Thunder's Ersan Ilyasova: Team option likely to be picked up

The Thunder are expected to pick up Ilyasova's $8.4 million team option for the 2016-17 season, Erik Horne of The Oklahoman reports. "We traded for [Ilyasova] because we think he's a good, complementary player to our core players," GM Sam Presti said.

Analysis:

Though Victor Oladipo and No. 11 overall draft pick Domantas Sabonis were the main prizes in last Thursday's four-player trade that sent Serge Ibaka to the Magic, Ilyasova isn't being viewed as a mere throw-in to the deal. It appears the Thunder believe that Ilyasova's ability to stretch the floor and contribute on the boards will make him a viable rotation option, especially if Sabonis is unable to crack the rotation as a rookie. With Ibaka out of town, Ilyasova currently tops the depth chart at power forward, but the Thunder could very well sign a free agent this offseason who would bump Ilyasova to a reserve gig.