Oklahoma City Thunder: Complete grades for the 2019 NBA offseason
By Alec Liebsch
Nerlens Noel re-signs
Far from an earth-shattering move, the Oklahoma City Thunder were in a position of “why not?” when retaining Nerlens Noel for another year.
Getting him for a one-year minimum helps the team find an easy trade partner for him come the deadline, and it also gives Noel flexibility to hit the market next summer.
Noel hasn’t lived up to his status as the No. 6 overall pick from the 2013 Draft, but he’s still a productive player who averaged 12.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per 36 minutes last season. If he can exhibit more discipline this season, a contender will be sure to trade for him.
Defensive discipline has been an issue for Noel since entering the league, as he hunts for steals a little more than most coaches would like. But as an energy big off the bench, he can cater to his strengths as a finisher and athletic shot blocker who won’t get roasted on switches.
Getting assets for a “why not?” contract would be awesome for the Thunder. At worst, he fizzles out and they let him walk into next summer with no strings attached.