Nerlens Noel had a successful first season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. As a result, the fifth-year veteran will likely command a salary out of the price range for the organization to pay.

Noel holds a $1,988,119 player option for the 2019-20 season that he is almost assuredly going to waive in order to become a free agent. It is highly likely that he will earn far more on the open market than what the Thunder can afford to pay him.

Many viewed the contract that Noel signed as an opportunity to prove he can stay healthy and contribute at a high level. He signed a two-year contract with a player option for the second season, giving Noel the chance to test the market this summer.

Noel appeared in 77 games for the Thunder this season, marking the most he has played in a season. He has battled injuries for the majority of his career and hasn’t played in at least 60 games since the 2015-16 season — his second in the league.

He averaged 4.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 13.7 minutes per game this season. His per-36 minute stats offer a better sample of what he could in a bigger role: 12.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.3 blocks and 2.3 steals.

With Noel likely on his way to free agency, he spoke about his upcoming offseason on Thursday during his exit interview with the media.

I love this team and all but I’m going to just definitely let my agent handle that situation. He’s made it pretty easy for me this year to just go out there and play. Now, I’m just going to simply focus on my workout regimen, try to be the best player I could be this summer and let him figure all that out.

After turning in a good season with the Thunder, Noel is likely going to cash in during free agency. Two years ago, Noel reportedly turned down a four-year, $70 million contract offer from the Dallas Mavericks. By doing so, Noel was betting on himself that he could earn a larger deal.

Instead, Noel has a tumultuous tenure with the Mavericks and eventually only appeared in 30 games last season after undergoing thumb surgery and a rocky relationship with head coach Rick Carlisle. With a chance to earn a larger contract, Noel will likely do so.

As of now, it’s unclear what sort of value Noel holds on the open market and what deal he may receive but it seems likely it will be for more than the nearly $2 million he would have received from the Thunder.

His defense and hustle will be missed next season for the Thunder.