Reports: Thunder sign Alex Abrines

Multiple reports from European outlets say the Thunder have signed 2013 second round pick Alex Abrines to a three-year deal in the $18 million range.

Abrines, taken 32nd overall, has a reported $2.2 million buyout from FC Barcelona, of which the Thunder can contribute $650,000 to. Abrines is on the hook for the remainder of it.

The room to sign Abrines was opened when Kevin Durant departed the Thunder, creating a hole both in the cap sheet and on the roster. Abrines is a shooter (over 40 percent in Europe) but is said to need to fill out to be able to defend at the NBA level. With Abrines, the Thunder have more leverage to let Dion Waiters walk in restricted free agency if they should choose.

Abrines won Europe’s prestigious Rising Star award last season, beating out recent Sixers signee and former lottery pick Dario Saric.