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Assessing the Thunder’s payroll and luxury tax outlook

The Thunder knew it was going to get expensive this season.

With Paul George and Jerami Grant re-signed, the Thunder's payroll is projected to skyrocket to $155 million. That's before signing rookie draftees, veteran minimum contracts, or using its taxpayer mid-level exception ($5.3 million) on a free agent.

It equates to what could be a record luxury tax bill around $134 million.

Is the Thunder willing to pay that, or will it use some tax-alleviating tactics (using the stretch provision on Kyle Singler or Carmelo Anthony) to get luxury tax relief?

A few frequently asked questions:

Does the Thunder have cap space?