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Five Players OKC Thunder Could Target In A “Reverse Harden Trade”

By Austin Sternlicht

Apr 25, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) looses the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) in the second quarter in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) looses the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) in the second quarter in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder trade target
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Mario Hezonja

The fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft was described as “Klay Thompson’s game with Kobe Bryant’s attitude.” But like many recent high Magic draft picks, Hezonja’s career has gotten off to a rocky start.

In two seasons, his career numbers are 5.5 points per game, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.  His numbers actually decreased in all major categories from his rookie to his sophomore season.

Perhaps he hasn’t had the ideal coach. In 2015, the Magic brought in Scott Skiles in hopes of turning the franchise around. Skiles is a hard-nosed old-fashion coach who values defense over offense. He has a reputation for being tough on his players, and clearly didn’t click with Hezonja or the rest of the team. He resigned after one season once he realized this wasn’t the team for him.

After Skiles, the Magic hired former Indiana coach Frank Vogel. Like Skiles, Vogel is another defensive oriented coach who clearly had little interest in developing Hezonja. His minutes dropped from 17 to 14 a game and finished the season with a -.7 win share.

The Magic organization has been a low-key train wreck. The team recently fired General Manager Rob Hennigan, (a former OKC assistant GM) in hopes of once again starting from scratch. Could new GM John Hammond look to begin a total rebuild?

If Orlando looks to blow it up, Sam Presti should at least call the Magic and see if the 21st pick is enough to trade for Hezonja. This would be better for the OKC Thunder  than reaching on a small forward or drafting a big man who won’t play for a year. Hezonja has two years of NBA experience under his belt and could be a small forward version of Alex Abrines. The Croatian small forward is still just 22, and OKC could be the perfect team for him to get a fresh start with.

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