Roundtable sessions – How the OKC Thunder capitalize on trades to return to prominence
What should Sam Presti’s priority be in terms of who he moves/retains and the type of trade packages he should desire?
Tamberlyn Richardson:
For all the analytics there is simply no accounting for the value of osmosis gained via the example of hard work and the value of team. Much like Nick Collison remained with the slew of future MVP talents Adams could very well be his doppelganger. The big Kiwi embodies the culture and identity of the Thunder and will be essential to teaching it to the next generation. Besides, he’s going to blow away his previous defensive rebounding stats this season.
Still, the core begins with 21-year old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and as such, each asset Presti adds should be of similar age and complimentary talent. If the competitive window is set to SGA then Presti should be building for a serious run four years from now.
Continually adding draft picks isn’t the answer although it would behoove OKC to stockpile 2022 draft picks for the expected return of high school players. Otherwise, the GM should target “specific young assets” who compliment the competitive window.
Rylan Stiles:
The assets left on this team, outside of Steven Adams, will likely not garner back a ton of draft assets (though never count out Sam Presti), so the OKC Thunder GM should look for young, cheap flyers to take a chance on as he tries to get out from under CP3 and move Gallo’s expiring contract.
Noah Schulte:
Even though OKC will be inching towards a youth movement, it’s important they keep culture-building vets around who can help mentor the young guys and make sure it’s still a professional basketball team. We’ve seen what happens when the balance is out of whack – what’s good, Phoenix? – and the Thunder have too promising a future to let themselves end up in a similar situation. Infrastructure maintenance should be of utmost importance to Presti.
At the same time, they need to start looking for more types of players who can fit that infrastructure. For as long as he’s been a GM, it’s been a running joke that Presti has a pretty clear type of player he likes to get. And though that strategy has worked out, it couldn’t hurt to start looking at players who can contribute in different ways. Variety never hurts.
Aidan E:
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Nobody except for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should be untouchable this season for the Thunder. Despite what some optimistic Thunder fans want to believe, I don’t see anybody on this current roster with All-Star level talent (except for SGA) and that makes everybody available.
When trading players Presti should look for first-round picks or young players. I don’t know how the salary cap sheet will work out for the Thunder this season, but I’d love for them to take on a large contract in order to get draft picks, similar to what the Grizzlies did with Andre Iguodala.
Matthew Hallet:
Presti needs to move Gallinari on as a priority. His propensity to pick up injuries might decrease his trade value as the season progresses. Getting a younger stretch four in return who can grow with this team would be the priority.
Kevon Stewart:
I think that regardless of who he moves, his priority should be to bring in younger talent. The league is slowly changing again to a league that needs shooting playmakers with defensive versatility. The goal is to secure as many picks as possible and attempt to contend in the near future. I really like Steven Adams as the face of the franchise. A reliable big man is something that is hard to come by these days. As far as I’m concerned everyone else is on the chopping block. Unless your initials are SGA or if you’re putting up 30 points consistently you are expendable.
Tyler Barger:
He should retain Gilgeous-Alexander and Diallo. I do believe Diallo could blossom into a good starter. He and Ferguson will be a dynamic duo. Ferg shot 38 percent from 3-point land.