Oklahoma City Thunder center Nerlens Noel will not be picking up his $1.9 million player option for the 2019-20 season and will become a free agent, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Charania notes that the Thunder will discuss a potential reunion with Noel, but that “several other teams are expected to express interest.”
Still just 25 years old, the former No. 6 overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft never did live up to the draft hype. He has averaged just 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game during his five-year career.
However, Noel could still be a valuable addition to a team in need of a role player. His defensive prowess is noteworthy, and there is a chance he can still develop offensively as he continues to work at his craft.