Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti confirmed that contract negotiations between the team and representatives for Jeff Green have ended.

Green will become a restricted free agent during the summer of 2011.

"Signing a player to an extension is certainly a positive but has become more unique," Presti said. "We explored the concept and had positive dialogue, but we will have to revisit the discussions in the future."

Kevin Durant signed a maximum contract extension in July.

"I totally understand it," Green said Thursday. "There are a whole lot of reasons it couldn't get done right now, but I'm not worried about it. I'm just thinking about this season and what I've got to do."

The Oklahoma City Thunder has exercised third-year options on guard James Harden, forward Serge Ibaka, guard Eric Maynor and center Byron Mullens, as well as fourth-year options on guard Russell Westbrook and forward D.J. White Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced Monday.

Jeff Green will likely enter the season without a long-term contract, but coach Scott Brooks isn't concerned about the former first-round pick.

Oklahoma City has until Nov. 1 to give him an extension, but he'll likely become a restricted free agent next offseason.

"Hasn't even crossed my mind," Brooks said when asked if he thought Green's contract status would affect his play.

"There's no doubt that some players I played with or that I coached, that is the agenda. But with Jeff, that has not even crossed my mind."

Brooks elaborated when asked why he felt Green is different.

"Maybe because I know him," the coach said. "I know who he was when he came into the league, and he hasn't changed. He still works every day in practice. He still tries to get better. He still tries to make the right play. He's not forcing shots. He's not taking bad shots ? He hasn't forced anything in camp. He's a pro and he likes being on this team."

The Thunder and forward Jeff Green have remained in contact about a possible contract extension, but a source close to the situation said the two sides "aren't close" to an agreement.

The belief is that Oklahoma City wants to save money and cap room for next summer when Russell Westbrook will become eligible for an extension.

Kevin Durant received an extension from the Thunder this summer.

The Thunder waived guards Jerome Dyson and Elijah Millsap it was announced Wednesday by executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti.

Dyson saw action in two games this preseason for Oklahoma City, averaging 4.5 points and 1.0 rebound in 6.5 minutes.

Millsap appeared in four games for the Thunder, averaging 3.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 12.5 minutes.

Oklahoma City's roster now stands at 15.

Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook is entering his third NBA season and coach Scott Brooks says he's growing as a leader.

"I think each year it's improved," Brooks said of Westbrook's leadership.

"It probably still needs to take another step. And we're looking for that this year. It's hard to lead as a first- or second-year player. You just have to gain that respect. But he's gained the respect of his teammates and coaches."

Westbrook may be more vocal this season, but his teammates don't see that as a negative.

"You're going to need a point guard that's going to yell at you a little bit and tell you where to go and demand a little bit from you," said Kevin Durant.

"He's great at letting everybody know where we need to be and what we need to do to get better. He's growing every day, and it's a joy to watch."

The Oklahoma City Thunder waived guard Demond "Tweety" Carter and center Longar Longar it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

Carter saw action in one game this preseason for Oklahoma City, averaging 4.0 points and 1.0 steal in 4.0 minutes of action.

Ron Artest believes that Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant is the NBA's second best player behind teammate Kobe Bryant.

"He's the second best player in the NBA," Artest said of Durant.

"Kobe's got five rings, six game winners [last season], 23-straight points in [Game 5 of the Finals] off mostly jump shots," Artest explained.

"[He's] the biggest shot maker, big shot maker. So, that said, Durant's the second best player in the NBA."

Artest was then asked where LeBron James ranked on his list.

"I only count to two," Artest said. "I've been out of school 15 years, so I only count to two."

Kevin Durant played all five positions against the Heat on Friday.

Durant has improved his ball-handling and Scott Brooks believes allowing his best scorer to bring the ball up will apply more pressure to opposing teams.

"He demands so much attention and people focus on him quite a bit at the top," Brooks said. "That's a hard position to guard. And he has the ability to get around people and make plays."

Durant's versatility will allow the Thunder to vary their rotations.

"I think that I have an advantage with my quickness against some (power forwards)," Durant said. "It's going to be tougher for me on the defensive end because they're stronger and bigger than me... But I just got to make up for being skinny with my heart.

"And with me being a point guard... I got to try to make the right play. I'm still working on that. I've got to watch more film to try to make the right play. But all I can say is I'm going to try to work on it."

The Heat are in Kansas City to play the Thunder in a preseason game on Friday and LeBron James was scheduled to have a party at The Midland, a theater in downtown Kansas City, on Thursday night.

Durant received an invitation, but declined the offer.

"I don't go out to parties the day before a game," Durant said. "I really don't go out too much during the season."