In free agency, the Oklahoma City Thunder may want to add size and versatility.
The Oklahoma City Thunder did not select a center in the 2024 NBA Draft, which is perfectly OK. Given the alternatives, the team can now seek for a wanted, proven center to back up Chet Holmgren and add to the rotation, if they choose to add a center at all.
With free agency approaching, those with player or team options will need to decide whether or not to enter the open market. Jalen Smith, the Indiana Pacers’ big man, opted out of his player option on Friday, making him a free agent next week.
Could the Thunder pursue Smith as an unrestricted free agent? The 24-year-old big man recently completed his second season with the Pacers after being moved midway through the 2021-22 season. He appeared in 61 games, making 14 starts, averaging 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He averaged 17.2 minutes each contest.
One area where the Thunder might improve is at power forward, particularly after trading Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso. Sure, Giddey was a guard, but he was the fifth starter, and the move reduced the team’s size.
Smith chose not to play in the playoffs in the last year of his three-year contract, which paid him little more than $5 million per year. Looking for a new team? There is a chance to crack the rotation in Oklahoma City.
Smith attempted 2.4 3-pointers a game as a bench player, converting on 42 percent of them. During free agency, the 6-foot-10 forward may open up the floor and bring size to the Thunder rotation at a low cost.
If the Thunder chase big players in free agency and are unsuccessful, Smith could be a unique option in Oklahoma City.
