The Thunder have bought out the rest of 27-year old point guard Nate Robinson’s contract, and they then waived him. Robinson played in 4 games (0 starts) for the Thunder last year and he averaged 7.5 minutes, 3.3 points, 0.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He has now played in 397 games (72 starts) in his NBA career and he is averaging 23.0 minutes, 11.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. The Thunder are loaded at the guard spots, so they won’t miss Robinson in 2011-12. Robinson should have little problem finding a new job.

The Thunder have sent 22-year old center Byron Mullens to the Charlotte Bobcats for a 2nd round pick in 2013. Mullens played in 13 games (0 starts) for the Thunder last year and he averaged 6.5 minutes, 1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. He played in 26 games (0 starts) in his two years with the Thunder and he averaged 5.3 minutes, 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Mullens only shot 34% from the floor for the Bobcats and he was buried on the depth chart. At least the Thunder got something for Mullens and they deal him to a team (the Bobcats) which isn’t going to threaten them any time soon.

The Thunder have acquired 25-year old small forward Lazar Hayward from the Timberwolves for 2 future second round picks. Hayward played in 42 games (0 starts) as a rookie for the Timberwolves last year and he averaged 10.0 minutes, 3.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game. He only shot 35.7% from the floor, but his playing time was pretty sporadic. This was a good pickup for the Thunder as they didn’t give up much to get him.

The Thunder have re-signed 24-year old small forward Daequan Cook to a 2-year, $7.5 million dollar deal. Cook played in 43 games (0 starts) for the Thunder last year and he averaged 13.9 minutes, 5.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. He shot 42.2% of his shots from three point range last year, and his long range shooting is by far his best asset. Cook has now played in 222 games (26 starts) in his first four years in the NBA and he is averaging 20.6 minutes, 7.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game.

The only thing I really think the Thunder needs after the lockout is lifted is a backup for Kevin Durant to play around 10 minutes a night. Other than that, the Thunder look ready to rock in 2011-12. They do have a glut at point guard, so maybe they will try to move Nate Robinson or Eric Maynor when the lockout is lifted. It’s going to be another solid year for the Thunder in 2011-12.