another solid move by the thunder. I've always thought highly of Etan. Assuming his heart stuff is fully behind him, he is an above-average backup in this league imo. They also managed to pick up 1-2 draft picks, unload Chucky when they already have Westbrook and Watson--maybe they pick up a minimum salaried guy or D league guy as a 3rd string emergency PG. And they got some value for Wilkins. Harden will probably be taking any minutes that Wilkins would have hoped for Loving the Thunder... gonna hate when they get good enough to be a rival of a good Rockets team
So like, does Minnesota even HAVE a plan anymore, or are they just making trades left and right without really thinking of the consequences? I really don't understand what they're doing over there.
It balances their roster. They had no real backups at the 1 to 3. OKC didn't trade for Thomas because he's an asset, they just want the extra roster. Both teams got what they wanted out of this.
Cool to see Etan coming back home to Oklahoma. He should fit in well and add a veteran presence to OKC.
A decent move. Before his injury, Etan showed some potential. A new scenario would probably do wonders for his career.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/w...rksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsZ It appears Atkins will be waived. So the T-Wolves cut $3.8 million at the cost of two 2nd rounders. Not bad considering what it took Morey to salary dump Francis's contract.
I agree. IMO Presti and Morey are the two best GM's in the league. They are very well-rounded in their GM skills.. Both love the stats, still understand the game, and don't allow their obsession with stats to interfere with the coach's strategy or the team's finances, etc. Very very good honestly. OKC is slowly but surely building a Western powerhouse, the peak of which will coincide with Durant's prime years.
Chucky Atkins' contract is partially guaranteed. It says 4 mil but it's really like 800k if you waive him before a certain date. It's a very valuable contract that Minnesota can flip for another player or just simply save money on.
“We are pleased to welcome Etan Thomas to the Thunder family,” said Presti. “Etan adds experience and depth to our front court as well as a defensive mentality and competitiveness that we value.” ^Presti said it himself they expect Etan to contribute. I do too, assuming his heart problems are behind him Etan is a decent backup big. Man how good is this OKC team gonna be? If I were them I'd be looking to upgrade the pf spot by trading Jeff Green+filler for Anthony Randolph...
Whatelse do you expect him to say? It's just PR. Weeks leading up to this trade the talk was all about roster spots/creating an extra roster spot.
