The Oklahoma City Thunder are hardly a team that needs tweaking, so the deal involving Randy Foye does become a bit peculiar.
However, looking at it deeper, it does offer some points worth thinking about. Among them is the fact that the Thunder dealt two players (D.J. Augustin and Steve Novak) for one (Foye) and such clears some roster space for a possible addition in the future.
That spot could be filled up by free agents or players who would eventually be bought out. Among the names that the Thunder could contemplate adding are David Lee, who was recently waived by the Boston Celtics, or perhaps other players who could be soon bought out like Anderson Varejão or even Joe Johnson.
Aside from the roster spot, the Thunder got a bit of breathing room as well as far as luxury taxes are concerned. By dealing Augustin and Novak, the team was able to save a total of $9.8 million between reduced luxury tax penalties and salary.
The Thunder are not one of the teams believed to be having issues with luxury tax penalties and such could not be the reason behind the trade.
Just the same, the additional savings could go a long way. It also adds a $3.8 million trade exception on their end, which they will need to use within a year.
So will Foye be a key acquisition? Check out the take of NewsOK via the video below.
Right now, the belief is that he may hardly get playing time unless he comes out with something big to impress head coach Billy Donovan. Judging by his play, Foye could squirm his way into the rotation at some point.
The NBA trade deadline may be finished but the Thunder could be still making some moves looking ahead. Having only 14 players in the roster is an indication of that, although it remains to be seen whom they can possibly add to ramp up their chances as the NBA nears the postseason wars.
