NBA Trade Deadline: Thunder Should Pursue Miami’s Goran Dragic
With the NBA Trade Deadline set for February 18th, we’ll be exploring possible scenarios that could help the Thunder’s pursuit of a title. Today’s possible deal includes adding a scoring guard and elite rim protector from Miami.
In the NBA world, February 18th is a more important date than Valentine’s Day. It’s the league’s Trade Deadline, one of the final opportunities for teams to form relationships that last the rest of the season. Rumors fly, gossip is exchanged and marriages made in heaven can result.
Among such rumored deals, the Miami Heat are possibly looking to trade Goran Dragic, their starting point guard. Dragic was re-signed by the team to a five-year deal this past summer, ironically after acquiring him via a midseason trade last year. If the Oklahoma City Thunder were interested in acquiring him, here is one way that it could possibly work:
Why OKC say yes: This is a major upgrade to the bench. Dragic is an efficient player (51.6 2-point field-goal percentage) who can play both guard positions well. His game is based on driving to the hoop, where he has established himself as one of the best finishers at the rim among all backcourt players in the NBA. Though he was expected to boost Miami into title contention, he’s struggled there this season. The team plays at a pace that does not suit his style, as Miami does not space the floor well due to lack of three-point shooting, where they rank near the bottom of the league in shooting percentage (28th overall, at just 32.3 percent).
By coming to OKC, Dragic joins a team with excellent spacing that has to be respected, tied for sixth-best at 36.1 percent. This would allow for Dragic to revert to his natural playing style, attacking the rim freely as opponents would have to defend shooters along the perimeter. He could quite easily start at shooting guard or run the second unit along with Cameron Payne, giving Payne the valued experience that a seven year veteran can give.
Hassan Whiteside would be a great replacement for Enes Kanter with better defense and a significantly cheaper contract (just under $1 million). He is averaging a double-double (12.2 points and 11.0 rebounds per game) and is leading the league in blocks (3.9), giving the Thunder two elite rim protectors. He would back Steven Adams up at center, bolstering the Thunder’s Achilles Heel, it’s second-unit defense. He is in line for a massive pay increase at the end of the season which may be somewhere else in the league, but if Billy Donovan can keep him in line, he could make a huge difference towards getting OKC that championship.
Why Miami says yes: Getting Enes Kanter who is locked in long term on a max deal means that Miami have insurance at center. With Amar’e Stoudemire starting in Miami (as Whiteside rehabs his way from a minor injury), Kanter can provide a spark off the bench like he does in OKC. Miami also lose the distraction that Whiteside has become. The Heat are reportedly eager to move him because of his issues both on- and off-the-court. Since joining the league, his motivation and maturity have been questioned and a recent incident with San Antonio’s Boban Marjanovic (one that led to a one-game suspension) might be the final straw for the Heat front office.
Still, there’s no denying his ability, as he’s recorded a number of triple-doubles in his short time with Miami, blocking shots with a 7’7″ wingspan that is among the league’s finest.
D.J. Augustin is a reliable backup point guard and a career 37 percent three-point shooter that will help space the floor. This will allow Miami’s Dwyane Wade and Gerald Green more chances to attack the hoop.
More thunder: Thunder Should Be Active at Trade Deadline
There are reasons for both teams to reject a trade like this. Miami’s defense has been a key part of their success this season and Kanter would likely ruin that. Additionally, giving up Dragic would leave the team without a starting point guard (unless one was acquired in a deal with another team). For Oklahoma City, they would lose some scoring with their second unit and Whiteside, a free agent this summer, could very well be just a short-term addition. However, for a team that has been in a “win-now” mode for a few years, adding his incredible talent while unloading Kanter’s questionable contract, could be a sacrifice worth making.