This article from Woj is everything you thought about Russ. It's amazing: http://yhoo.it/2aB4hH7

The line from the article on Russ' feelings about KD: "Durant is deleted." Wow. Not surprising, but incredible to read.

This article from Woj is everything you thought about Russ. It's amazing: http://yhoo.it/2aB4hH7

The line from the article on Russ' feelings about KD: "Durant is deleted." Wow. Not surprising, but incredible to read.

Loved everything about that article.

That doesn't stop him from being traded in the 17-18 season if Presti doesn't think he will stick around... He's not going to risk losing a second player of that caliber to FA while getting nothing in return.

This contract has basically bought us a year... Next year we are in the same boat we were in until this morning.... With that said. I do think it's a win/win for both sides.

Its a fair deal and we really can't be too picky about it. There is little reason for Russ to risk signing a contract longer than that at this point in the game. It gives the Thunder 1 solid year to see how a team built around Westbrook does without immediate fear of him leaving after the season.

This is very cool (from https://twitter.com/KOCOdamonlane):

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpC7mh2UIAE4Aif.jpg

http://nba.cdn.turner.com/nba/big/teams/thunder/2016/08/04/1470324387865-RussRoarContinues160804.mp4-696589-2.576x324.jpg

Gotta love it!

Great responses by Russell Westbrook; he made sure this press conference stayed focus about the Thunder moving forward.

+> It wasn't about <- Kevin Durant.

That doesn't stop him from being traded in the 17-18 season if Presti doesn't think he will stick around... He's not going to risk losing a second player of that caliber to FA while getting nothing in return.

This contract has basically bought us a year... Next year we are in the same boat we were in until this morning.... With that said. I do think it's a win/win for both sides.

Made since for Westbrook to have an option in the third year of his contract, if anything for money reasons. With the CBA potentially changing, the cap increasing, and Westbrook coming up on his 10th year in the league, this was a smart move on his part. Just as good of chance that he opts out in the third year and signs a new long term deal as it is that he leaves at that point.

^^^^^^^^
OKC will have Bird rights when Russ is a free agent; whether it's after an opt-out or after the natural course of his contract. That's not inconsequential and gives the Thunder an easier path than other teams as long as they otherwise tend to business.

It's just super important that they make the right moves, especially during next year's free agency, and that Donovan's new system and the current players continue to gel. The rest will take care of itself at that point.

The scary thing that Russ mentioned today is attracting other players to OKC in free agency. Banking on free agency is risky and what if OKC strikes out (which is likely; most teams do) then does Russ lose confidence in the plan. I mean, this team could struggle some, and end up fighting for a playoff spot in a competitive Western conference.

The good thing is that Russ seems committed to the plan. If this team can win 50 games then I'll feel better about things... If it's closer to 44 then you wonder if Russ will waver.

Anyway, today was a great day and the Thunder have a bit of stability with a young, fun team. I'm really looking forward to the season.

Devon Tower is flashing THANK YOU - RUSS - lightning flash animation tonight.

Everyone has been throwing out the Thunder targeting Blake Griffin, but there's another guy I'd keep an eye on... Kevin Love. From what I know, Love and Russ are still tight from UCLA and I don't think Love really fits in Cleveland. Love is signed through 2019-2020 on a max deal so the Thunder would have to send someone like Kanter and someone else of real value. Love is a limited defender so maybe the Thunder wouldn't do it and the Cavs might find better offers (see the Celtics)... it's obviously super unlikely, but I could see it as being plausible. Or maybe going after Gordon Hayward in free agency... ;) (Guessing about this stuff is fun, but generally pointless)

Kanter is quite the twitter troll.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/08/enes-kanter-thunder-troll-twitter

Not sure if this is going to work out well for the guy, but the Laker one was really funny.

Can someone explain to me why we would want to trade Kanter for someone like Blake Griffin? Blake is obviously an All Star level player, so that's a big one. He's been injured, but hopefully that doesn't become consistent. Kanter, though, is three years younger, is improving by leaps and bounds, can move under the basket and score easily, which is something we need. He works amazingly well with Russ and Adams, but his defense isn't great. I can see the upsides of both players. I personally would love to have both of them, but I know that would be almost impossible with the cap.

Blake is leaps and bounds a better player than Kanter. I really like Kanter, but he's one of the worst defenders in the NBA. Kanter made improvements last season because he might have actually been the very worst defender in the NBA previous to last season. He did make some strides and I'd say now he's just in the bottom 5%. Hopefully he can keep growing because he's an incredible scorer and offensive rebounder... But, because of his defense and limited playmaking, there are playoff series where Kanter is unplayable. For example, he couldn't play against the Warriors because of his liabilities. Right now, he's best used as a 20-25 minute player against second units that he can destroy offensively without his defensive flaws being exposed.

But Blake is just way better in so many facets of the game. He's a good scorer, a fantastic facilitator (which is an important big man skill in today's NBA), and a generally smart player. Blake would make the Thunder a contender again. Kanter is very expendable and he'll be the first guy traded if they Thunder need to clear cap space. In the meantime, hopefully he keeps improving and Donovan finds effective ways to use him.

Yeah, I can't stand Blake I'd literally rather any other player come to OKC.

Yeah, I can't stand Blake I'd literally rather any other player come to OKC.

As Seinfeld said, we cheer for laundry. If Blake came to the Thunder, Thunder fans would forgive him very quickly...

That's great. I wouldn't. Just like I'd hate if Marcus Smart came to the Thunder. I ~*can't stand*~ flopping.

I mean, look at this idiot.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0WK3TlHdXg

Meh. If you actually watch the replays you'll see Festus Ezeli grabs and hold Blake's arm as he's jumping. From the other side it looks like an absurd flop, but when you see the backside it's a dirty play by Ezeli. Then Blake sold it. I've seen a lot worse.

Blake's homegrown, we'd take him in a heartbeat.

He sold it but Festus grabbed him. I wish he would clean up his flop act a bit though.

I actually don't think Blake is among the worst floppers. It's more his incredulous attitude, "smart" dirty plays (see Chris Paul on this), and incredulous whining. The whole Clippers team does all of this, which is why they're so disliked. But, just as far as flopping, I think their are way worse players... Marcus Smart is up near the top of that list.

Shea Serano is always great, but this article on Westbrook/KD is fun. If you want to view the NBA as a movie with a good (Westbrook) and bad (KD) characters then Serano pretty much lays out that narrative (language warning): https://theringer.com/kevin-durant-russell-westbrook-showdown-warriors-thunder-61d12a5e3033#.3vap77lwx

Shea Serano is always great, but this article on Westbrook/KD is fun. If you want to view the NBA as a movie with a good (Westbrook) and bad (KD) characters then Serano pretty much lays out that narrative (language warning): https://theringer.com/kevin-durant-russell-westbrook-showdown-warriors-thunder-61d12a5e3033#.3vap77lwx

I read that earlier today. Had to laugh at a few spots.

"What do you think is going to happen when Durant guards Westbrook?
I think that Russell Westbrook will see that Durant is guarding him and his chest will swell up so quickly and with so much disdain and contempt that he will burst into 1,000 pieces. There will just be chunks of Russell Westbrook everywhere."

Loved it!:D

Blake or Hayward would be great additions IMO.

ESPN: Kevin Durant to visit Oklahoma as member of Warriors in February (http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17247535/oklahoma-city-thunder-host-kevin-durant-february)

Marc Stein
ESPN Senior Writer

The Oklahoma City Thunder are tentatively scheduled to play host to Kevin Durant as a member of the Golden State Warriors for the first time in February, according to league sources.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Thunder's first home date of the season against Durant and the Warriors has been provisionally earmarked for Feb. 11, although changes to the schedule can still be made before the league officially releases the entire 2016-17 schedule, which is expected to happen within the next week.

Durant's first game against Russell Westbrook and the rest of the Thunder is tentatively scheduled in the second week of the season on Nov. 3 in Oakland.

*****

Throckmorton note: February 11, 2017 falls on a Saturday.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Season ticket holder payday. I've watched KD in person at least 200 times; I can stand to stay home for that one. Especially with him in another uni. Go peddle your weakass brand of superstardom somewhere else.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Season ticket holder payday. I've watched KD in person at least 200 times; I can stand to stay home for that one. Especially with him in another uni. Go peddle your weakass brand of superstardom somewhere else.

haha. me too. time to make some $$$!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Season ticket holder payday. I've watched KD in person at least 200 times; I can stand to stay home for that one. Especially with him in another uni. Go peddle your weakass brand of superstardom somewhere else.

Well, or you could just cheer for, you know, that Thunder team. ;)

Seriously though, I've debated whether I want that game or not if I have the choice during my ticket draft (I share season tickets). If the Warriors win then it really will be pretty miserable to watch in person.

Well, or you could just cheer for, you know, that Thunder team. ;)

Seriously though, I've debated whether I want that game or not if I have the choice during my ticket draft (I share season tickets). If the Warriors win then it really will be pretty miserable to watch in person.

Yeah, I've cheered for that Thunder team since I saw all 41 in 2008 and nearly as many every season since, until I started going to a more sane couple of dozen past couple of seasons. I've even traveled to quite a few other cities.

And as you know well, Russ has always been my dude, and I've never been 100% sold on KD's sincerity or effort, so my support hasn't even taken a hit over the KD departure. I just don't give much of a rat's ass for that circus when it comes to town. If we see them in the playoffs I'll make every game.

^^^ ditto ^^^

Yeah, it's going to be a circus... and I am afraid Thunder fans will find far more Warriors jerseys at that game than they'd like...

i made close to $800 profit per ticket to the WCF, will probably list them for around that price as well.

Whats funny is 3 years ago, GSW was a ticket i could barely get my money back for.

Preseason schedule announced:

http://i.imgur.com/r2DPIthl.jpg

I wish they'd have kept a game in Wichita. I'm sure folks in OKC wouldn't mind giving up one preseason game to keep ties with central Kansas. Anyway, I'm glad the Thunder are coming to Dallas for a preseason game. I'll definitely make that one.

I wish they'd have kept a game in Wichita. I'm sure folks in OKC wouldn't mind giving up one preseason game to keep ties with central Kansas. Anyway, I'm glad the Thunder are coming to Dallas for a preseason game. I'll definitely make that one.

I agree, give a game to Wichita or a second game to Tulsa. OKC only needs 1 preseason game

Agreed on the Wichita game.

So which member of OKC Talk is going to purchase KD's big unit in the Deep Deuce? Seems like a pretty attractive valuation at $1.5M.

http://newsok.com/kevin-durant-ready-to-lose-on-another-home-sale-in-oklahoma-city/article/5513213
http://www.trulia.com/property/3241262853-420-NE-2nd-St-Oklahoma-City-OK-73104

Nice place, the elevator is pretty cool. Maybe I'll put an offer in, lol.

How many pictures can you post of the same exact thing? That was tiring to scroll through.

Yeah, it was quite redundant ^

Chris Wright ?

Source: OKC Thunder, forward Chris Wright agree on partial-guaranteed deal. Hes an Israeli League winner, high-flyer, all-around defender.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) August 10, 2016

looks like it might have already sold. it's classified as "off-market" on Zillow as of this morning.

Omg maybe he decided he'll be coming back when he's a free agent again next summer!

^^^^^^^
Please, don't anyone confuse that post for a sincere one. GTFO, KD.

If he's the Chris Wright who use to play for the University of Dayton Flyers; he's definitely a good prospect. He should fit in with the group Presti is building.

Good defensive player!

Ronnie Price -- he's a solid vet. He's probably the third point guard, but he could be insurance if Cameron Payne is out longer than expected after his Jones Facture surgery. I wonder if they were planning on signing Semaj Christon (who played for the Blue and the summer team), but once Payne needed surgey they thought they better go with a vet in case he's out longer. And also, I still haven't seen the signing verified by any of the Thunder guys so it may not be a done deal. Here are his extensive highlights:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UKiLp92QzQ

Done deal.

@ShamsCharania

The Thunder and free agent guard Ronnie Price have finalized a guaranteed two-year, $5 million contract, league sources tell The Vertical.

****************

2016-17 schedule releases in an hour or two.

I like to travel to road games so I hope the schedule offers some good Saturday night road game options. I really want to go to Milwaukee and/or Denver this year. I go to all the games in Dallas and I went to Salt Lake City last season. *fingers crossed*

Milwaukee is awesomeness.

Most underrated US city IMO.

I wish they'd have kept a game in Wichita. I'm sure folks in OKC wouldn't mind giving up one preseason game to keep ties with central Kansas. Anyway, I'm glad the Thunder are coming to Dallas for a preseason game. I'll definitely make that one.

That would have been a great idea for the Minnesota game. A little closer for fans of that team to travel as well.

Anthony Slater ‏@anthonyVslater 8m8 minutes ago

Hearing the four Warriors-Thunder games are as follows: Nov. 3rd and Jan 18th in Oakland, Feb. 11th and March 20th in OKC

************

Fred Katz ‏@FredKatz 2m2 minutes ago

As others have reported, Thunder will play the Cavaliers Feb. 9. Also have the Timberwolves on Christmas.

That means Thunder have the Cavaliers and Warriors in a three-day span before heading into the All-Star break.

*************

Fred Katz ‏@FredKatz 44s44 seconds ago

Serge Ibaka’s return game to Oklahoma City is scheduled for Nov. 13.

**************

Fred Katz ‏@FredKatz 2m2 minutes ago

For those looking to make New Years plans, the Thunder play the Clippers at home on New Years Eve.

Man, that second week in February's gonna be nutso.

Super Bowl LI on Sunday, the 5th. Cavs @ Thunder on Thursday, the 9th. Warriors @ Thunder on Saturday, the 11th.

http://www.nba.com/thunder/schedule

@ Denver Friday November 25 (Black Friday)
@ Milwaukee Monday January 2
@ Denver Sunday April 9

***************

Darnell Mayberry ‏@DarnellMayberry 38s38 seconds ago

The return of...
Ibaka: Nov. 13
Harden: Nov. 16/Dec. 9
Reggie Jackson: Nov. 26
Scott Brooks: Nov. 30
Durant: Feb. 11/March 20

***************

Darnell Mayberry ‏@DarnellMayberry 12m12 minutes ago

Thunder scheduled to appear on national television 30 times.
ABC: 3
TNT: 8
ESPN: 10 times.
NBA TV: Nine (subject to change).

***************

Royce Young ‏@royceyoung 13m13 minutes ago

The Thunder had 24 national TV games between ABC, ESPN and TNT last season. They have 21 this season.




https://i.imgur.com/NlJqUOJ.jpg

Clippers on New Years Eve is a nice upgrade from the Suns every year. ;) Someone put together a NYE party to start recruiting Blake back home.

You can download the full schedule to your calendar at the link below:

http://www.nba.com/thunder/download

Preseason schedule announced:

http://i.imgur.com/r2DPIthl.jpg

Are they playing soccer or basketball on Oct. 5?

Are they playing soccer or basketball on Oct. 5?

It's a new sport called Socketball. ;)

If he's the Chris Wright who use to play for the University of Dayton Flyers; he's definitely a good prospect. He should fit in with the group Presti is building.

Good defensive player!

Yes, he played for Dayton, then GSW and Milwaukee Bucks.

Yes, he played for Dayton, then GSW and Milwaukee Bucks.

He was diagnosed with MS a few years ago and has continued to play basketball at a professional level, which is impressive in itself. I'm curious if that would pass the Thunder's medical eval.

I would think the Thunder would be fully up on his medical issues before negotiating with him. He has been successfully playing professionally already... But the Thunder roster is actually full right now so barring a trade (or even if there is one), there's also a good chance that Chris Wright's deal is just to place him on the Blue, not the Thunder.

Taken from Betts website (Oklahoma City Thunderfans.com): http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/index.php

Enes Kanter on Twitter

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cp8lyG3W8AAvCdC.jpg
Good illustration: From L to R:

#2 Anthony Morrow, #5 Victor Oladipo, #12 Steven Adams, #0 Russell Westbrook, #11 Enes Kanter, # Unidentified - Andre Roberson?, #8 Alex Abrines

These guys will be extra energized when the Thunder meet the Golden State Warriors. Think about it, the game will be in Oakland. What have they got to lose?