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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
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Stanley Johnson

Another highly touted wing prospect from the 2015 draft, Johnson simply hasn’t fit in with the Detroit Pistons. He had an okay rookie season, averaging eight points and four rebounds in 24 minutes. He helped lead Detroit to its first playoff berth since 2009, where the team was swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Similar to Hezonja, Johnson’s numbers took a dive last year. He played nearly five fewer minutes a game, and saw his scoring and rebounding numbers halved. In addition, his shooting percentages from the field, three-point range, and the foul line all went down. Johnson was even demoted to Detroit’s D-League team, the Grand Rapids Drive.

Despite having played poorly last season, Johnson could potentially fit in well with OKC. At 6’7, 245 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an NBA small forward. Johnson saw early comparisons to Kawhi Leonard as well as a young Ron Artest. Speaking of which, Johnson’s physical play and mental toughness may be his best quality. Even as a rookie, Johnson showed no fear calling out LeBron James during the 2015 playoffs. This is the type of swagger the OKC Thun der desperately needs alongside Russell Westbrook.

The Pistons are looking for players that can help them win now, even going as far as offering their number 12 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft. That being said, do the Pistons really have a team in place to do anything substantial in the improving Eastern Conference? Presti should give the Pistons a call and check on Johnson’s availability. He is still just 21 years old and has plenty of room to improve on.

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