Nov 2, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Eric Maynor and Thunder head coach Scott Brooks talk during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

With the trade dedline coming up Thursday at 3 PM EST, NBA fans have been on the ESPN trade machine all day trying to figure out ways to make their favorite team better and GM’s have been on the phone all day. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, there hasn’t been too much buzz, but we all know Sam Presti has something under his sleeve.

Here are some possible deals the Thunder could make before Thursday’s deadline:

According to Chris Broussard, ESPN.com, OKC is “aggressively” shopping PG Eric Maynor.

Well, its amazing how times change. Two years ago, we were sitting here talking about how Maynor is the best backup point guard in the league. Then, he goes down early last year with an ACL injury. After healing, comes back this year and disappoints and gets his spot taken by Reggie Jackson. And now, the Thunder are shopping him. Time to look at some possible ideas:

Maynor, Perkins, 1st round pick from OKC and 2nd round pick from Charlotte for Demare Carroll and Al Jefferson: Jefferson would give the Thunder more scoring and more quickness. However, losing Perkins would get rid of championship experience.

Maynor, Perry Jones III, and Daniel Orton to Utah for Derrick Favors and Kevin Murphy: With the Jazz needing a backup point guard and Maynor being in Utah before, this trade works. This would be a decent deal for Oklahoma City as the Thunder have been looking for an inside scoring presence for a while.

Rodger Sherman of SB Nation: “So who will move for Maynor? Berger mentioned the other team he’s played for in his NBA career, the Jazz, who are on the lookout for a backup point guard with Mo Williams still hurt and Jamaal Tinsley’s primary backup Earl Watson. Maynor would certainly be an improvement over Watson – and perhaps even Tinsley – but the Jazz might not have the pieces to land Maynor, for whom Broussard reports the asking price is high. Besides, Berger reports the Jazz’ front office is still torn up about whether to deal either Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap.”

So, send over the trade ideas. I do think the Thunder will deal Maynor before Thursday’s deadline because to be honest, as of now, he is no help to this team. Sititng on the bench supporting his team is great but doesn’t necessarily help the Thunder win a ring.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Thunder (1-game losing streak)
106.8 Offensive Efficiency (2nd)
100.0 Defensive Efficiency (12th)
95.8 Pace (5th)
56.9 True Shooting % (1st)
51.1 Rebound Rate (8th)

Clippers (1-game losing streak)
104.3 Offensive Efficiency (6th)
103.0 Defensive Efficiency (21st)
91.8 Pace (27th)
52.8 True Shooting % (14th)
51.9 Rebound Rate (3rd)

It was not a pretty effort by the Thunder last night losing in Utah 97-90. The game really wasn’t even that close with Utah pulling away beginning in the second quarter and Oklahoma City only nearing a comeback with some desperation threes.

Tonight the Thunder will play the Clippers for the first time since this happened.

That was one of the more memorable games of this regular season up to its point and not just because of Blake Griffin’s dunk.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

The matchup was very impressive to watch with the athletes that both teams had and talent of the teams. A late second quarter three-point barrage from the Clips would propel them enough ahead to prevent a Thunder comeback (which still almost happened).

Of late the Thunder have been in a funk struggling to find consistency as the season is hitting that point where some teams including the Thunder are coasting.

Returning home tonight with the memory of the last meeting expect both teams to come out and play hard.

Both teams will feature new additions in the game with the Clippers acquiring Nick Young at the trade deadline and giving away only Brian Cook and the Thunder potentially suiting up Derek Fisher, who is expected to sign with the team later tonight and is rumored to of already passed a physical.

Los Angeles poses a sizable advantage inside and is one of the better rebounding teams in the league. If they can be effective on the glass then it will make life very difficult for the Thunder.

Oklahoma City can play efficiently at a much higher tempo than the Clippers and it will surely be of emphasis for them to get out on the break. Stacked against them is one of the best game-managers in the NBA in Chris Paul and he will probably try and slow things down.

The Clippers won the first meeting thanks to great three-point shooting. Assuming we don’t see a repeat of that the Thunder shouldn’t have a ton of problem defending Los Angeles’ offense, which basically turns into nothing but pick-and-roll by the end of the game.

The fire power that Oklahoma City has in its big three of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden are all going to be tough for the Clippers to matchup. The Clippers weakness is defense on the wing while the offensive isolation prowess of Oklahoma City starts from that position.

It will be a fun matchup no matter what. The Thunder are in need of a well-played game but so are the Clippers. A playoff atmosphere is expected as the teams tip at 8 p.m. EST.

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

ESPN’s Marc Stein is reporting that the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat are the front-runners for signing veteran point guard Derek Fisher.

Fisher was traded from the Lakers after 13 seasons with the team to the Houston Rockets at the deadline last Thursday along with a first-round pick for Jordan Hill.

The Rockets have since waived Fisher making him available to anyone other than the Lakers once he clears waivers on Wednesday.

The Thunder have a sure need for a backup point guard since losing Eric Maynor earlier this season with an injury. Rookie Reggie Jackson has been playing in his place and has been unable to produce very much.

Fisher seems like an obvious upgrade at this spot for the Thunder. Fisher also has the same agent as Kevin Durant now.

The Thunder’s best four players are either 23 or 22. Fisher could definitely bring some leadership and experience to the team with the best record in the Western Conference.

The only concern for Thunder fans would be exactly how much Fisher would play. He averaged over 25 minutes per game with the Lakers this season but would likely be getting 15 or under with the Thunder.

Scott Brooks seems to have an affinity for players like Fisher and may even be prone to play him more. That might not be a great thing for the Thunder. It’s not like they’d want Fisher in their crunch time lineup.

Richard Rowe-US PRESSWIRE

Russell Westbrook routinely plays over 40 minutes per game especially with Jackson as his backup. Westbrook really has no problem doing this and when the playoffs come around will probably be asked to play over 40 minutes per game.

It is unlikely that Fisher would do anything to interfere with a title run for the Thunder and may even extremely benefit it tootling Westbrook to some degree.

Imagine a lineup with Westbrook playing off the ball next to Fisher-Harden-Durant-Ibaka. That’s a decent closing lineup if the Thunder can afford to go small. I think I’d rather see Fisher on the floor instead of Daequan Cook in some cases.

I’m just not totally in love with the Thunder closing games by going small and if they add Fisher, I feel they will always do this. I love what Kendrick Perkins or Nick Collison can bring on defense and I don’t know if it is worth it to exchange them for smaller players who stretch the floor on offense.

I’m still more excited about Thabo Sefolosha becoming the fifth crunch time player because of his defense and ability to let the Thunder switch on perimeter players on defense.

We will find out Wednesday if Fisher chooses Oklahoma City. Miami is obviously another place he will consider and would probably be a better fit for him.

Steve Dykes-US PRESSWIRE

Thunder (1-game losing streak)
106.6 Offensive Efficiency (2nd)
99.8 Defensive Efficiency (12th)
96.1 Pace (4th)
56.8 True Shooting % (1st)
51.1 Rebound Rate (6th)

Blazers (1-game winning streak)
102.2 Offensive Efficiency (11th)
100.4 Defensive Efficiency (13th)
94.0 Pace (16th)
53.1 True Shooting % (10th)
49.5 Rebound Rate (20th)

The Thunder have been through a tough stretch lately losing most recently to the San Antonio Spurs two nights ago. Tonight they will face Portland for the first time since the trade deadline when the Blazers made it clear they weren’t in it to win it anymore this year.

The Blazers traded away Gerald Wallace and Marcus Camby at the trade deadline in return for very little.

At the beginning of the year, Portland was looking like the potential worst matchup for the Oklahoma City Thunder in a series. While they still have a decent lineup that is certainly not the case anymore.

The Blazers however beat the team with the best record in the NBA in their last game, winning against the Chicago Bulls who were without Derrick Rose for the game.

Tonight they will contend with the Thunder who will have all of their big guns. Kevin Durant will not have to deal with Wallace who was a tough cover on him in previous meetings. The lane should also be cleared some without Camby for Russell Westbrook and James Harden to take it to the rim.

The Thunder have been in cruise control lately and we’ll see what kind of Portland team shows up tonight. They might either be motivated to still play strong or a depressed type that is just mailing it in.

Normally I’d say the Thunder were a sure bet at home to get the win but they have not been playing their best basketball lately and until then it seems anyone has a fighting chance to beat them.

The game will tip at 9:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.

Soobum Im-US PRESSWIRE

Thunder (1-game winning streak)
106.7 Offensive Efficiency (2nd)
99.5 Defensive Efficiency (11th)
95.9 Pace (4th)
56.9 True Shooting % (1st)
51.3 Rebound Rate (5th)

Spurs (2-game winning streak)
105.6 Offensive Efficiency (4th)
101.6 Defensive Efficiency (16th)
94.0 Pace (16th)
54.7 True Shooting % (4th)
49.9 Rebound Rate (17th)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off an impressive 103-90 win last night over the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder made a season-high 12 three-pointers in the game.

Yesterday was the NBA trade deadline and while the Thunder stood pat with their roster, San Antonio did not trading away Richard Jefferson and a first-round pick to Golden State for Stephen Jackson.

Jackson previously played for San Antonio from 2001-03 and won the title with the team in the 2002-03 season. Jackson will bring some added offense to the Spurs who currently sit second in the West in terms of record behind only the Thunder.

The last time these two teams played Tony Parker put on a clinic scoring 42 points and dishing out nine assists. The Thunder had no chance in that game being played in San Antonio.

Tonight the Thunder will look for payback at home only this time the Spurs will also be with Manu Ginobili who has returned from injury and continuing his fine season.

Richard Rowe-US PRESSWIRE

The Thunder also have a player back from injury in Thabo Sefolosha who played his first game last night after missing the previous 23. Sefolosha brings back some athleticism and defense to the starting lineup and allows for the Thunder to return to their original rotation from earlier this season bringing Daequan Cook off the bench.

Kevin Durant did not play very well against the Spurs last time scoring only 22 points and neither did Russell Westbrook who scored 18.

The game was only kind of close because of the Thunder bench which made runs with Parker out and kept the score respectable.

The Thunder have been prone to slow starts this season and can’t afford that against a quality team like the Spurs.

It is unlikely that Jackson will play tonight but the return of Ginobili should present a bigger challenge for the Thunder tonight. They are going to need to be clicking on all cylinders to make sure they come away with a victory.

Westbrook should be motivated to take on the challenge against Parker tonight and hopefully that results in a good thing for the Thunder.

James Harden went 0-for-3from three against the Spurs last time but hit four threes last night. The Thunder will need Harden and the rest of the second-unit to play well as the Spurs get a lot of production from their bench.

The game will tip at 9:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.

From the words of the Nuggets announcers last night: “Add Al Harrington to the list of Kevin Durant posters.”

That’s the kind of night it was for the Denver Nuggets. They just didn’t have the motivation it seemed to come out and match the Thunder’s intensity.

Oklahoma City cruised to a 103-90 win last night never breaking stride along the way.

Durant led the way scoring 24 points. He made all four of his shots at the rim and went 2-for-2 from 16-to-23 feet. Durant’s only blemish was making just 1-of-5 treys.

Russell Westbrook didn’t have his cleanest night with seven turnovers but had nice touch from deep making 2-of-3 threes and 3-of-7 long twos.

Thabo Sefolosha returned to the starting lineup after missing the last 23 games for the Thunder. The Thunder defense returned to their old ways last night too now that Daequan Cook could start coming off the bench again.

Last year, Oklahoma City’s defense was one of the best in the league but they have struggled somewhat in that department this season. It was good to see them show glimpses of their potential on the defensive end last night.

The Thunder may be the best in the NBA at turning good defense into quick-scoring offense. We saw a great example of that last night after a Serge Ibaka block on Harrington quickly turned into a fast break alley-oop from Westbrook to James Harden.

That was Harden’s only bucket at the rim last night as he comfortably lit the Nuggets up from three instead. He made 4-of-6 threes in the game as the Thunder made a season-high 12 threes as a team last night.

Another big component to the return of Sefolosha is the Thunder getting back to their normal rotation. Cook seemed more comfortable coming back off the bench to the tune of making three three-pointers last night.

Reggie Jackson also played well with five points and four assists. There were some rumors just before the trade deadline about the Thunder possibly pursuing D.J. Augustin from the Charlotte Bobcats. The potential deal likely would have included Jackson, who seemed possibly relieved to still be with the Thunder last night and it was reflected in his game.

Tonight we will see the top two teams in the West do battle as the Thunder will host San Antonio. The Spurs made some noise yesterday trading away Richard Jefferson to Golden State for Stephen Jackson.

Richard Rowe-US PRESSWIRE

The Oklahoma City Thunder made a season-high 12 three-pointers on their way to a 103-90 victory on the road against the Denver Nuggets Thursday night.

It was a day that featured many other headlines and the intensity from either team seemed on cruise control.

The Nuggets came into the game having just traded away Nene to Washington for JaVale McGee. Nene would of course not play in the game and McGee wouldn’t be arriving until Friday morning.

The Thunder got Thabo Sefolosha back after he missed the last 23 games with a right foot injury. Sefolosha looked good in his return especially on defense and the Thunder looked more comfortable in their rotation.

Kevin Durant would lead the team with 24 points and eight rebounds. Russell Westbrook scored 23 points but also had seven turnovers. James Harden poured in 18 off the bench including four three-pointers.

Daequan Cook did not have to start for the first time in a long time and looked more comfortable returning to his bench role. He came in and made three three-pointers for the Thunder and scored 11 points.

The Thunder would close with Reggie Jackson in the fourth quarter going small with Durant at the four. Jackson had a fine game with five points and four assists and the Thunder were plus-13 with him in the game.

The Denver Nuggets actually led this game at halftime 51-50 but would score just 39 points in the second half and just didn’t look like they had the legs to give enough effort to challenge the Thunder seriously.

Oklahoma City shot 48 percent from deep and made 12 threes while Denver struggled making only five treys out of 22 attempts.

The Thunder (33-10) will return home tomorrow night to host the San Antonio Spurs (28-13). The game will air at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Richard Rowe-US PRESSWIRE

Thunder (1-game losing streak)
106.6 Offensive Efficiency (2nd)
99.6 Defensive Efficiency (11th)
96.0 Pace (5th)
56.9 True Shooting % (1st)
51.4 Rebound Rate (5th)

Nuggets (1-game losing streak)
105.3 Offensive Efficiency (5th)
102.5 Defensive Efficiency (19th)
97.1 Pace (1st)
55.2 True Shooting % (3rd)
51.5 Rebound Rate (4th)

It’s amazing that there’s a game tonight with so much else going on with the trade deadline and March Madness starting today.

Oklahoma City did not make any moves before the trade deadline but they did have some talks with Charlotte about potentially going after point guard D.J. Augustin. You would imagine the Thunder would have packaged maybe Nazr Mohammed and some picks to get Augustin but it didn’t happen.

The Denver Nuggets however did make some noise as they were involved in a three-way trade with the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers. The Nuggets traded away Nene and received JaVale McGee and Ronny Turiaf.

Nene will not be playing tonight then and neither will McGee yet. The Nuggets also wanted to do this reportedly to make some cap room for signing Wilson Chandler.

As for the game, the Thunder should be more prepared. They also received good news today that Thabo Sefolosha will be back in the starting lineup after missing the last 23 games.

Richard Rowe-US PRESSWIRE

The last time these teams played was memorable to say the least. Kevin Durant scored his career-high 51 points, Russell Westbrook scored 40 and Serge Ibaka had a triple-double as the Thunder beat the Nuggets 124-118 in overtime.

Durant has always played well against the Nuggets and it should be no different tonight despite the return of Danilo Gallinari who did not play in the overtime game.

The Thunder are coming off a five-game home stand in which they surprisingly lost twice. They lost their last game in shocking fashion by one point to the Houston Rockets while being outscored 13-1 to end the game.

The Thunder also lost last Friday night to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Oklahoma City will surely be looking to rebound tonight and should be able to after things in Denver have been shaken up a bit with the trade deadline news.

Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE

The biggest names this trade deadline stayed put. Dwight Howard will remain with the Orlando Magic through next season. The Lakers did not deal Pau Gasol and the Nets kept Deron Williams.

A few contenders did make some noise and one team let the world know they would begin tanking. Let’s start with the 3-team deal that broke just after 3 p.m.

Nuggets, Clippers, Wizards

Denver received JaVale McGee and Ronny Turiaf, Washington received Nene, Brian Cook and a pick and Los Angeles received Nick Young. Other players and picks might be included.

The Nuggets get rid of Nene who perennially is at the top of the league in field goal percentage. The Nuggets have had trouble finding a closer in games and Nene was one guy they could go to for offense. Now they have McGee who is basically a head case but with tons of talent. Maybe George Karl can help with that.

Nene to Washington might be a good fit over there to help John Wall out. McGee and Young were the main headcases over there and it’s definitely somewhat of a plus to get rid of them.

The Clippers have needed a shooting guard all season and they get a talented one in Young without giving away much. While he may have attitude problems you have to think Chris Paul could help with that.

Portland Trailblazers

The Blazers made it clear that they have given up on the season. Not too long ago the Blazers were the most feared team by me as a potential playoff matchup with the Thunder. Today they dealt Marcus Camby and Gerald Wallace for Hasheem Thabeet, Jonny Flynn, Shawne Williams and Mehmet Okur.

They sent Camby to the Rockets for Thabeet, Flynn and a future second-round pick. They sent Wallace to New Jersey for Williams, Okur and a top-3, protected first-round pick.

The Blazers also fired head coach Nate McMillan.

Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers addressed a few needs today and parted ways with one of the all-time Lakers greats, at least according to their fans. The Lakers sent Derek Fisher and a first-round pick (via Dallas) to Houston for Jordan Hill.

Los Angeles also sent Luke Walton, Jason Kapono and a first-round pick to Cleveland for Ramon Sessions and Christian Eyenga. The Lakers have upgraded Fisher to Sessions who is one of the more underrated point guards in the NBA. Sessions however is a player that needs the ball in his hands a lot to be productive, but nonetheless is an upgrade from Fisher.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs will reunite with Captain Jack. San Antonio sent Richard Jefferson and a conditional first-round pick to Golden State for Stephen Jackson.

Jackson played for the Spurs from 01-03 and won the NBA title with the team in the 2002-03 season as a starter. Jackson played with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili on those teams and was very clutch during their playoff run in 2003.

Jackson was traded from Milwaukee two days ago to Golden State in the Monta Ellis deal.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets have added Camby and Fisher and a first-round pick while giving up no one in their rotation. Houston is fresh off a victory against the Thunder and beat the team with the best-record in the West two out of four times this season.

Camby paired with Samuel Dalembert will be a tough interior presence in blocking shots and rebounding on both ends. Fisher will also bring some experience and leadership. The Rockets will be a scary matchup for anyone once the playoffs role around if they can get healthy.

Greg Smith-US PRESSWIRE

New Jersey Nets

The Nets got rid of a few players that rarely play and a first-round pick to get Wallace from Portland. Wallace is a great chemistry guy who can fit in anywhere on a basketball court. Wallace looked like the key ingredient for Portland this year and last as they looked to make a playoff run.

The Nets now have Deron Williams, Gerald Wallace and Brook Lopez. This could help them land Dwight Howard in a few ways whether it be adding Wallace into a deal to try and get Howard eventually or enticing him more so to come because Williams and Wallace would be nice players around him.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers quietly added Leandro Barbosa from the Toronto Raptors. They sent the Raptors a second-round pick and also received point guard Anthony Carter in the deal.

Indiana has been a pleasant surprise this season and could appear in the second round of the playoffs this year. Barbosa is a nice pickup for them adding depth and scoring to their backcourt. Barbosa also has been in the top 10 in isolation scoring in the NBA the past two seasons.

As expected the Oklahoma City Thunder did not make any moves during the trade deadline. There wasn’t a lot out there for them and they didn’t have much they would be willing to part ways with. San Antonio, Houston, the Clippers and the Lakers all made moves to improve and that could spell some trouble for the Thunder.

Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

Dwight Howard will be wearing an Orlando Magic jersey through next season. Today he signed a waiver that will deny him the right to terminate his contract after this season.

It seems that Howard never totally knew what he was doing. He didn’t really understand everything that was going on. What was the reason of making the Magic wait this long and then deciding to simply stay put?

I think this is the kind of guy Howard is and it is reflective in his game. He is not demanding enough of the ball and basically doesn’t take charge enough. He’s too laid back.

This is a huge win for the Magic in my opinion. The longer they can keep Howard, the better. They are currently the three-seed in the East and are coming off wins over Miami and Chicago in the last week. In this lockout season, it could take one rolled ankle from a star on another team to suddenly catapult the Magic into position to take the East.

We are now two hours away from the trade deadline at 3 p.m. EST. Minor moves were made earlier today and we’re still waiting on something big. Now that Howard will stay put, it is less likely something else will dominate the headlines.

The Thunder still seem like they won’t do much if anything by the deadline. Adding a backup point guard would be nice but they really don’t have much to give up anyway so it is unlikely.

Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports broke news first of a deal between the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors. The deal would send Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh and Kwame Brown to the Bucks in exchange for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson.

This will likely dispel the rumors earlier this week involving Dwight Howard in a deal with Ellis.

The Bucks will not start a backcourt of Ellis and Brandon Jennings. We have seen how much Ellis and Stephen Curry could hurt opponents and the Ellis-Jennings pairing in Milwaukee should be pretty lethal at times.

The Warriors seemed like the really wanted to get rid of Ellis this season but I think the Bucks make out pretty good in this deal. Milwaukee is currently the eight-seed in the East and has been playing good basketball of late.

Golden State definitely wants to tank this season. If they have a top-7 pick they get to keep it, 8-30 and it goes to Utah.

If nothing else an Ellis-Jennings backcourt should be a tough matchup for a lot of teams in the East.

We’re just over 48 hours away from the NBA trade deadline. Dwight Howard still is in Orlando. It is unlikely the Oklahoma City Thunder will make any deals, although there has been some talk about a move for a backup point guard.