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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: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

D’Angelo Russell

Assuming the Lakers select Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick in the NBA draft, questions about Russell’s future with the team will emerge.

The second overall selection in the 2015 draft has battled his way through two adversity filled seasons. His first season was overshadowed by Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour, which limited Russell’s ability to develop. In addition, Russell had to deal with Byron Scott as a head coach, who is known for being a disciplinarian and unnecessarily tough on his young players. These were both un-ideal situations for a player who was supposed to lead the Lakers into a new era. Still, he averaged 13.2 points, 3.4, 3.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game, making the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team.

Various knee injuries limited Russell’s second season to just 63 games.  He also had to deal with a massive ownership conflict, when controlling team owner Jeannie Buss fired General Manager Mitch Kupchak, and removed her brother Jim as the executive vice president of basketball operations. This led to a massive legal battle and sent the team spiraling out of control. Still, he boosted his numbers to 15.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Russell could use a change of scenery with a no-nonsense organization like the Thunder.

From OKC’s perspective, the team has lacked an impact guard off the bench since the team traded Reggie Jackson in 2015. Russell would be the perfect player to come in and fill that role. At 6’5, he is a combo guard who can handle the ball and create for others. He would be able to run the second unit and help the Thunder stay afloat when Westbrook rests. Furthermore, he could play alongside Russell Westbrook. He shot 35 percent from three in each of his first two seasons.

Getting Russell through a trade may be difficult, but with the way the league is headed, it would certainly help to have another high-quality perimeter player. With two years left on his rookie-scale deal, Russell could give the Thunder a cheaper option and an elite player off the bench.

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