OKC Thunder News: 3 players the Oklahoma City Thunder should bring back this summer

When the Oklahoma City Thunder signed Paul George to a huge multi-year deal last summer, the organization lost a lot of flexibility in both future trade and free-agency markets. The addition of George on a four-year deal left the Thunder with one of the highest payrolls in NBA history, and due to the luxury tax rule, OKC will struggle to compete with rival teams this summer.

This means that Sam Presti and the Thunder need to get creative this summer, and it is possible that the organization will try to use previously established relationships with ex-players. Due to constant roster changes, the NBA is currently crawling with former OKC men, and here we will look at the three most likely to return to Oklahoma City this summer.

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#3 Alex Abrines

Alex Abrines was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder back in 2013

After missing much of the season through personal issues, Alex Abrines was released by the Thunder last month. The decision was described as mutual, with both parties agreeing that Abrines should prioritize getting his personal affairs in order. Amidst his departure, Abrines voluntary gave up the remaining money that he was owed for the season, a move that will reportedly save the Thunder more than $10 million in luxury tax. Evidently, Abrines and the Thunder parted on good terms, and there have already been rumors that the 25-year-old could return to the organization in the summer.

Before being affected by his personal issues, Abrines was enjoying the best start to a season of his career, and back in November, the shooting guard dropped 25 points against the Charlotte Hornets. Ultimately, Abrines still has the potential to become a crucial member of Billy Donovan's rotation, and if the Thunder can convince Abrines to take a pay cut from his previous deal, a deal is worth exploring this summer.

#2 Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter spent two years with the Oklahoma City Thunder

Enes Kanter will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the Turkish center has already been linked with a return to Oklahoma City. Kanter previously represented the Thunder between 2015 and 2017, and during this period, the 26-year-old was OKC's primary source of points from the bench. Kanter was traded to the Knicks in 2017 as part of the trade that took Carmelo Anthony to the Thunder, although the center has since spoken of his lasting admiration for the OKC franchise.

Nerlens Noel has impressed as OKC's backup center this season, although the 24-year-old is likely to opt out of the second year of his contract this summer in order to seek a bigger payday, and this leaves the door open for a Kanter return. Nevertheless, a return will depend on Kanter's willingness to take a huge pay cut on the $18.6 million salary that he was earning from the Knicks before being waived earlier this year.

#1 Corey Brewer

Corey Brewer played 18 times for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season

Since leaving the Thunder last summer, Corey Brewer has struggled to find a permanent home, although the veteran wing was recently signed by the Sacramento Kings on a short-term deal until the end of the season. While the Thunder would have been wise to use one of their remaining roster spots on Brewer for the remainder of this season, there is still no reason why the team shouldn't discuss bringing Brewer back for the 19/20 season.

While Brewer is advancing in years having turned 33 earlier this month, there are still few players around the NBA that offer more energy and hustle than the former Timberwolves man. Brewer has also developed his game by improving his shooting from beyond the arc, and the veteran will almost certainly be available on a veterans deal. Ultimately, Brewer and the Thunder were a great match in 2018, and Sam Presti should explore a summer reunion.