was the Nick Collison goofy extension just a way to give the Thunder more flexibility in trades?

Forgive me if this has been suggested before, but I have just been watching a lot of Thunder games recently, and I have been thinking about ways to improve your roster. I watched the Mavericks game two nights ago, where you guys blew a six point lead in the last few minutes. It was painful to watch. 

To me, the Thunder core consists of Durant, Westbrook, and Ibaka. Although I very much like Jeff Green, love his basketball intelligence, and love the fact that he gives a da%n, I see him more as a role player, an athletic version of Shane Battier if you will. I thought it was wise of Presti NOT to extend Green last summer. I think he is not quick enough to matchup with the best 3's, and not big enough to matchup with best 4's, thus making him an awkward fit. Luckily, those position mismatches only matter when you are playing LBJ, Carmelo, Gasol, Kevin Love, KG, Millsap, Blake Griffen, and maybe David West. Green has no problems with Lamarcus Aldridge, Luis Scola, Hedo Turkoglu, or even Zach Randolph. My point is, although I don't think Jeff Green can be the 3rd best player on a team, it is still better to have him than not have him, so he should be untouchable in any trade discussion. 

However, after giving Nick Collison that goofy contract, the Thunder suddenly have a lot more to offer in trades. At $13.2 Million, he is now as good as an expiring contract. This would allow the Thunder to pursue some players with some high salaries: Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Gerald Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton, Anderson Varejau, Antawn Jamison, Josh Smith.