How the OKC Thunder can get better this offseason
By Noah Schulte
Try to get another star
Likelihood Index: 5/10
It’s a 5/10 because the salary configurations in any deal would be incredibly tricky, but if history’s taught us anything, it’s that Presti has no fear in regards to wheeling and dealing for stars.
Fun Index: 10/10
This is the most fun timeline.
I’ll start by saying that this probably won’t happen, for a number of reasons with a not-so-small one being that it would take some Olympic-level cap gymnastics to match salaries. With that said, OKC subtly has a really good package of high-end role players, intriguing young prospects, and filler to pull off a traditional superstar deal. And, if there’s any year to go all in for a third star and make a push for the title, it’s next year.
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For the first time in what seems like forever, the race for the title seems to be wide open, and despite their recent track record, the OKC Thunder are in a position to capitalize: they have a tried-and-true recipe for winning; their best player was in the MVP race before an injury got him, and they have a strong developmental staff and some interesting young guys who could all feasibly take a step up next season. The one thing they don’t have, however, is a reliable third star who can step up when Russ and George aren’t feeling it.
Ultimately, that’s kind of what killed them in the playoffs. Without a real third scorer, they had to rely on a hobbled George and rapidly-regressing Westbrook which, as you already know, didn’t work out. But with someone who can take more of the load, it’s possible that they could make just enough of a leap offensively to really start competing in the Western Conference – and maybe even for the title.