What Dion Waiters does over the next few weeks will be one of the more interesting storylines to follow in free agency. And it sounds like he will have some options.
According to NBA reporter Michael Scotto, the Sacramento Kings and Philadelphia 76ers will have interest in Waiters:
The Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings have interest in Oklahoma City Thunder restricted free agent Dion Waiters, per league sources.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 28, 2016
Waiters is a restricted free agent, which means the Oklahoma City Thunder will have a chance to match any contract offer he receives.
Waiters was the No. 4 overall draft pick by the Cavs in 2014 but has spent the past two seasons with the Thunder. The shooting guard showed improvement from behind the arc last season, shooting 35.8 percent on threes. His shooting percentages were even better in the playoffs, and he also offered solid defense.
The question is whether the Thunder will match offers he receives considering they just acquired Victor Oladipo from the Magic in the Serge Ibaka trade. Waiters would likely come off the bench if OKC brings him back, but he would be a key piece for the Thunder as they make another title run.
If Waiters signs an offer sheet for somewhere in the $12-16 million range, that might be too much for OKC to handle, but that depends on how highly other teams value him. It’s a situation that will certainly be one to watch.
