Veteran big Mike Muscala expressed his appreciation to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the end of last season. Despite the team turning to its younger players, Muscala returned this offseason.
The team announced Thursday that the contract is a multi-year deal, and on Saturday, specific details of the contract broke.
Muscala’s new deal for the Thunder is for two years, $7 million with a team option on the second season, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Last season was the best of Muscala’s career, as the center averaged career-bests 9.7 points and 1.9 made 3-pointers per game. He shot 37% from deep, a touch above his career average, and his 3.8 rebounds per game was his best since 2017-18.
However, as the Thunder turned to its young players and shut down Al Horford, Muscala was also relegated to the bench.
Despite the lack of playing time over the second half of the season, Muscala was eager to stay in Oklahoma City.
It is unclear what Muscala’s role will be this season with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Isaiah Roby, Darius Bazley, Derrick Favors and Muscala among players on OKC who can play both the power forward and center positions.
The eight-year veteran’s leadership can help the team even if he is not on the court often.
