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OKC Thunder: Matt’s Monday Musings, Edition Three

By Matthew Hallett

Jan 16, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti watches college basketball between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti watches college basketball between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) reacts after dunking the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) reacts after dunking the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Edition three of Monday Musings dives into the OKC Thunder trade and how the roster moves are going to affect the remainder of the season and the future.

With the trade deadline passing, I will be taking a look at the in-season trades of the OKC Thunder. The two trades may not have been the biggest but they are certainly consequential.

I am not going too far back in history, but far enough for a good sample comparison. The first trade to look at was completed on November 1st, 2016.

Ersan Ilyasova (part of the Serge Ibaka trade) was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers along with a 2020 first round draft pick. In return, the OKC Thunder received Jerami Grant.

The second trade should be fairly fresh in the minds of most people in the NBA. Cameron Payne, Anthony Morrow and Joffrey Lauvergne were sent to the Chicago Bulls. In return, the OKC Thunder received Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson and a second round draft pick in 2018.

Looking back, the Thunder built there roster around two players. When one of them left without giving the Thunder a chance to get anything in return, things looked grim. Then Presti made a trade.

Must Read: Dispelling the myths and appreciating Russell Westbrook for who he is

Russell Westbrook has been nothing short of sensational. His play has allowed General Manager Sam Presti to build a team around the superstar point guard.

The other reason that Presti has been able to build this team is that Westbrook committed to a long term deal. Presti has made bold move after bold move, knowing that Westbrook is committed to the team. Here is why I think he has done a masterful job.

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