Thunder looking to trade Steven Adams, others, in salary dump

The Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves right at the luxury tax heading into an offseason in which the team isn’t expected to be too active.

That’s what happens when you are paying Russell Westbrook and Paul George max contracts.

Oklahoma City is now apparently looking to trade off some veteran pieces as mere salary dumps. The includes 25-year-old center Steven Adams.

Oklahoma City has increased its efforts this afternoon to shed salary along with the No. 21 pick en route to dodging luxury tax, league sources say. Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, Dennis Schroeder all very available at the moment.

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 19, 2019

If Oklahoma City’s goal is to remain competitive in the Western Conference, trading Adams makes no real sense.

The veteran center averaged 13.9 points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the field last season. He’s also seen as a major force on defense.

Adams is owed north of $53 million over the next two seasons.

The likelier scenario here is that Oklahoma City looks to package its first-round pick with either Schroder or Roberson.

Though, both would be cost prohibitive for other teams based on their salaries and performances. Schroder is owed $31 million over the next two seasons while Roberson has a $10.7 million price tag in 2019-20 before hitting free agency.