The OKC Thunder are intelligently tanking and here’s why

The OKC Thunder made a number of drastic changes over the offseason that have dramatically reshaped the structure of the team. The real question is whether this team was constructed to compete, or to secure draft picks in the future?

Following the dismantling of the OKC Thunder’s star-studded roster, all eyes are on Sam Presti and management to see the direction that the team is going in.

There are a few indicators that give me and many others a reason to believe that OKC management has pulled the trigger and gone into a rebuilding mindset.

I not only think that the OKC Thunder are rebuilding, I think that they have started tanking the most inconspicuous way the league has ever seen.

The Possibilities

The potential pieces the OKC Thunder missed out for unknown reasons are staggering to think about. Players like Lou Williams, Eric Gordon, Clint Capela, Landry Shamet, Montrezl Harrell, and P.J. Tucker would have all been appreciated as tremendous additions for the 2019-2020 season.

Surprisingly they jumped at the opportunity to receive interesting replacements with a laser focus on draft picks.

The Clippers and Rockets have appeared to be the winners of the trade, but that won’t be determined until later seasons.

I think this ends up greatly benefitting the OKC Thunder in ways similar to what Boston or Philadephia achieved. I honestly think the team will achieve more than what management expects.