Thunder Players To Receive $22M In Bonus Checks

The Oklahoma City Thunder finished the season 24-58, the second-worst record in the Western Conference, but their players are about to be handed some big bonuses. Due to salary cap rules, reports Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman, Thunder players will be divvying up about $22M in bonuses. 

According to the NBA's collective bargaining agreement with the players, teams must pay out no less than 90% of the total salary cap. With the cap coming in at 112.4M this season, and the Thunder only having spent about $79M in salaries, they will have to hand out $22M in bonuses to players to get up to the $101.2M payout mark. 

Any players who spent at least half the season with the team will get a full piece of the bonus pie. “We're definitely excited and grateful, we're thankful for that,” said Kenrich Williams with a big smile on his face. “I was all smiles (when I heard).” Williams is a 4th-year player who was making about $2M this season. He'll be receiving a huge bump-up in pay. 

Luguentz Dort was equally pleased with the impending payout. "We lay a lot out on the floor and we work hard all year, and we've got to thank the organization for doing that for us, just all the players.”

Alas, thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, there won't be any salary cap shortages next season, as his extension kicks-in, boosting his salary from $5.5M to $29.8M. 

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports