Thunder Hit The Buyout Market To Sign Familiar Face

The Oklahoma City Thunder have added a bit more floor spacing to their lineup, hitting the buyout market to bring back former backup big man Mike Muscala.

ESPN Sources: After clearing waivers, center Mike Muscala plans to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the rest of the season. Muscala — who agreed to a buyout with Detroit — spent 2019-2023 with OKC and returns to bring depth for a postseason run. pic.twitter.com/HFvbYwHfuc

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 1, 2024

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Muscala agreed to a buyout with the Detroit Pistons, and, after clearing waivers, was all set to return to OKC.

The 6'10" center/power forward spent 3 1/2 seasons with the Thunder from 2019 through 2022, and hit on 39% of his three-point attempts during that span. 

Muscala always loved his time with the Thunder and is certainly happy to be back. 

"Coming to OKC… I’m grateful for it. it helped me a lot as a man & as a player… I'll always be a Thunder fan & always rooting for the Thunder."

happy to have Mike Muscala back! pic.twitter.com/o9Di5hdAlW https://t.co/GIDTnvc1Sd

— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) March 1, 2024

"Coming to OKC… I’m grateful for it," he said the last time he was with the team, "it helped me a lot as a man & as a player… I'll always be a Thunder fan & always rooting for the Thunder."

He's a fan favorite, is very well-liked in the locker room, and adds another sharpshooting big coming off the bench, providing some extra depth behind starter Chet Holmgren. The team had been a little thin in the frontcourt behind Chet, so this is a welcome addition.

In his 11-year career, Muscala averages six points, 3.2 rebounds and a three-point mark of 37.6%.

 At 41–18, the Thunder currently stand second in the Western Conference, one game back of the Minnesota Timberwolves and a slim half-game up on the Denver Nuggets.

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports