Sources on @TheVertical: Oklahoma City has rescinded qualifying offer on Dion Waiters, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 19, 2016
In what is clearly the largest news story for the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer, the team has rescinded their qualifying offer for a contract extension with guard Dion Waiters. Coming off a rookie contract, Waiters was expected to enter into the negotiating dead zone that is restricted free agency, during which the Thunder have the ability to match any other team’s offer.
What precipitated the Thunder’s move is not explained by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, who is responsible for this report. While it seems likely that OKC rescinding their offer signals Waiters’ departure from the team — a move made more palatable by the acquisition of the Orlando Magic’s Victor Oladipo — it’s still possible he’ll end up back in Thunder blue. They simply don’t have the option of matching any competing offers, now, and as such Waiters has total deciding power as to where he ends up.
Free agency, of course, is manifest destiny for the fiercely individualistic Waiters, whose largest obstacle as a pro has never been talent — of which he has plenty — but his ability to play nice with others. If we get to watch him bounce around on the open market, it will be a treat.
