Just days after agreeing to a buyout with the Detroit Pistons, big man Mike Muscala will join a new NBA team–the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Muscala has agreed to a deal to join the Thunder for the rest of the season:
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.
This move also comes about a week after the team waived center Aleksej Pokusevski.
Muscala initially joined the Thunder as a free agent in 2019. He was a solid backup center for the Thunder before the team traded him to the Boston Celtics at the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline. In his Thunder tenure, Muscala averaged 7 points and 3 rebounds per game. Furthermore, Muscala shot 43.9% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc with Oklahoma City.
This season, Muscala played 37 combined games with the Pistons and Washington Wizards.
Since he was bought out before the NBA Playoffs Buyout Deadline, Muscala is eligible for the Thunder’s postseason roster.
NBA News: Mike Muscala Joins Western Conference Contender
What Mike Muscala Brings to the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder currently have a 41-18 record and are just one game behind the No. 1 seed Minnesota Timberwolves. Although they appear to be serious title contenders this season, the Thunder needed some reinforcements for a late-season push. Though it is not game-changing, Muscala is an excellent addition to the team.
Muscala will immediately provide some depth for the Thunder. As it stands, it is likely Muscala will become the team’s immediate backup center behind rookie sensation Chet Holmgren. Additionally, Muscala is already familiar with the system and can act as a mentor to Holmgren. Furthermore, due to his playstyle, Muscala can also play power forward. Muscala is a good spot-up perimeter shooter who can help space the floor. However, Muscala is average at best defensively and as a rebounder. Still, as a backup center, a role he is very familiar with, Muscala should provide a boost to the Thunder.
Though his Pistons was brief, head coach Monty Williams made it clear he was a fan of Muscala’s:
He’s one of those guys that can figure things out. He’s smart. He knows when to dive, when to pop. He’s a connector on both sides of the floor. I don’t think it’s anything we’ve done. That’s just who Mike is, he can play with anybody.
The Last Word
Signing the 32-year-old is as low-risk of a move as possible. Muscala has been open about enjoying his time with the Thunder, and his experience both in the league and with the franchise is a bonus. The Minnesota native has been a backup big man for most of his career, but his best years were with the Thunder.
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