According to The Athletic reporter Shams Charania, Timberwolf forward James Johnson has executed a $16 million player option for the 2020-21 season and was subsequently sent to the Thunder as a bargaining chip to trade Ricky Rubio.
In addition to Johnson's contract for an equal paycheck, the Timberwolves will also give up the signing rights of No. 17 rookie Aleksej Pokusevski in the deal, with Rubio and No. 25 rookies Immanuel Quickley and No. 28 rookie Jaden McDaniels.
Minnesota then reportedly traded Quickley and No. 33 rookie Daniel Oturu to the Knicks in exchange for the signing rights of No. 23 rookie Argentine defender Leandro Bolmaro.
Johnson, 33, joined the Timberwolves midway through last season and made 14 appearances for the team, averaging 12 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game.
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