Oklahoma City Thunder: OKC can still make moves with roster
By Joshua Lea
The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t celebrating after pulling off one of best trades in NBA history. Instead, they are looking to increase their depth and propel themselves to the top of the West.
On Friday night the Oklahoma City Thunder became successful in landing Indiana superstar Paul George. The trade came as a shock around the NBA. Of all the major players in the Paul George sweepstakes, OKC was the least likely to acquire George. However, OKC had pieces Indiana thought would help them during a rebuild.
Now, the Thunder have George and is likely to retain Roberson next season. However, the loss of Taj Gibson to the Minnesota Timberwolves will hinder their post presence. That is if OKC doesn’t go to a guard-heavy offense like a majority of the NBA.
Rumor has it that OKC has met with Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, and is looking to possibly add former Laker Nick Young to the roster. OKC is going to have to tweak their roster in order to add these key pieces without surpassing the luxury tax apron.
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Enes Kanter has been rumored to be on the trading block for the last two seasons. Although, I personally believe he’s going to remain a Thunder player for years to come. That leaves Alex Abrines, Kyle Singler, and Josh Huestis available for a possible trade. Keep in mind, the other team has to agree to the terms of the deal. We can’t trade Kyle Singler for a superstar. The Oklahoma City Thunder will have to consider all options in order for a three-player trade to happen.
Huestis is set to make around $6 million over the next three season. Singler is entering year three of his 5 years $25 million deal. Abrines is currently making $5 million a season for the next two seasons. These players, while beneficial to the Thunder’s success last season, are the most expendable players on the Thunder roster. Don’t be surprised if one or all of these three players is moved by the Thunder this summer. After all, no one saw the Paul George trade coming.
Sam Presti appears to be going all-in this offseason. Some will argue this is all in an effort to keep Westbrook happy and here. However, Presti also wants Oklahoma City to return to the top of the Western Conference. He now has two superstars again. Once he finishes working his magic, OKC could be a serious contender next season.