The Oklahoma City Thunder are officially on the clock. They’ve been on the clock since their season ended with a Russell Westbrook-led squad falling just short of the playoffs. That clock is ticking toward the start of another season where OKC hopes injuries don’t derail its title aspirations. It’s ticking toward next summer, when Kevin Durant becomes a free agent.
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But most immediately, the clock is ticking toward the 72-hour mark, when the Thunder have to decide whether or not to match a four-year, $70 million max offer for restricted free agent Enes Kanter.
According to Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman, general manager Sam Presti is planning on matching the Portland Trail Blazers’ offer to retain Kanter, despite the massive luxury tax implications.
Was able to catch up with Sam Presti. His comment on the reported Enes Kanter offer sheet: pic.twitter.com/bNjcjKGoJh
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 9, 2015
The question is, should Presti be so gung-ho about re-signing the young Turk? Since the Thunder will likely make the Blazers sweat it out all the way until they have to act on Sunday — thereby tying up Portland’s cap space for three days — we might as well explore whether OKC’s inevitable decision to match Enes Kanter’s max offer is the right one.
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