Imagine an OKC Thunder team centered around Kristaps Porzingis setting screens for Russell Westbrook. What a glorious sight.
As the NBA offseason ramps up the rumors only get juicier. Multiple sources – including The Vertical and Phil Jackson himself – have reported that Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks would not be opposed to trading Kristaps Porzingis if the price is right.
It turns out the OKC Thunder are one of the teams part of the discussions.
Knicks have also spoken w/ OKC on KP https://t.co/wbh5xqKk5d
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 22, 2017
Now we’re talkin’ something serious. The Knicks reportedly want a top four draft pick in return so they can pick Josh Jackson; the Thunder can’t give them that. What they can do, however, is offer the 21st pick alongside Steven Adams/Enes Kanter. In turn a third team could receive the 21st pick and the Knicks 8th pick in return for their top four pick.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Let me be clear: I am not reporting any sort of deal. This is all speculation at this point, but for the Thunder to be a part of a group of six teams is exciting.
Sadly a deal is extremely unlikely considering the strapped-up Boston Celtics have also been a part of trade discussions. The Thunder don’t have the assets to compete for a player of Kristaps Porzingis’ caliber. What they do have going for them is one of the best negotiators in the league in Sam Presti.
A trade for Kristaps Porzingis would immediately give Russell Westbrook the offensive weapon he’s been missing the past year. Porzingis can roll to the basket just as well as Adams with the added benefit of stretching the defense out past three. Alongside Jerami Grant the Thunder would have one of the most lengthy and athletic frontcourt combos in the league as well.
Okay I need to stop. I refuse to keep
dreaming
torturing myself until a trade is finalized.