Backup center Hasheem Thabeet was dealt away Tuesday afternoon by the OKC Thunder; the Philadelphia Sixers will receive a $1.25 million trade exception, plus a heavily protected 2015 second-round draft pick.
Thabeet spent the last two seasons glued to the bench in OKC, and the Sixers (his fifth team in six years) reportedly plan to waive him. Per the Oklahoman:
So it was a numbers game for Thabeet, with his departure opening up a roster spot and a bit more financial flexibility heading into the season. Thabeet was due $1.25 million next season, a contract that would have been guaranteed on Sept. 1. OKC is now around $2.9 million under the luxury tax, with its roster at 14.
In his two seasons in OKC, Thabeet became a fan favorite. The tallest player in the NBA always had a smile on his face, joking with the crowd and leading celebratory dances on the bench. But the problem was, he had a tough time getting off the bench. […] Thabeet appeared in 66 games back in the 2012-13 season, averaging 11.7 minutes and 2.4 points. But last season, he was limited to only 8.3 minutes per night in 23 games, often logging a DNP, coaches decision.
“I’m gonna miss you @HasheemTheDream,” Kevin Durant tweeted late Tuesday afternoon. “My brother for life!”
