3 Intriguing Trade Targets For OKC Thunder To Consider

The period of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden being members of the OKC Thunder resulted within the Thunder consistently being the most effective groups in the whole NBA and reaching the NBA Finals in 2012, however they had been unable to seize a title then, shedding to LeBron James and the Miami Warmth. 

Since then, all three guys have moved on from Oklahoma Metropolis and whereas different key stars like Paul George, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul have been part of this franchise since, the Thunder have nonetheless been seeking to rebuild over time. Final 12 months resulted in them lacking the playoffs for the first-time for the reason that 2014-15 season and they’re going to possible miss the playoffs once more through the 2021-22 season, however GM Sam Presti has this franchise in an ideal spot. 

The job Presti has executed setting up this younger roster over time has been spectacular, however probably the most spectacular half is the truth that they’ve 35 complete draft picks by way of the 2028 NBA Draft. They’ve sufficient draft capital to area two completely different NBA groups over the following seven NBA Drafts, which is mind-blowing! 

Taking a look at their roster now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley, Luguentz Dort, Aleksej Pokusevski, Josh Giddey, Tre Mann and others are all high-potential younger abilities which might be solely going to get higher with time. Oklahoma Metropolis has an opportunity to be a really particular staff for many years to come back, however their roster is just not but executed being constructed for the 2021-22 season. .

READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Siakam, Dragic, Lillard

This upcoming 12 months goes to be dedicated to growing their younger abilities even additional and although they might not have an emphasis on successful proper now, the Thunder nonetheless must allocate extra money to their roster. Oklahoma Metropolis is at the moment sitting round $77M in complete payroll for the 2021-22 season and they should have no less than a minimal staff wage of $101.2M since that’s the NBA’s minimal staff wage for subsequent season. 

With 15 gamers already under-contract for subsequent season and two gamers filling out their two-way contract spots, the Thunder do not need many choices when it comes to including larger contracts to their roster, however there may be time for them to take action since they would want to cross this minimal staff wage threshold by June 30, 2022. 

READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Siakam, Dragic, Lillard

In some unspecified time in the future through the 2021-22 season, the OKC Thunder will likely be a staff that can “tackle” a bigger contract or two that groups wish to dump, so let’s check out three gamers the Thunder may wind up including to their roster so as to get above the wage cap ground.