Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 players set to leave the team this summer

The Oklahoma City look set to be a contender for the foreseeable future. Paul George's decision to sign a long-term deal with the franchise last summer leaves the Thunder with two proven All-Stars at the peak of their powers -- whereas many also view Steven Adams as a potential third star.

However, the Thunder are already well into the luxury tax, and with major free agent additions looking unlikely, the team will need to trade away members of the current roster in order to bring in new talent. The Thunder's plans for the summer are also complicated by key players signed to expiring contracts.

So, as we head towards the offseason, here are three members of the OKC roster who are unlikely to be turning out for the team on opening night of the 19/20 season.

#3 Patrick Patterson

Patterson's stint with the Thunder hasn't been a home run

During his two seasons in Oklahoma City, Patrick Patterson has failed to nail down a regular spot in Billy Donovan's rotation. Patterson is still a competent NBA player, however, OKC has always been a bad fit for the former Raptors man, and it is fair to say the veteran is enduring the worst season of his career.

Patterson is averaging just 3.7 points and 2.4 rebounds on 37.4 percent shooting and 33.6 percent from three -- and he is also averaging a career-low 13.9 minutes per game. During his spell in Toronto, 2-Pat made an excellent impact from the bench, but with the Thunder, he has struggled to knock down open threes and his confidence looks to have taken a major hit.

The 30-year-old is expected to opt into the final year of his contract, netting him $5.7 million for the 19/20 season, although paying this sort of money to Patterson in his current role makes little sense -- leaving the Thunder likely to put him on the trade market.

#2 Nerlens Noel

The Thunder will be keen to retain Noel, although he is likely to attract interest from rival teams

Nerlens Noel has acted as Steven Adams' backup this season, and despite playing less than 15 minutes per game, the former Mavericks man has made quite the impact. The 25-year-old is averaging 4.9 points and 4.3 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks, and his acquisition last summer has been widely acclaimed as one of the best signings of the season.

The center has a player-option to opt out of the remaining year of his deal, and Noel will likely be seeking a much larger salary than the minimum contract that he is currently signed to.

The Kentucky product has previously turned down a four-year, $70 million contract from the Mavericks due to his belief that he could earn more, and unfortunately for the Thunder, Noel is all but set to move on this summer.

#1 Dennis Schroder

Dennis Schroder is among the Thunder's highest earners

Dennis Schroder joined the Thunder last summer as part of the trade that ended Carmelo Anthony's one-year spell with the franchise. Upon signing for OKC, the German had spent much of his career as a starter -- although Schroder has embraced his bench role, making a major impact to the Thunder's season.

In recent years, OKC has crumbled whenever Westbrook has headed to the bench, although Schroder's ability to both score and find teammates has resulted in a much more capable second unit.

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old still has two seasons remaining on the four-year, $70 million deal he signed with the Hawks, and trading Schroder would allow the Thunder to improve other parts of their roster.

Admittedly, Schroder's contract will be difficult to move, however, Sam Presti is a man who regularly pulls off the impossible, and the German is unlikely to remain with the team this summer.