Player from Pacific Division OKC Thunder should target at NBA trade deadline

The overachieving OKC Thunder could bolster depth at the trade deadline. TI examines each division for a logical asset to target. First up teams in the Pacific Division.

Fifty games into their season the OKC Thunder sit in the seventh seed with a 30-20 record. They approach the deadline with the knowledge they are more likely to move up the ladder than fall off it. As such General Manager Sam Presti has a myriad of choices and directions he can take to finish this season.

Despite the record, the OKC Thunder aren’t considered a title contender. Even with a few tweaks to the depth still might not make enough of a leap this season to become one. Sam Presti possibly more than any GM in the Association should approach this deadline with a view to bolstering his squad and striking while the iron is hot.

Every team enters this deadline with needs whether it be to add draft picks, improve their chances at making the postseason, moving up in the seedings or becoming a title contender. And, of all the teams in the Association none have as many options as the Thunder or the combination of assets and picks with which to deal.

With that, we’re diving into each division examining where each team is entering the deadline. Are they in the mix to make the playoffs? Do they need to add a player to improve playoff seeding and eventual postseason performance? Are they a team in need of reducing salary, ill-fitting rosters or opening up space for youngsters to get more playing time? Or are they desperate to snag a draft pick(s) to expedite rebuilds?

We’ll scan each roster and isolate on who would fill a need on the Thunder while simultaneously fitting the team’s future plans. And ultimately, land on one team and trade that would improve the OKC Thunder.

To start this process, TI examines each team in the Pacific Division with a focus on meeting the above needs.