Thunder In the News: countdown to trade deadline
OKC Thunder in the news for Friday January 19 dedicates this column to potential trade suggestions.
The NBA trade deadline is February 8 and while teams will enter into conversations for different reasons clearly the OKC Thunder have specific needs to shore up. The problem is Sam Presti’s hands are somewhat tied based on the current salary situation and no available draft picks to barter with.
Undoubtedly these limitations won’t stop Sam Presti and his management crew from manning the phones. Nor will it dissuade Thunderous Intentions from diving into numerous trade options.
The Wing Men Trade Series:
The specific areas the OKC Thunder require upgrades is bench scoring, three point shooting and playmaking. When Andre Roberson was out due to injury fans witnessed precisely how much ARob improves the defense. And, when Paul George sat out a few games it punctuated how lacking the Thunder are in wing depth.
To that end, Thunderous Intentions scribe Lawrence George produced a series of trades focusing entirely on wing men who Sam Presti should consider. Each warrants a long look and are worth your consideration and feedback.
Lou Williams:
"Multi-faceted offensive player. Oklahoma City have two or three catch and shoot players who can score from range if they are presented with open looks. Sweet Lou is crafty off the dribble, utilizing his speed and change of pace to get by defenders. Additionally he can score from range, finish at the cup, make floaters in traffic and regularly hit tough contested jumpers."
Seth Curry:
"Its unusual to consider players who are injured or haven’t played a single game in any given season for a trade. However with Oklahoma City’s asset cupboard holding nothing but dust, the Thunder need to think outside the box. One player they should consider is Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry."
Marco Belinelli:
"The veteran signed a one-year 6.6-million-dollar contract this offseason after struggling to find a home. Now 42 games into the 2017-18 season, Atlanta has publicly made Belinelli available, seeking a high second round pick for the sharpshooter."
Veteran Backup Center:
The other glaring need is a backup for Steven Adams at center. Ideally this would come in the form of a veteran center on a minimum veteran salary. Again, George provides two options Sam Presti should consider.
Andrew Bogut:
"Although his numbers aren’t game changing contributions, the 33-year-old does a lot of the little things stat sheets overlook. He may be three or four years removed from his prime but Bogut still has plenty to offer a contending roster."
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
Kyle O’Quinn
"The following trades follow a typical Sam Presti template:finding complementary fitsworking within a budgetlooking for lengthdon’t mortgage the entire future for nowNOTE: I tried to be as realistic as possible. Too often do we see irrational trade proposals where one team sends out duds on terrible contracts to acquire a star. Would you trade in a 1990 Honda Civic for a 2018 Corvette? I think not.With that said, lets take a look at three potential trades that send O’Quinn to OKC."
That wraps up today’s OKC Thunder In the news. Check out the five trade possibilities Lawrence George suggest and let us know your thoughts. Enjoy the start of your weekend.