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#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.
