NBA Notes: Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pelicans, Jordan Poole, Kings

Thunder

The Western Conference changed considerably this summer. The Thunder? Not so much.

Oklahoma City mostly relied on the draft while watching teams such as the Spurs and Timberwolves make significant additions. As Grayson Buchanan of Thunder On SI wrote, that puts even more responsibility on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Of course, leaning on Gilgeous-Alexander is hardly a bad plan.

The reigning two-time MVP has averaged at least 30 points in three consecutive seasons. He shot a career-high 55.3 percent from the field last season while connecting on 38.6 percent of his three-pointers.

Still, the postseason showed how aggressively opponents will build their game plans around slowing him. They didn’t exactly stop Gilgeous-Alexander, but they occasionally made life more difficult by sending extra defenders and forcing the ball elsewhere.

That means Gilgeous-Alexander’s playmaking could become even more important. Oklahoma City may not have added another superstar, but it still has one of the best players in basketball.

The Thunder’s job is to make sure opponents can’t treat him like their only concern.

Pelicans

Could the Pelicans eventually consider a buyout with Jordan Poole?

There is no indication that such discussions are taking place. But Cem Yolbulan of Pelicans On SI argued that New Orleans should explore the possibility if it cannot find a trade.

Poole is entering the final year of his contract at $34 million after falling out of the regular rotation for much of last season. He averaged 15.2 points in 39 appearances while playing 23.9 minutes per game.

Moving him in a trade would not be simple. The Pelicans would likely have to attach draft compensation or accept another undesirable contract, neither of which makes much sense for a rebuilding team.

A buyout would require Poole to surrender some salary. In exchange, he could pursue a role with another team before becoming a free agent next summer.

Yolbulan suggested that parting with Poole would also create more opportunities for Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens.

Again, this is a proposal, not a report about New Orleans’ plans.

So yes, Poole remains on the roster. Whether the Pelicans actually want him occupying a roster spot and carrying a sizable role next season is another matter.

Kings

For all the trade rumors surrounding the Kings, their roster remains largely intact.

Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk are still in Sacramento, leaving coach Doug Christie with an unusual mix of expensive veterans and young players at the beginning of a rebuild.

Will Zimmerle of Kings On SI examined the roster and noted that LaVine and Sabonis stand alone at the top of Sacramento’s payroll.

LaVine will make $49 million in the final year of his contract. The Kings are not considering a buyout and expect him to compete for a role, assuming they cannot find a trade.

Sabonis is due $45.5 million this season and $48.6 million in 2027-28. That additional year could make him more difficult to move, though his name will likely continue to surface as the trade deadline approaches.

The Kings’ middle salary tier consists of De’Andre Hunter, Keegan Murray and Monk. Hunter, who is earning $24.9 million on an expiring contract, could become one of Sacramento’s more useful trade pieces.

Murray, meanwhile, is under contract through 2030-31 and figures to remain part of the long-term plan.

The rebuild centers on rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick. Sacramento also has Nique Clifford, Alex Karaban, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell and Emanuel Sharp on affordable contracts.

Zimmerle projected a starting group of Acuff, LaVine, Hunter, Murray and Sabonis. Monk, Precious Achiuwa and several younger players would fill out the rotation.

The most obvious need remains another point guard behind Acuff. The Kings have reportedly considered bringing back Russell Westbrook or signing Victor Oladipo to provide experience and mentorship.

So the roster may not be completely finished.

But unless Sacramento finds a market for one of its expensive veterans, the team entering training camp will probably look a lot like the one it has today.