Dion Waiters: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Thunder SG
The Oklahoma City Thunder and guard Dion Waiters failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension, leading to some speculation that Waiters could try to sign elsewhere next summer.
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Waiters Denies Reported Desire to Sign With 76ers
Sunday, Nov. 15
Waiters responded on his Twitter account regarding the rumors about a potential move to Philadelphia in free agency:
“He wants to come home,” a source told Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, adding that Waiters is from South Philadelphia. “Plus, he knows that he could be the missing shooting guard they need. And he could possibly get a [very lucrative] contract with the Sixers.”
The source also said Waiters "talked about getting a place downtown not too far from the arena so playing at home would be less of a distraction.”
Sixers Would Have Cap Space to Land Waiters to Assist Rebuild
The Thunder guard is averaging 11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game this season.
As Pompey noted, the Sixers will have plenty of cap space to make a move for the 23-year-old, who would be an upgrade at shooting guard. On the other hand, the Thunder will be able to match any offer sheet Waiters signs with another team, meaning the team can keep him under contract for the foreseeable future if it's willing to pay up.
Meanwhile, the Sixers under general manager Sam Hinkie have focused on rebuilding through the draft, making a splashy signing in free agency a bit out of character. But Waiters is also a younger player who has yet to reach his full potential, so he would have room to grow with the team's young studs like Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel.
