Derek Fisher Rumors: Fisher, Thunder In 'Advanced Negotiations', According To Source

ESPN's Marc Stein is reporting that the Oklahoma City Thunder and former Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher are in "advanced negotiations," according to a source close to the situation. Fisher was traded to the Houston Rockets for Jordan Hill on March 15, but he was waived by the team on March 19, without appearing in a single game. He is set to clear waivers on Wednesday at 6 p.m. (ET), and according to Stein, he is very close to committing to the Thunder, who are leading the Western Conference.

The Miami Heat was also rumored to be interested in Fisher, but, according to Stein, it was the Thunder's financial situation that has allowed them to emerge as front runners for the former Lakers guard.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Heat have made a strong recruitment effort to sign Fisher, but the Thunder have more financial flexibility to sign him and more of a role to offer after the loss of backup point guard Eric Maynor in early January to a season-ending knee injury. There is also a feeling among some rival teams that Fisher prefers to stay in the West, where he has played his entire career.

For more on the Thunder, head to Welcome to Loud City, as well as SB Nation Kansas City.