BASKETBALL-NBA-OKC-NOELReuters America WireOklahoma City Thunder big man Nerlens Noel declined his $1.99 million player option for 2019-20, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Thursday. The move allows Noel to join the loaded NBA summer free agent field, though he will talk with the Thunder about possibly staying put, according to Charania. Noel, 25, averaged 4.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots per game in 77 appearances (two starts) during his lone season with the Thunder. He signed a free agent deal with Oklahoma City last summer after playing 1 1/2 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. In 300 career NBA games (160 starts), Noel has averaged 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

Source: National Post June 27, 2019 23:03 UTC