The Oklahoma City Thunder; along with the rest of the league, is just two days away from the NBA’s free agency. However, the big news is going already starting a domino-effect before July 1st.
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With just two days left before free agency, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the rest of the NBA watched as Clippers point guard Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets for Lou Williams, Patrick Beverly, and Sam Dekker to the Houston Rockets via the Vertical.
The Houston Rockets are of course the team that defeated the Thunder in last year’s playoffs. Now, with the addition of Paul, they’ll likely remain in the hunt for another Western Conference Playoff run.
The question is, how does this move affect the Oklahoma City Thunder? We all know about the cap space, the priority of signing Westbrook to a contract extension and getting our MVP some help. For one, It makes the Rockets more dangerous with Paul running the point. Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni loves point guards. He’s directly responsible for Jeremy Lin’s “Linsanity” break out in New York and Steve Nash’s MVP season with the Suns.
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Also, Paul becoming a Rocket makes things different for the Clippers with Blake Griffin. It’s no secret the Thunder wants to get Westbrook some much-needed offensive help. Now, with the Rockets moving Paul, it’s likely OKC could engage in some sign-and-trade talks with the Clippers.
The Thunder have planned on chasing Blake Griffin for months now. They have to feel that their chances got at least a little better now.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) June 28, 2017
The Thunder have two days to convince the Clippers of making a similar move with Griffin as they did with Paul. One thing is absolute, the Oklahoma City Thunder are probably more active in trades and free agency than we will ever know. However, silence is golden for the organization. It’s simply how they move and operate.
I would expect for the Thunder to at least feel out the Clippers and see if they are interested in any players the Thunder could offer in a sign-and-trade deal with LA. The most likely way the Thunder can land Griffin is a sign-and-trade deal. Stay with Thunderous Intentions for the latest in Thunder news and free agency.