Thunder's Patterson undergoes knee surgery

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Thursday that power forward Patrick Patterson underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

General manager Sam Presti indicated in the release that it was a "proactive procedure" to ensure there isn't structural damage in Patterson's knee or anything that could hamper him long term.

Patterson's health will be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks, which could cut close to training camp beginning Sept. 26.

The 28-year-old Kentucky alumnus signed with the Thunder in free agency earlier this offseason on a three-year contract reportedly worth $16.4 million. Many were surprised that Patterson didn't fetch more on the open market, and it seems the lingering injury - he tweaked his knee late last December - can help explain the below-market deal.

Patterson had hinted to something significant happening Thursday:

He has career averages of 7.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over seven seasons. He spent the last three-plus years with the Toronto Raptors, and missed a handful of games in 2016-17 due to knee injuries.