Why the OKC Thunder shouldn’t trade before the deadline

Chris Paul’s leadership on full display:

The OKC Thunder is so connected as a team that it seems there isn’t a time when they aren’t smiling, laughing, telling jokes or hyping each other up.

They are having so much fun together and a lot of this has to do with the strong relationships they have formed off the court.

They are comfortable with their role in the team and don’t just believe it but they buy into it.

During Paul’s postgame interview after their 106-101 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, he spoke about what he saw throughout the game and how late in the fourth quarter he was able to put up 13 points in the last five minutes.

"I missed that mid-range all game long and it’s so cool to be here because the guys got confidence in me and that’s why its been so fun this season. That’s when your adrenaline gets running in the fourth quarter. So its fun man."

The interview summed up how the team feels and their effort to play for not just the name on their back but for everyone.

OKC has built a bond that cannot be broken which is a reason why trading players could affect the chemistry of the team going forward. The old saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” comes into play here.

Adding new players and saying goodbye to some would mean having to get used to new personalities, methods, and even desires.

In an ever changing NBA, it is rare to have a core group remain together. But when you’ve got a roster who play for each other and are willing to sacrifice their own aspirations and preferences, it constitutes a winning formula which you have to capitalize on.

Also isn’t it so thrilling to watch them love what they’re doing and revel in being in each other’s company?