Fansided

3 Oklahoma City Thunder who definitely won’t be back next season

By Jakob Ashlin

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Dario Saric reacts to making a three point shot against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Dario Saric reacts to making a three point shot against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (50) shoots a three point basket during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

Thunder who won’t be back next season: 2. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl

The Thunder have a small logjam at power forward. This season, they deployed Jalen Williams as the starting power forward. Behind him, they have Ousmane Dieng, Kenrich Williams, Jaylin Williams, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Aleksej Pokusevski, and Dario Saric. In addition, Chet Holmgren’s season-ending injury opened minutes at center for Jaylin Williams, Robinson-Earl, and Saric. Holmgren’s impending return will tighten the rotation.

Let’s take a quick look at the power forwards on their roster. The Thunder traded three first-round picks to draft Dieng. Kenrich Williams has four years worth $27.17 million left on his deal. In May, The Athletic’s Andrew Schlecht tweeted that the team views Pokusevski as “untouchable”. The trio is not going anywhere.

Meanwhile, Robinson-Earl’s contract does not become guaranteed until June 30. The Thunder could cut him and save a little cap space. Last offseason, the Thunder waived power forward Isaiah Roby, who had a nonguaranteed deal.

Alternatively, they could trade him. On the court, he is a solid rotational player and is still only 22 years old. His nonguaranteed deal could also make him appealing to teams trying to save cap space.

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