Published: July 01, 2009 01:33 pm      

Thunder have flexibility in free agency

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder have the financial flexibility to be one of the key players during the NBA's free agency period this year, but may choose to be frugal instead.

Teams were allowed to start negotiating with free agents starting Wednesday, although players can't sign the deals until next week.

General manager Sam Presti says the Thunder don't want to let "restlessness be our nemesis" and spend the extra money they have below the NBA's salary cap just because they can.

Presti says the Thunder want to keep an eye on the future as well as the present.

Power forward Malik Rose and swingman Desmond Mason are among the veteran players from last year's squad that are free agents this offseason.