There are three major reasons the Oklahoma City Thunder can’t make a big splash in NBA free agency like the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics or the Miami Heat: Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams.
All three have large contracts, though the Thunder have no reason to part with the face of the franchise in Westbrook or George, a 2019 MVP and Defensive Player of the Year candidate — both of which are talents any team in the league could benefit from adding.
Adams is a different story. Although the forceful big man has a commanding presence in the paint and partners up well with Westbrook off the pick and roll, multiple reports have indicated the Thunder are looking to shop the traditionally-styled center.
The Celtics and Sacramento Kings reportedly had interest in Adams at one point, though the rumors have not manifested into a deal. And it looks like one team has been taken off the list of potential suitors. According to Mike Fisher of CBS 247 Sports and 105.3 The Fan, the Dallas Mavericks will not attempt to make a move at acquiring Oklahoma City’s center.
The Mavericks were among the teams who could afford to take on Adams’ contract ($25.8 million in 2019-20 and $27.5 in 2020-21) entering NBA free agency, according to calculations from RealGM cap expert Keith Smith.
