What is in Store for Thunder in the Long Term Future?

With the exception of 2014-15 when its star players were injured, Oklahoma City Thunder have always been a team would be assured of a deep playoff run. Season after season, they’d be touted as one of the title contenders. After the departure of Kevin Durant to Golden State, Thunder became Westbrook’s team. He led them all right, averaging a triple double and shattering the season record for triple doubles. OKC however now have a worrying situation brewing.

Yes, there is genuine reason for optimism. Westbrook is charged up after winning the MVP. They have now added Paul George from the Indiana. George, who has a year left on his contract had the best season of his career. He upped the ante, when he met the Cavaliers in the playoffs. Joining him with Westbrook, certainly make OKC a threat. Good news for them in a tightly packed Western Conference

The question that is being pondered by the Thunder management and its fans. How can we get them to stay after the 2017-18 season. Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Enes Kanter all have 1 guaranteed year left on their contracts. All 3 have player options for 2018-19. With rising salary caps, the option won’t likely be exercised.

The trio will be the top scoring options for the Thunder. It would be reasonable to expect around 65-70 points a game between them. Not to mention a significant chunk of the rebounding and playmaking efforts. Without these 3, the team would be crippled. The three are entering the prime phases of their career, and any long term success will hinge on them being tied down for the long term. The fact none are making any indication of their future, might be a worrying sign.

Of the three, Kanter should be the easiest to tie down. The 24 year old Turkish big man is a reliable bench player, who does his fair share of scoring and rebounding. As he tends to come out for Steven Adams, both big men are rotated well throughout the match. His best years have been in a Thunder jersey. Unless another team can offer him a big deal, he should be getting a fairly good new contract with the Thunder.

George, Westbrook have one thing in common: Los Angeles. Both are Californians and have an affinity with the city. Westbrook spends his summers at LA, but he has loved Oklahoma and its fans and has become their champion. He does not look like a player who might just leave. This is according to Enes Kanter. Having won the MVP, under the new CBA agreement, OKC have offered him a super max contract, of 5-years and worth over $200 million. Only Steph Curry and James Harden are having contracts earnings that much money. The fact that he has yet to commit his future, is worrying and puzzling at the same time.

The situation with George is another matter altogether. Having played his career with Indiana, he has talked about moving to the Lakers when he hits free agency in 2018. He announced his intention to Indiana, so that they could trade him and acquire assets in return. The move to Oklahoma was unexpected. This one year, the thunder have to entice him to commit. He does know about the franchise and has been endorsed by Kevin Durant to succeed. However, George is looking for a bigger contract after this (which he deserves). Lakers are seemingly stroking their team for his or LeBron Jame’s arrival next summer. George has held LA close to him like Westbrook. However, he has not built up as a rapport and love for Oklahoma as Westbrook. He had loved Indiana but the direction they were heading, it was beneficial for both parties to head on different paths. The thunder faithful and management have 1 season to impress George if they want him to stay. There might be complications for George’s future deal to Lakers. The NBA is currently investigating the Lakers for trying to lure George from Indiana. If found guilty, the Lakers might have to forfeit draft picks, cash and may not be able to sign him.

Whatever be the outcome, the Thunder know that their 3 productive players, including their all-star duo have to be signed on, if the team ever wants to win its first NBA championship.