Why the OKC Thunder need to stand pat at the trade deadline

A lack of tradeable assets

The other part of making a trade is that the other team(s) needs to get something in return. When looking in the Thunder’s array of moveable pieces, there isn’t that much to get excited over.

Ferguson should be off-limits. The only acceptable trade involving Ferguson should be an Anthony Davis package. But that’s about as likely as Kevin Durant getting a standing ovation the next time he’s in OKC. The first round pick should also only be moved in a Davis trade. Even though this is considered to be a weak draft so far, the Thunder are going to need as many cheap, controllable assets going forward as this roster continues to get more expensive. Plus, the Thunder will most likely owe their 2020 and 2022 picks from previous trades, so it’s important to have as many first- round picks as possible going forward.

The only real asset the Thunder should consider moving is Diallo. Despite hitting the rookie wall and struggling as of late, he already looks like a steal and could be a great energy role-player going forward. Again, Diallo is another young, cheap player that would be a perfect complimentary piece going forward. The Thunder need to think long and hard about whether giving him up for a few months of a Terrence Ross type player is worth it.

“But what about Alex Abrines and Patrick Patterson????” Sorry, Abrines has little to no trade value. He’s missed over a month for “personal reasons” and was beyond inconsistent when he actually played. Patterson similarly, has had a down season and will most likely opt into his $5.7 million player option this offseason. Money is already tight around the league so teams aren’t going to want to add long-term salary.