The rumors are coming to an end. Gabriel Deck’s future has been up in the air all summer. Perhaps he was clear about it, but the information suggested that he was on the air, that a return to Europe after a short NBA experience was a real possibility. It seems that door has closed. The communication team of the Argentine forward announced a few hours ago that the player is traveling to Oklahoma to join the Thunder’s preseason. His contract is still not guaranteed – that we know of – but it seems that this is the player and franchise plan.
The contract for Deck, who came to the NBA shortly before the 2020-21 regular season ended, is for 4 years and $ 14.5 million. However, only the first one, the past, was guaranteed; In other words, now they have about 7 million remaining in two years that are not guaranteed, and a third for 3.5 million that depends on a team option.
It does not seem that such contractual uncertainty is going to stop his time in American basketball for now. The Thunder’s salary expense is negligible right now ($ 79.8 million) and taking on Deck’s contract doesn’t mean anything to them; moreover, it is good for them to reach the minimum that they must use.
Beyond the economic scenario, the current agreement seems advantageous for the team in terms of what the Argentine can offer them on the track. Last season he played only 10 games, but in them he was able to contribute 8.4 points, 4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 21.2 minutes per night. He was in full adaptation and had an acceptable performance. This 2021-22 campaign must be a step forward.
(Fotografía de Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)