16 trade options to push the OKC Thunder into title contention

With the OKC Thunder firmly in the mix for a top seed in the West, the Thunder will look to be active at the deadline. TI presents eight players OKC should target and trade scenario’s to acquire them.

Despite trudging to the third best record in the Western Conference, the OKC Thunder continue to struggle shooting the long ball. While the team’s 18th ranked offense is hardly something to ride home about (108 offensive rating), the team ranks dead last in 3-point shooting (32.6) and leans heavily on its elite defense to grind out wins (102.7 defensive rating).

The Thunder’s greatest need? 3-point shooting.

Paul George is the only player shooting above 38 percent from three (38.4 percent) while Jerami Grant is next best at 35.6 percent. Dennis Schroder has been an exceptional pick-up of Oklahoma City but the German possesses the same weakness as Russell Westbrook – he’s inefficient shooting the rock.

The Thunder needs shooting and they need it badly.

Trade Capital

Aside from two second-round picks in 2021 and 2022, OKC lack the necessary trade assets to make a splash for a big-time player. With OKC’s core firmly in its prime, its unlikely Sam Presti moves first round picks beyond 2024.

Two players who hold trade value are Terrance Ferguson and Hamidou Diallo. The 21 and 20-year-old wings are strong defensive players with tremendous upside. Ferguson promises to be an elite defensive player in the near future and has been trusted to guard the opposing teams best offensive player.

All the following deals are strictly hypothetical and with the Thunder going 4- 6 in its last 10, it’s clear the roster needs some tweaking. Let’s take a look.