Over the years, the Thunder have become renowned as being a rather thrifty organization. Perhaps the reputation is deserved, maybe it’s not. But one fact can’t be denied: it is just one of four NBA franchises to pay a luxury tax bill for the 2019-20 season.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks pointed out the irony; all of the teams regarded as “big market” escaped the luxury tax this past season. The Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers were the other three. In total, the four clubs paid just about $5 million in luxury tax, an average of about $1.25 million per team.
It’s certainly hard to complain about that if you’re Oklahoma City, though anyone would much rather receive $195,000 than pay $1.25 million.
Four teams: Miami, Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Portland paid a tax.
Tax distribution for the 26 teams below = $195,060
That is the lowest amount since the tax was introduced in 2002-03
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 12, 2020
This past season, the Thunder had a payroll of about $133 million, with Chris Paul ($38 million), Steven Adams ($25 million), Danilo Gallinari ($22 million), Dennis Schroder ($15.5 million) and Andre Roberson ($10 million) its highest earners.
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With Gallinari and Roberson’s contracts expiring, the team is expected to pare down its payroll as it embarks upon what is expected to be a lengthy rebuilding process.
Interestingly enough, though, despite its cost-conscious reputation, Oklahoma City was among the highest spenders in the league last season. How ironic.