A look at potential free-agent bargains Shelvin Mack, PG
Whether it’s via opt-outs, team options declined or outright releases, the Thunder and other cash-strapped teams will have plenty of bargains to go after in free agency.
Mack was on a nonguaranteed deal to make $6 million this season, but will reportedly be waived by Orlando. He could be a minimum contract candidate or picked up for less than the taxpayer’s mid-level ($5.3 million) as a comparable replacement for Raymond Felton if Felton isn’t re-signed.
Thaddeus Young, PF
After a solid year in Indiana, Young will reportedly decline a $13.8 million player option. With few teams having the cap space to pay Young that number in annual salary, he could be seeking more years at a lower annual rate, like the $8.6 million non-taxpayer’s mid-level exception or the taxpayer’s mid-level.
Rudy Gay, PF/SF
In one season in San Antonio, Gay proved he can still play after coming off an Achilles injury. But he won’t get more annually than the $8.8 million per season he’s reportedly opting out of. He might be looking for a change of scenery, a smaller deal on a contender like Golden State or Houston, or more years. Visited OKC in free agency last summer.
Kyle O’Quinn, C/PF
O’Quinn might even re-sign with the Knicks, but is one of the few mid- to lower-tier caliber free agents who could get even more than the $4.2 million he opted out of.
Lance Stephenson, G
The Pacers will decline Stephenson’s $4.3 million option, meaning the spontaneous yet talented combo guard will be back on the market at 27 years old. Problem: Like Young and Gay, Stephenson can’t shoot 3’s (career 30.3 percent from 3).