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Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
2022 Free Agents - KZ Okpala
Summary
Coming out of the 2019 draft, Okpala showed potential as a two-way wing with good size at 6'9". However, he has yet to prove that he belongs in the NBA, and has gotten few minutes in his first three seasons. He shoots poorly from each area of the court, and most notably from outside where he is a 25% career three-point shooter. Knocking down shots would be one way to stay on the court, but he could also learn to defend at a high level or make enough plays off-the-dribble to make up for his lack of consistent outside jumper.
Okpala was waived by the Thunder after the Heat traded him to get an extra roster spot. Okpala could have some interest from teams as a free agent in 2022, but it would likely only be for a training camp invite, and he could find himself playing overseas in 2022.
Cap Considerations
Okpala was waived by the Thunder during the '21-'22 season after being traded by the Heat to create a roster spot for Caleb Martin.
Teams will have multiple ways to sign Okpala as even teams without cap space could possibly use any of the Non-Taxpayer MLE, Taxpayer MLE, or the Room MLE or Bi-Annual Exception to sign him. It's also likely that Okpala only gets minimum offers, and may not even get fully-guaranteed offers.
Potential Teams: Magic, Jazz, Thunder, Pistons, Rockets
Predicted Contract: 1-year, $1.9 million (non-guaranteed) with the Magic
Actual Contract: 2-year, $4 million ($250k guaranteed) with the Kings
It hasn't been reported yet how much of Okpala's salary, if any, is guaranteed. Okpala will likely need to earn his spot in training camp in order to make the final 15-man roster and get guaranteed money.
Last updated: 7/15/2022
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