Looking at the OKC Thunder's Options for the Final Roster Spot
An open roster spot at this point in the season can give a team immense flexibility.
That is the situation the Oklahoma City Thunder are in after waiving Aleksej Pokusevski on Friday. Although the 15th player on the roster is unlikely to be a significant contributor, having someone who could play if needed is important.
This was Pokusevski’s fourth season after the Thunder drafted him in the first round in 2020. After playing only 10 games, it was clear Pokusevski was not in the Thunder’s plans for the rest of this season and beyond.
By going down to 14 standard contracts, Oklahoma City is in a familiar situation. After trading for Gordon Hayward at the trade deadline, Oklahoma City had two open roster spots.
With those two spots, the Thunder tried both of the likeliest routes for their new opening.
First, Oklahoma City converted Lindy Waters III from a two-way contract to a standard deal. Then, the team signed Bismack Biyombo out of free agency for the rest of the season.
With another open spot, the Thunder could keep things within the organization and call up another two-way player for a full NBA deal. That decision would likely be between the two-way players who have played for the team this season: Olivier Sarr and Keyontae Johnson.
Although they addressed the backup center position with Biyombo, Sarr had promising stretches early this season. However, Johnson is a more well-rounded player who has starred in the G League this season, potentially making him the frontrunner if the team goes that direction.
The Thunder could also sign a free agent, but it would likely be someone who is not yet available. The buyout market will be in full swing as the month ends.
To be eligible for the playoffs, buyout candidates must be free agents before March 1. The Thunder might have their eyes on someone who could be in the market already, but those players are often minimal contributors.
There have been a few exceptions in the Thunder’s history who have played critical roles for the team. Derek Fisher in 2012, Caron Butler in 2014 and Corey Brewer in 2018 produced some of the best results a team could ask for from buyout players.
Oklahoma City is unlikely to fill the final roster spot with someone who cracks the regular rotation, but signing someone who can have a positive impact in some way is the ideal outcome.
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