OKC Thunder: 3 Point guards the team should consider signing this summer

Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Clippers

When it comes to point guards, the Oklahoma City Thunder currently have the best depth in the NBA. Starting guard Russell Westbrook has just averaged a triple-double for a third consecutive season, whereas his backup Dennis Schroder was widely heralded as the 2018/19 season's best reserve playmaker.

Billy Donovan's has also been able to call upon the veteran Raymond Felton, who has impressed when called upon during his two-year spell in Oklahoma City.

However, while Westbrook is likely to see out the remainder of his career in Oklahoma City, both Felton and Schroder have been linked with summer exits. Felton is an upcoming free agent, and at 35, it is questionable if he will extend his career. Meanwhile, despite his impressive performances, Schroder has been linked with a departure due to the two years remaining his four-year, $70 million contract.

This leaves the Thunder facing the possibility of losing both reserve point guards this summer, and they will need to bring in a new back up. There are plenty of capable guards hitting free agency this summer, and here are three that could make an impact from the bench.


#3 Rajon Rondo

Los Angeles Lakers v Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers v Los Angeles Clippers

During the 18/19 campaign, Rajon Rondo showed his willingness to come off the bench. The 33-year-old had been a starter for the majority of his career, although he accepted the task of playing backup to Lonzo Ball. Due to injuries, Rondo also started 29 times, averaging 9.2 points, 8.0 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game.

However, the Lakers are believed to be looking at adding a new All-Star point guard this summer, and Rondo's future in LA is in doubt. His current $9 million one-year deal will be too much for the OKC to take on, although if the veteran lowers his wage demands, he could provide adequate backup to Westbrook.

#2 Terry Rozier

Boston Celtics v Washington Wizards
Boston Celtics v Washington Wizards

Following an underwhelming season, Terry Rozier will become a restricted free agent later this summer. Just 12 months ago, Rozier was leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals, however, he has this season fallen behind a fully fit Kyrie Irving, and when on the court, Rozier has struggled for any sort of consistency.

Irving could leave the Celtics this summer, although Boston may opt to pursue another free agent rather than promote Rozier to the starting lineup. This would leave Rozier frustrated once again, and while the Thunder can't offer him a starting berth, they could utilize Rozier in a similar way to Dennis Schroder.

If Rozier was to join the Thunder, he would be likely to play at least 30 minutes per night, in addition to having the opportunity to close out games. At 25, he is also still young enough to eventually replace Russell Westbrook (30).

#1 Derrick Rose

Minnesota Timberwolves v Dallas Mavericks
Minnesota Timberwolves v Dallas Mavericks

Injury and fitness issues restricted Derrick Rose to just 51 appearances during the 18/19 season, although the former MVP managed to hit his best form in more than five years. In his first start of the season, Rose scored a career-high 50 points, and he continued to enjoy a series of notable performances over the course of the campaign.

However, Rose's performances were not enough to guide the Timberwolves to the postseason, and the franchise is potentially looking at a rebuild this summer. At 30, Rose seems willing to embrace his role as a sixth man, and his addition to the OKC bench would be a major statement.

Following his resurgent season, Rose may expect to command more than a minimum salary, although it is unlikely that he will earn more than $5 million for the 19/20 season. The Thunder should be able to afford this, and his arrival would help to fill the gap of a Schroder exit.

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