The Thunder are in great cap shape. They have a payroll of $42 million while the cap is somewhere near $57million. They also have an option on Chucky Atkins at $3million. I don't think they will sign any big names this year, but things are looking really good for next year. The team has managed itself well. Earl Watson has a 6mil salary and Damien Wilkins has a 3mil salary that both will expire after this year. That frees up another 9. This is a big year for Wilkins. If he is to stay on the team and get a good contract, he has to show he is worth it this year.
Also, Nick Collison is a fan favorite. However, he makes 6mil this year and next year. He would fit perfectly for a contender that needs help off the bench. And, 6 mil isn't too much cap space. They could trade him and acquire another future pick to help keep this team moving 3 or 4 years from now. They will have plenty of cap space to resign Durant, Westbrook, and Green. This is an exciting time. I think we have one more year of growing pains, then a push for the playoffs.
Keywords: durant, free agent, nba, okc, salary cap, thunder
