signing every team should make

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 3: Jerami Grant #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder plays defense against Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers on March 3, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder — Jerami Grant

Oklahoma City’s summer is, of course, all about Paul George’s decision. But they have interesting decisions to make down the roster.

Last year, Jerami Grant emerged as a key part of the Thunder last season and, maybe, the team’s second best big man behind Steven Adams. With Carmelo Anthony falling off, Grant emerged as real alternative at power forward and offered something more dynamic that made a difference. His ability to switch everything and set good screens helps too, especially on a team that had two stars last season like the Thunder.

There are concerns about Grant to be sure. Most notably, his 3-point shot plummeted down to 29.1 percent from 37.7 percent in 2016-17 on roughly the same attempts per game, per Basketball-Reference. He’s also not a great rebounder, although that matters less on a team that has Adams, Russell Westbrook and a returning Andre Roberson.

But the Thunder are also in a position where, regardless of what happens with Paul George, they don’t have much money to spend this summer. Oklahoma City a) has Grant’s Bird Rights and b) a lack of money on the open market may mean there’s not a huge market for Grant. Their luxury tax bill might end up being massive, and maybe Grant can seek out more money elsewhere. But there is also not a clear way to replace what he provides. He also still only 23, so there’s a chance this is just the beginning of what he’ll be.

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