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Forward Andre Roberson agrees to three-year, $30M deal with Thunder
Restricted free-agent forward Andre Roberson has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder, league sources told ESPN.
Roberson, 25, preferred a shorter three-year deal over the four years available to him, league sources said.
Roberson, an NBA all-defensive second-team choice this year, has been an integral part of the Thunder's defensive identity, and his value to the franchise grows again with the arrival of All-Star Paul George to partner with MVP Russell Westbrook.
Roberson averaged a career-high 6.6 points and 5.1 rebounds in 79 games this past season. He holds career averages of 4.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 256 games.
Roberson has started 230 games for the Thunder in his four pro seasons, including a career-high 79 during the 2016-17 season. He was the 26th overall pick for the Thunder in the 2013 NBA draft.
Roberson's market was a tough one to gauge in the NBA because of his specialist role as a defensive stopper. After turning down an extension in October, Roberson didn't garner the kind of interest he expected this offseason. His offensive issues are well-known, highlighted by his struggles at the free throw line during this past postseason, when he hit only 3 of 21 free throws and was a target of intentional fouling.
But with the Thunder adding George, which will allow Roberson to slot back into his more natural position of shooting guard, there's optimism that Roberson's offensive deficiencies won't be as glaring with the enhanced supporting cast. Roberson attempted 184 3-pointers last season, hitting only 24.5 percent, but the feeling from inside the team is he'll attempt far fewer this season and focus more on his offensive strengths, such as cutting and scoring in transition.
The Thunder value Roberson, taking pride in the scouting done to convert the 6-foot-7 player from a college power forward at Colorado to an NBA shooting guard. Both sides were motivated to complete a deal to keep Roberson in Oklahoma City.
Roberson, 25, preferred a shorter three-year deal over the four years available to him, league sources said.
Roberson, an NBA all-defensive second-team choice this year, has been an integral part of the Thunder's defensive identity, and his value to the franchise grows again with the arrival of All-Star Paul George to partner with MVP Russell Westbrook.
Roberson averaged a career-high 6.6 points and 5.1 rebounds in 79 games this past season. He holds career averages of 4.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 256 games.
Roberson has started 230 games for the Thunder in his four pro seasons, including a career-high 79 during the 2016-17 season. He was the 26th overall pick for the Thunder in the 2013 NBA draft.
Roberson's market was a tough one to gauge in the NBA because of his specialist role as a defensive stopper. After turning down an extension in October, Roberson didn't garner the kind of interest he expected this offseason. His offensive issues are well-known, highlighted by his struggles at the free throw line during this past postseason, when he hit only 3 of 21 free throws and was a target of intentional fouling.
But with the Thunder adding George, which will allow Roberson to slot back into his more natural position of shooting guard, there's optimism that Roberson's offensive deficiencies won't be as glaring with the enhanced supporting cast. Roberson attempted 184 3-pointers last season, hitting only 24.5 percent, but the feeling from inside the team is he'll attempt far fewer this season and focus more on his offensive strengths, such as cutting and scoring in transition.
The Thunder value Roberson, taking pride in the scouting done to convert the 6-foot-7 player from a college power forward at Colorado to an NBA shooting guard. Both sides were motivated to complete a deal to keep Roberson in Oklahoma City.