Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Clemente Almanza

Aleksej Pokusevski does not receive contract extension, will enter restricted free agency

The Oklahoma City Thunder have elected to not extend forward Aleksej Pokusevski, which means the 21-year-old will enter restricted free agency in the offseason.

The Thunder had until 5 p.m. CT on Monday, Oct. 23 to sign Pokusevski to a contract extension. This was the deadline for extensions prior to the start of the 2023-24 regular season.

An offer for Thunder fans

For the best local Oklahoma news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to The Oklahoman.

Pokusevski is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He is set to make $5 million this season. He was selected 17th in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft.

In 34 games last season, he averaged 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 blocks last season and shot 36.5% from 3.

This news isn’t too surprising. Even though last season was his best yet, Pokusevski was limited to 34 games and missed three months with a broken leg.

Since then, Pokusevski has struggled to stay healthy. He suffered a small right humerus fracture at the beginning of the offseason that cost him nearly two months. He also suffered an ankle sprain that will cost him the start of the season.

This is a make-or-break year for Pokusevski. If he wants to get extended by the Thunder, he’ll need to stay healthy and play similarly to what he did last season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.