The Oklahoma City Thunder have locked up center Steven Adams and guard Victor Oladipo to four-year contract extensions reportedly worth $100 million and $84 million, respectively, before the midnight deadline on Monday.
Sources: OKC engaged with Steven Adams, Victor Oladipo reps on rookie extension talks. Discussing Adams $100M-range, Oladipo $80M-range.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) October 30, 2016
With the departure of Kevin Durant for the Golden State Warriors, the Oklahoma City Thunder are reshaping the roster around Russell Westbrook and were keen on keeping Steven Adams and Victor Oladipo from drifting to restricted free agency, according to ESPN. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder weren't able to close an extension deal with guard Andre Roberson, who consequently will become a restricted free agent next summer.
The Oklahoma City Thunder were grooming to chase big names such as Blake Griffin in free agency next summer. However, getting the necessary cap space to do so after the big deals given to Steven Adams and Victor Oladipo became unlikely.
Both Steven Adams and Victor Oladipo have expressed their intention to sign long-term deals with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In fact, Victor Oladipo revealed during the Oklahoma City Thunder media day in September that he had dreamed of suiting up for the team for as long as a year ago.
The 24-year-old Victor Oladipo, who averages of 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in three seasons, was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on a draft night agreement that sent Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic.
On the other hand, the 23-year-old Steven Adams became a key player last postseason for the Oklahoma City Thunder after posting double-double averages in the series against the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. In three seasons, Steven Adams is averaging 6.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti said they were excited with the deals as both Victor Oladipo and Steven Adams represent the team's present and future. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether or not Victor Oladipo develops into a star-level talent needed to pair with Russell Westbrook to make the Oklahoma City Thunder title contenders once again, according to Bleacher Report.
