OKC shooting guard Dion Waiters is eligible to sign a rookie scale extension prior to the deadline this fall. The Thunder are reportedly open to extending the 23-year-old’s deal if he would do so at a discounted rate, something that Waiters might not be too keen on, especially given the impending salary cap jump next offseason. Further complicating matters is that Waiters is coming off a poor statistical season that saw him post career lows in points (11.8), assists (2.0), overall field goal percentage (39.6%), and three point shooting percentage (29.7%).
To be fair to Waiters, his production was likely affected by the Cavs’ multitude of roster additions, as well as by the trade that landed him in Oklahoma City, though few would argue that he was at his best during the 2014/15 campaign. Unfortunately for Waiters and his agent, Rob Pelinka, the decline in the guard’s numbers won’t aid them at the negotiating table this offseason.
This brings me to the topic/question of the day: Should the Thunder sign Dion Waiters to a rookie scale extension? If so, then what sort of deal would be fair for both sides?
Waiters is set to earn $5,138,430 this season, and if he doesn’t ink an extension he’ll be eligible to become a restricted free agent next Summer, provided that the Thunder tender him a qualifying offer worth $6,777,589. It’s unknown just how much Waiters’ camp will be looking for on his next contract, and if it is anywhere near the ballpark of a maximum salary request, the two sides will likely have difficulty reaching an accord since the franchise has more pressing financial concerns, namely the upcoming free agency of Kevin Durant next offseason followed by Russell Westbrook in 2017.
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on whether or not the Thunder should sign Waiters to an extension prior to the deadline. Would the franchise be better served to see how he performs this season? That would risk him hitting restricted free agency during an offseason when numerous teams should have ample available cap space. If you don’t believe he’s worth extending, tell us why you feel that way. If you agree that OKC should pony up the cash and lock up Waiters on an extension, chime in with what length and terms you believe would be warranted. We look forward to what you have to say.
Note: Since these Shootarounds are meant to be guided by you the reader, we certainly welcome your input on the topics we present. If there is something you’d like to see pop up here for a discussion, shoot us a message at hoopsrumorsmailbag@gmail.com.
Dion Waiters is the worst type of player – a high-volume, inefficient player on a team that actually has high-volume, very efficient players. An NBA team would be better off with a less skilled player who actually knew his limitations and was low volume than they would be with Waiters.
I strongly believe that OKC’s misguided investment of assets/money into him, as well as Enes Kanter, will eventually lead to all three of their current stars leaving for greener pastures (Durant after this season, and then Ibaka/Westbrook the following year).
They put themselves in a bad position. After trading for Kanter, they felt they had to keep him, but as an offense-only center, he isn’t worth what they had to pay. The Thunder could have had a potential decade-long dynasty if they had been a little smarter with salary decisions.
Waiters is a better player than he showed this past season, and I think Billy Donovan has a chance to really reach him this year in a way previous coaches haven’t. That said, I still wouldn’t commit any sort of serious money at this point if I were the Thunder. It’s imperative they maintain as much flexibility as possible in case Durant wants to handpick some new teammates or if KD leaves.
I’d personally rather have JR Smith then Dion Waiters. Yet considering Dion’s youth i’d put him at about 6-8 mill a year. I’m not sure if OKC need him though
No, he shouldn’t get a max contract. He still has to prove himself. He should bet on himself like Jimmy Butler