Who Will the Oklahoma City Thunder Sign if Kanter Moves on?

Jan 27, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Atlanta Hawks small forward

(5) steals the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarre Carroll

Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-8 / Team: Atlanta

The only member of this year’s Hawks starting lineup omitted from the All-Star team, Carroll is an under-the-radar player who is an apt finisher at the hoop and a solid on-ball defender. His performance in the playoffs however has diminished the Thunder’s ability to try and sign him, as he has shown bright throughout this year’s postseason.

How would he fit on the Thunder? New coach Billy Donovan might institute a “small-ball” team that features Carroll at small forward and Durant at power forward (sliding Ibaka to center). This would create matchup nightmares for opponents. Carroll could also become the team’s best Sixth Man, fitting seamlessly with Waiters, Morrow and other bench players.

This is a big stretch but if Carroll wants his best chance at a championship, Oklahoma City should be in the mix.

Next: A Defense Presence to Replace Kanter