3 reasons why Nerlens Noel will leave the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer

After playing one season of college basketball with the University of Kentucky, Nerlens Noel declared himself for the 2013 NBA Draft. Due to a series of impressive performances for the UK, Noel was tipped by many to be the number one pick of the draft, although he was ultimately selected at number six.

During his first five years in the NBA, Noel spent time with both the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks, although injuries restricted the center to just 158 starts. After his contract expired, Noel headed to the Thunder last summer and the former lottery pick has impressed from the bench - averaging 4.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Few would argue against the fact that Noel has been a great addition to the OKC bench, although the 25-year-old can opt out of the final year of his existing deal this summer - and here are three reasons why he could be set to depart them:

#3 Lack of playing opportunities

Noel has found it difficult to get minutes due to Steven Adams' presence in the Thunder team

Noel has played well whenever he has been called upon this season, however, despite a string of impressive performances from the bench, he is still averaging just 13 minutes per game. Upon signing for the Thunder, Noel was aware that he would play back up to Steven Adams, although he may be slightly disappointed at how little time he has spent on the court.

Billy Donovan has been extremely reluctant to have Noel and Adams on the court at the same time, leaving Noel to exclusively play the minutes that the big Kiwi is resting. At 25, Noel is entering his prime years and the former lottery pick may be unhappy at spending another year glued to the bench.

#2 He can opt of his deal

Nerlens Noel was a highly coveted free-agent last season, and the Thunder eventually beat off competition from a number of rivals to sign the center on a two-year minimum deal. The Thunder's ability to secure the center's signature was widely applauded, although only the first year of his deal is guaranteed - as Noel has a player option for the 19/20 NBA campaign.

Since being drafted as the sixth overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013, Noel has established himself as a consistent performer and after a season where he has proven his return to fitness in Oklahoma, the sensible option for him personally is to test his value on the free-agent market.

The Thunder are unable to offer Noel a long-term deal due to their lack of cap space and should he be offered a three or four-year contract elsewhere, the prospect of him remaining in OKC looks bleak.

#1 Chasing a bigger salary

Nerlens Noel is currently signed to a minimum contract

In an NBA flooded with hugely overpriced contracts, Noel's deal stands out as a rarity. The center is currently signed to a minimum salary, which is an absolute steal when considering the impact that Noel provides.

Yet, Noel is known to be looking to sign a much larger deal, and back in 2017, the then 23-year-old turned down a $70 million extension from the Dallas Mavericks in order to test his value the following year. Noel's plans didn't turn out well, as he ended up signing his current minimum deal with the Thunder, however, Noel is likely to try again this summer.

While Noel is unlikely to get offered anywhere near the $70m from two years ago, it's reasonable to suggest that a team will offer Noel much better terms than what he currently earns with the Thunder.