We are all aware of the expectations on the Thunder this year. Two seasons removed from an NBA finals appearance, it’s about time this team got its act together and made another run at a title.
It definitely won’t be easy. The always tough Western Conference is as strong as ever and for the Thunder to make it to the finals they will have to battle through the ultimate gauntlet in the playoffs.
After flaming out in the conference finals against the eventual champion Spurs, Thunder fans immediately asked what the team would do during the offseason to take the next step. Because of limited financial flexibility the team was one only able to land one lower echelon free agent along with draft picks.
As great as they are, it is becoming clear that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook cannot do all of the scoring by themselves on a nightly basis.
As much as I actually believe Anthony Morrow fits quite nicely in the OKC offense, I am not too excited about the move. The Thunder are one step away from winning a title. They need something that will set them apart from the other contenders and help them take the next step. Anthony Morrow simply is not that. He’s a jump shooter with a limited offensive game outside of the three point shot. He also has been known to be an inconsistent shooter at times as well. The one thing that is in his favor is the fact that he’s never played for a team like OKC. With two superstar scorers who can get in to the lane at will, the Thunder are desperate for someone on the wing who can knock down the outside shot and maybe, just maybe, guard opposing 2/3’s somewhat adequately.
If things start slow in Oklahoma City, or if the Thunder think they are one move away from being serious contenders, they may look to make a move for a wing player. With loads of young talented players and an expiring contract in Kendrick Perkins, the Thunder have the assets to make something happen. Here are some players in the last or second to last year of their current contract that Sam Presti may take a look at.
Wesley Matthews– This one is a long shot. The Blazers were terrific last year and it is doubtful they will be in a situation where they will be looking to trade Matthews. But… with LaMarcus Aldridge due for a max contract and Damian Lillard due for one in a couple years, the Blazers may end up having to choose between Matthews and Nic Batum. If their season is a let-down, Matthews may be someone the Thunder could target.
Danny Granger– Granger has a player option for next season in Miami and is looked at as a low risk/high reward type player. If it was up to me however, I wouldn’t even think about adding the veteran wing.
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Khris Middleton– This is a VERY interesting possibility. Another low risk/high reward type move and Middleton would be a great fit in OKC. He has good size on the wing and a very smooth outside shot. The Bucks are in rebuild mode meaning just about anyone but Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo are up for grabs. Middleton would be pretty easy to get and could be a major steal.
Arron Afflalo– Pretty much the same story as last year except this year he’s in Denver and has only a year left on his contract. The Nuggets seem pretty committed to Afflalo and his value might be too high for the Thunder to make a move anyway. If it’s a disaster in Denver and Afflalo has a tough season, it just might work but I wouldn’t bank on it.
Gerald Henderson– The Hornets added Lance Stephenson in the offseason and look to be moving in a new direction. After failed attempts to move Henderson over the summer, they enter the season with him on the roster. He’s a good fit for the Thunder because he’s a stellar defender but his outside shot lacks the consistency OKC needs. This is a boring move that could actually end up being one of the best.
Jimmy Butler– Probably the biggest long shot of them all. The Bulls are likely going to be title contenders and uninterested in moving Butler, but if something goes wrong with an injury they could look to blow it up. If that is the case, Butler would be a perfect fit in OKC.
Iman Shumpert– The same story as last year. If the Knicks are a disaster again they will likely look to move Shumpert again. Let’s just hope the Thunder can make it happen this time.
Jeff Green– Why not? Green was in OKC to start his career and he would be a nice fit. The Celtics are a joke and have been looking to move Green for a while now.
Gerald Green– After a surprising season last year there is a chance the Suns could be in for a let-down. If that does happen, the Thunder could move in on Green. His athleticism would be downright scary next to Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant in transition.
Jordan Hamilton– Similar to Anthony Morrow. Hamilton is a young wing who can light it up from the outside but has been known to be inconsistent.
Alec Burks– Very under the radar possibility but extremely interesting to me. Burks is a combo guard with good size and a very nice defender. He lacks the shooting consistency OKC is looking for but with the Jazz adding Dante Exum in the draft, Burks could be the odd man out.
This may be a lot to take in, but it is all just speculation. Hopefully the Thunder will be undefeated at the deadline and we won’t have to worry about anything. As fun as that would be it’s doubtful that will happen and if they need to make a move it is good to know that there are plenty of possibilities out there.