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OKC Thunder: Five Small Forwards Who Would Fit Well with the Thunder

By Tony Heim

Apr 8, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) looks for an open man during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) looks for an open man during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Rudy Gay, Sacramento Kings

Nov 27, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) prepares to shoot the ball as Brooklyn Nets forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) defends during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) prepares to shoot the ball as Brooklyn Nets forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) defends during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

If you pay attention to NBA rumors at all, you’ve heard about Rudy Gay to the Thunder. Personally I don’t think it will happen, but because of all the talk I figure I should address the idea.

At 30 years old, Gay is posting numbers above his career high in virtually every statistical category. His 41% three-point percentage is easily the highest of his career, and the former Raptor/Grizzlie is playing the best defense of his career.

Nov 10, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

In terms of strictly basketball, Gay is the hands-down pick to join the Thunder. He gives them a consistent three-point threat at small forward (assuming this continues), another perimeter scoring threat to take pressure off Russ and a solid defender. But there’s only one problem.

Gay is in a contract year.

Sam Presti won’t give up young assets to bring over a player who may not stay in the future; his eye is always three years ahead in every trade. The fact that Gay is in a contract year also explains the defensive anomaly. Rudy always has had the ability to be a solid defender, but he’s never put the proper effort in on that end.

Finally, bringing Gay over would be a short-term move. I’m sorry to break it to you, but the Thunder aren’t winning a championship this year. If Sam Presti is making a trade, it’s going to be for a player who can help the Thunder both this year and two years down the road.

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