Trending News|July 15, 2015 09:08 EDT
NBA Free Agency News: Oklahoma City Thunder Match $70 Million Contract for Kanter
The Oklahoma City Thunder have decided to match the $70 million maximum contract offer sheet restricted free agent center Enes Kanter signed with the Protland Trail Blazers, Yahoo Sports reports.
As noted by the report, Thunder manager Sam Presti informed the Blazers of his decision Sunday night. Kanter flew to Portland on Thursday to sign the offer sheet, which was emailed later that afternoon to the Thunder. The deal includes a player option on the fourth year and a 15 percent trade kicker bonus.
Citing league sources, Yahoo Sports says that the Thunder offered a four-year $62 million deal to the 23-year-old before Kanter signed the $70 million offer sheet.
Kanter averaged 15.5 points, 8.9 rebounds in 75 games last season.
In Denver, forward Wilson Chandler signed a four-year, $46 million extension with the Nuggets. As pointed out by Yahoo Sports, Chandler had one year left on his contract, and the new deal would prevent him from joining the free agent class of 2016, when an influx of new television money is expected to raise the salary cap significantly.
The 28-year-old averaged 13.9 points and 6.1 rebounds in 78 games for the Nuggets last season.
In Portland, the Blazers continue their rebuild in the post-LaMarcus Aldridge era, acquiring forward Moe Harkless in a trade with the Orlando Magic. Portland will send a future second round pick for the 22-year-old.
The Blazers have stacked up on young players following Aldridge's decision to leave, adding Mason Plumlee, Noah Vonleh, Ed Davis and Al-Farouq Aminu.
In Los Angeles, the Clippers and free agent guard Austin Rivers have reached an agreement on a two-year $6.4 million deal that brings back the combo guard for another season.
The Clippers acquired Rivers in a midseason trade with the Boston Celtics. The 23-year-old averaged 7.1 points and 1.7 assist in 41 games for the Clippers.