Mar 24, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jevon Carter (5) on then sideline against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports
After a surprising play-in appearance, the Oklahoma City Thunder will look to build on their momentum this offseason. Here are the free agents they need.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a great position. Their young roster was unexpectedly competitive last season, finishing with the 10th-best record in the Western Conference. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made the All-NBA First Team after averaging 31.4 points per game. In addition, 2022 second-overall pick Chet Holmgren is set to make his debut next season.
The Thunder can potentially open up to $36.9 million in cap space, per Spotrac. So, they will have plenty of options on the table.
Let’s break down three ideal free-agent targets for the Thunder this offseason.
Must-have free agents for the Oklahoma City Thunder: 3. PG Jevon Carter
Carter would be a perfect fit at backup point guard for the Thunder. The team does really not need another primary playmaker with Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey on the roster, and Carter is comfortable playing off the ball. With the Milwaukee Bucks, he played alongside Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Furthermore, his strengths check all the right boxes for the Thunder. He can space the floor, as he shot 42.1 percent from deep last season. Additionally, he is a terrific on-ball defender. He packs a lot of strength into his 6’2″ frame and plays with toughness. According to Cleaning the Glass, he ranked in the 81st percentile in opponent effective field goal percentage last season.
Carter would be an excellent veteran addition.