OKC Thunder: Grading their signings in NBA free agency

OKC Thunder free agency signing No. 2: Derrick Favors

For the second time in three seasons, the Utah Jazz shipped Derrick Favors out after signing him to a deal. The last time they sent him the New Orleans Pelicans and they received two future second-round picks in return. This time the OKC Thunder extracted a 2024 first-round pick as well, only. They only gave up cash and a future second-round pick.

What the Thunder received in return is a savvy veteran frontcourt player who can play both the power forward and center positions. He is the only player on the squad with more than 10 years of experience and this is going to be of such benefit to the Thunder as they rebuild.

The second season of his contract with the Thunder is a player option. It is unlikely at this stage of his career that he will exercise that option and he will make himself a free agent at the end of the 2022 season. This will suit the Thunder’s needs well as they may be looking to sign a big-name free agent to hasten their rebuild.

In the meantime, the Thunder have two options for Favors. They will either play him until the end of the season, or they will trade him for more future assets. These could be in the form of more draft picks or young players, either way, Sam Presti will manage to get something at the trade deadline if he tries.

Grade: A