With Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical having suggested on multiple occasions this offseason that the Thunder are looking ahead and identifying Blake Griffin as a potential free agent target in the summer of 2017, it came as no surprise that Griffin was on the receiving end of a subtle – and humorous – recruiting pitch during a recent event at the University of Oklahoma.
As relayed by Kurt Helin of Pro Basketball Talk, Griffin tactfully blew off the mention of the Thunder at the alumni event, but it certainly won’t be the last time someone broaches the idea of a homecoming for the Oklahoma native. For what it’s worth, the Clippers reportedly remain very confident that Griffin will remain in Los Angeles for the long term.
Here’s more on the Thunder:
- In order to complete this week’s acquisition of Joffrey Lauvergne, the Thunder renounced their free agent rights to Nazr Mohammed, according to RealGM’s transactions log. The move comes as no surprise, since even after removing Mohammed from their cap, the Thunder were just barely able to squeeze in Lauvergne’s salary, with about $29K in cap room to spare. Mohammed, an 18-year NBA veteran, isn’t expected to continue his playing career.
- Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman offers a couple reasons why the Thunder might have traded for Lauvergne despite already having plenty of frontcourt depth. As Tramel writes, Oklahoma City may not be counting on Mitch McGary, who took a leave of absence last season and has been suspended for five games due to a drug violation. Tramel also wonders if Enes Kanter might be on the trade block.
- In a piece for the Players’ Tribune, Serge Ibaka writes about his journey to the NBA and what he learned during his years with the Thunder. Ibaka wrote in a separate piece earlier this week that he “never asked” to be traded by OKC, though he’s excited about his new opportunity in Orlando.
It’s University of Oklahoma not Oklahoma University
Yes it is, thanks.