Paul reacts to WNBA agreement

The WNBA and its players' union reached a groundbreaking agreement Tuesday that will increase player pay by 53%, according to the league.

The proposal, which still has to be passed by the board of governors, also offers enhanced maternity and child- care benefits.

For the first time, according to the league, the average player compensation will exceed six figures. The league's top players will earn more than $500,000 per year, tripling the previous max-salary deals.

Thunder point guard Chris Paul, president of the NBA Players Association, has been passionate in his support of the WNBA.

“It was amazing,” Paul said of the WNBA's deal. “Over the past couple years, Nneka (Ogwumike), I've had an opportunity to talk with her time and time again about what they were hoping to get in that deal … I was just so excited and happy for them as they continue to grow their game.”

Ogwumike, president of the WNBA players' union, plays for the Los Angeles Sparks. She led the Sparks to the 2016 championship and was named MVP that season.

“Even aside from the deal, the thing she was happiest about and proudest of is the engagement they have with players,” Paul said. “That's been the biggest victory for us in our union over the past few years is the engagement we've had from players. That goes beyond words.”

Injury report

Thunder centers Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel will be reevaluated Friday to determine their availability for the Thunder's home game against the Heat.

Adams suffered a right knee contusion in the Thunder's loss to the Raptors on Wednesday.

Thunder coach Billy Donovan said Adams is sore, but Donovan couldn't gauge where Adams is at physically after a light practice Thursday.

Noel has missed the last six games with a left ankle sprain.

“He's progressing in the right way,” Donovan said of Noel. “Obviously he was able to do a lot more today, running around and stuff.”

Mike Muscala played 31 minutes Wednesday night with the Thunder thin at center. He scored a season-high 17 points.

Thunder guard Abdel Nader, who's also dealing with a left ankle sprain, was out Wednesday. Donovan didn't have an updated timetable Thursday for Nader's return.