Oklahoma City Thunder Trade Grade: Adding and Keeping Talent

Leave up to an OKC trade being the most talked about move at the trade deadline. We’ll know a lot more about the deal as Cameron Payne continues to develop.

The Oklahoma City Thunder packaged Anthony Morrow, Joffrey Lauvergne and 2015 lottery pick Cameron Payne to Chicago in return for Taj Gibson, Doug Mcdermott, and an unprotected 2^nd round draft pick.

The consensus theory from the fans and television networks was that Andre Roberson would have to be traded if the team wanted to get better. His lack of a consistent offensive game shrunk the floor and stopped the flow of the team’s was truly hard to watch

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But the level of defense that he brings to the team makes it worthwhile. When he isn’t guarding the opposing team’s best player – which is almost never the case – he’s swatting shots or in the passing lanes. And that turns into instant offense.

With Roberson on the floor the Thunder average 12 fastbreak points per game. When he’s on the bench that number drops to five per game.

Adding the players that the front office did in some ways helps to maximize Roberson’s impact. Andre averages 30 minutes a game, good for fourth on the team. A defensive frontcourt involving Roberson, Gibson and Steven Adams will surely see plenty of minutes. All three are athletic, formidable defenders and skilled rebounders.

The counter to this stout frontline is the spacing—their percentage of shots at the rim is a combined 65%. That is where the Doug McDermott aspect of the deal comes into play. The third year Creighton product is a sharpshooter that can finally use his skill toward winning basketball. McDermott’s presence alleviates the spacing issues that comes with playing Gibson. Coming off a year where he averaged 42% from behind the arc, he is having a “down” year at 37%.

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From the corners, Doug is averaging 40%. In any lineup. With Russell Westbrook, he is sure to have plenty of opportunities to shoot from his favorite spots. There are certainly lineups that should yield plenty of success for this team. And as with Gibson, McDermott and Roberson build off one another.

Doug’s skillset does not include the ones needed on the defensive side of the ball. However, a pairing with Roberson downgrading to the 2-guard will add length on defense with Roberson covering for Doug. Hiding McDermott on the defensive is a small price when he can come down and shoot at an elite level on the other end.

Overall Grade : B

The trade for the Thunder grades out about a B. Considering what the team gave up, the return seems like a haul. The Thunder sent out two expiring contracts and a player who no longer seemed to be in their long-term plans. Per ESPN’s Royce Young, the Thunder, however view Payne as a player who can blossom into a quality NBA player.

The Thunder believe Payne is going to be a big time player, but playing behind Westbrook, wouldn't develop into the player he's capable of.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) February 23, 2017

The Bulls clearly share the sentiment. For Payne, it’s up to him to try and find a rhythm and seize the moment and capitalize on the flashes he showed last year. Morrow, a career 41% three point shooter has shot the ball poorly this season at 29%. The eight-year veteran has shot below 37% only once before. The Bulls rank last in the league in three point shooting and are adding three capable shooters from distance.

The hangup for the Thunder is being able to re-sign Gibson in the off-season and still be able to pay for Roberson as well.

None of that matters from now until April as the Thunder prepare for the playoff push and get ready the postseason.