OKC Thunder Trade Deadline Rumors- Afflalo, Young, Gibson and McDermott on Presti’s radar

The NBA Trade Deadline is upon us and while many OKC Thunder fans will be hopeful for a roster addition it may be a relatively quiet day for Sam Presti.

Although the OKC Thunder could use perimeter scoring, ball handlers, scoring punch and someone to add veteran depth and grit the pickings may be slim. That’s because the onus has been on developing the OKC Thunder’s young core with a view toward the future. That said, Russell Westbrook sure could use help in the form of another consistent reliable talent.

As we get closer to 3:00 PM ET there are bound to be plenty of rumors flying regarding who is moving, who is being shopped, and what teams are seeking. And, while the OKC Thunder haven’t been popping in the news, don’t assume that definitively means Sam Presti won’t make a move.

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Ultimately, whatever Presti does (or doesn’t do) will tip his hat in terms of what his plans are for the future.  No moves likely indicate the franchise is intent on youth development or Presti just doesn’t have the assets necessary. Let’s not forget Victor Oladipo (not to say he’s being shopped) is under the poison pill restriction, so he’s not going anywhere.

Without assets, it doesn’t mean Presti will be idle. The GM could still add a veteran presence as TI writer Sean Reece outlined. Or Presti could utilize underdeveloped assets or draft picks to try to check off one of the OKC Thunder needs.

Current Rumors:

Not much fodder to pull from as social media is aflutter with copious rumors, just not about the OKC Thunder. Heading into trade deadline day there were rumors Presti was interested in Nuggets wing Wilson Chandler (cue the salivation of the TI team who have long coveted this versatile player), but that got shut down via Sam Amick.

Chandler out of the mix:

Entering draft day there is one rumor floating which is Taj Gibson is on Sam Presti’s radar:

While Gibson would add veteran leadership and grit, he wouldn’t add scoring or ball handling. Nor would he provide the consistent second scorer to Westbrook the team covets. Given the Bulls want a first-round pick in exchange for Gibson it also doesn’t seem like the best use of Presti’s assets.

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This season Gibson is posting a stat line of 11.6 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, 0.9 blocks per game, 1.1 assists per game.

Two shooters emerge as potential targets:

Basketball Insiders reports two shooters are on Sam Presti’s shortlist of potential targets and these players are much more likely to move the needle in the right direction.

Arron Afflalo:

In the past four seasons, Afflalo has spent time with five different teams (Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks, and Sacramento Kings). Recalling the trade deadline of two seasons ago Afflalo was added to the Blazers in the hopes he would become their sixth man.

Since there is so much turmoil in Sacramento it’s hard to know if Afflalo has simply regressed or is a product of the Kings’ chemistry issues.

Afflalo’s stat line for the season is 7.8 points per game, 1.9 rebounds per game, 1.2 assists per game, 39% from three.

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As per Basketball Insiders:

"Afflalo has just $1.5 million of his $12.5 million salary for next season guaranteed, making him a low-risk short-term rental. The Kings are believed to be pushing for an Afflalo trade fairly aggressively. With Chandler no longer considered an option (unless Denver lowers the price) Afflalo could be the next option."

Nick Young:

The other intriguing player mentioned in the Basketball Insiders report is Nick ‘Swaggy P’ Young. While Young isn’t going to light up the defensive end he is intriguing from a sharpshooter standpoint. And, the scuttlebutt out of L.A. is Young has shown a penchant for playing defense with much more commitment than seasons past. The stats don’t reflect this, however, the Lakers aren’t exactly a strong defensively minded team.

With Magic looking to rebuild the Lakers while tanking low enough to retain their draft pick.

Note: Lakers need to finish bottom 3 in order to keep their draft pick away from 76ers)

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Again, as per Basketball Insiders:

"Another name that could come at a very low price for the Thunder is Lakers guard Nick Young, while Young has played well for the Lakers this season there is still a considerable stigma around him as a personality in the locker room.Young has a Player Option for next season worth $5.6 million, which could be a deterrent for a team unsure of his fit. The Lakers are said to be looking for just a second-round pick for Young in efforts to move him, and his possible cap hit off the books."

Young’s stat line for the season is 13.8 points per game, 1.1 assists per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, 41% from three.

Addendum:

After posting this piece another target (salivation commences) is Doug McDermott who would fit the needs of the Thunder in terms of a perimeter shooter.

McDermott’s stat line for the season is 10.2 points per game, 3 rebounds per game, and assist per game. His shooting stats are impressive 45 percent from the field, 38 from deep, and 88 percent from the line.

Of the players listed McDermott may well fit the needs of the Thunder best. Could Presti be looking at picking up both Gibson and McDermott? And what would he exchange for the pair?  With a few hours remaining until the deadline, the wait won’t be long to find out what happens.

Bottom line:

Simply put – rumors remain rumors until they become reality. And, whatever Presti does will give a clear indication of what the team plans to do moving forward.

No moves would indicate the OKC Thunder are invested in the future and free agency. Whereas minor moves could also indicate Presti is simply clearing up space for the summer.

A big move seems unlikely without an existing asset leaving.  In that circumstance, Presti is basically stating he believes a shuffle could produce better results.  Ultimately Presti’s hands may be tied, but at a minimum, he has to test the waters. If for no other reason than to show Westbrook he is trying to build a team around the MVP candidate.

Stick with Thunderous Intentions as the team keeps you apprised of any rumors, trades, and analyze the after-effects on the Thunder post-deadline.