Thunderous Intentions
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The Real Direction Behind OKC Thunder Trade

By Gideon Lim

Mar 2, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) scramble for a ball on the floor during the second half of the game at Moda Center. The Blazers won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) scramble for a ball on the floor during the second half of the game at Moda Center. The Blazers won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Final Verdict

OKC Thunder
Mar 18, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) posts up against Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison (7) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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I think no matter how you cut it, this is a fantastic trade for the Thunder. Contract situations or not, the OKC Thunder are in a much better position now compared to before the trade, even if it means more uncertainty in the summer.

From a team perspective, the only drawback is that Gibson coming in could stunt Sabonis’ development. My gut feeling, though, is that between Kanter and Gibson, we’re going to see this issue resolved over the summer.

This summer, the fate of the franchise will yet again rest upon the Brodie’s signature. For that, I think this trade is Presti’s way of pitching the management’s pro activeness to Westbrook. The pressure is now on Donovan and the rest of the players. Get the team up to the 4th/5th spot and Presti will have a lot more to work with.

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