OKC Thunder Rumors: Chris Paul could join the Dallas Mavericks, Nerlens Noel to the Lakers and more

#2 Justin Patton's deal put the Thunder back in the luxury tax

Justin Patton was selected 16th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft

Earlier this week, the Thunder announced the surprise signing of Justin Patton. The 22-year-old was drafted 16th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves back in 2017 but played just once for the team during an injury-disrupted season. Patton went on to link up with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 18-19 season but made just four appearances, spending much of the year in the G-League.

It's fair to say Patton has yet to make much of an impact in the league, although ESPN's Royce Young is reporting the Thunder were willing to go back into the luxury tax to sign the youngster.

On the Thunder signing Justin Patton today, it's a three-year deal worth $5.3m, according to league sources. This year has $700k guaranteed, year two is non-guaranteed and year three has a team option. He brings the roster to 14 and actually puts OKC back over the tax by $921k.

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) August 13, 2019

Patton will compete for minutes at center with the experienced duo of Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel, though it's difficult to envision the Georgia native ending the season in Oklahoma City.