The Big Trades Begin

Even if that man was Westbrook, who had once voluntarily given up the Rose Clause.

In other words, Westbrook had chosen to give up the Rose Clause, yet the team still hadn't made any effective additions.

So, of course, Westbrook had every reason to choose not to take a pay cut...

All things considered, it would probably take some time to see how Westbrook's contract negotiations with the Thunder would ultimately turn out.

But in the meantime, there was no reason they couldn't make other moves in parallel~~

August 2.

The Oklahoma Thunder announced they would exercise the team option for the fourth year of Alexander's Rookie Contract, worth $5.5 million.

Whatever the case, they would at least enjoy another year of SGA's Rookie Contract benefits.

It had to be said: Alexander's Rookie Contract was also a major factor in the Thunder's dynasty being built.

He was earning four or five million a year, yet contributing as much to the team as a player making thirty million.

It was an absolute steal.

By exercising SGA's team option for the final year, the Thunder had also effectively eased their salary pressure.

Though they'd merely shifted that pressure to next summer~~

August 5.

The Thunder announced once again that they would exercise Nicolas Batum's team option for the final year of his contract, worth $4 million.

Pajamis's contract was also a fantastic deal.

They'd gotten an all-around forward for just $4 million a year.

Meanwhile, as the Thunder worked to keep their roster intact, the other teams naturally weren't sitting idle.

The Nets, for example, quickly re-signed Bruce Brown, who had played an important role the previous season, and added forward James Johnson on a Minimum Contract.

It was a small addition while keeping the roster intact.

The newly crowned champions, the