Thunder's Waiters denies report he wants to sign with 76ers
It doesn't look like current Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard Dion Waiters wants to come home after all.
A source close to the 23-year-old recently told the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey that Waiters - a native of Philadelphia - was interested in joining the 76ers when he hits restricted free agency next summer.
"He really would like that, to come home," the source said. "He talked about getting a place downtown not too far from the arena so playing at home would be less of a distraction."
Soon after the report surfaced, Waiters took to Twitter to set the record straight:
Dnt Believe everything y'all hear lol I guess this what the world coming to smh especially if it didn't come from me.
— Dionwaiters3 (@dionwaiters3) November 15, 2015
I dnt need or want the attention I never been that guy... I'm not worrying about money I'm chasing a championship wit my bros... #thunderUP
— Dionwaiters3 (@dionwaiters3) November 15, 2015
Waiters and the Thunder failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension ahead of the 2015-16 regular season, making him a restricted free agent at the end of the campaign. This gives the franchise the opportunity to match any potential offers that come his way.
The Syracuse alumnus has been uncharacteristically consistent off the bench for the Thunder to begin the season, shooting 45.2 percent from the field while hitting half of his 3-point attempts to the tune of 11 points per game.
Philadelphia has less than $25 million committed next season, so it certainly has the finances to make Waiters a substantial offer, especially when taking into account the NBA's growing salary cap. Oklahoma City will undoubtedly prioritize re-signing Kevin Durant, which could create an opportunity for a team like the 76ers to swoop in and make a play for a player like Waiters, if they're interested.
However, if Waiters meant what he tweeted, hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy means more to him than playing in front of his family and cashing in on a big payday from a franchise not even within an arm's reach of a postseason berth.
"Dion has made it clear that he feels he has found a basketball home in Oklahoma City and is committed to being a part of the culture that exists," Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in a statement earlier this month.
"The team sees him as someone who has his best basketball in front of him as has the potential to be a contributor for years to come with more to develop in our program."