OKC Thunder: One stop guide to NBA Trade Deadline Day

Which OKC Thunder players are drawing the most interest?

For now – the two players most cited as potential targets are Dennis Schroder and Danilo Gallinari. Schroder has taken a big step this season to the point teams are making inquiries about the guard.

The only valuable piece the Lakers can offer back is Kyle Kuzma. And, while there are rumors the Lakers are shopping the young forward how serious are they about losing one of the only young prospects they have?  Rylan Stiles offered a scenario below which could be of value to the OKC Thunder.

Stiles outlines a few scenarios with the Minnesota Timberwolves if they can’t get the Warriors to accept a trade package to land their top choice of D’Angelo Russell.

The Knicks are also apparently interested in adding Dennis Schroder but that might take on less credence with the firing of Steve Mills.

As for Gallinari, there is the rumored impending three-team deal between the Heat, Grizzlies, and Thunder. But— the wording here is important (see Woj’s tweet below).

An “elaborate” deal isn’t something as simple as one player coming to OKC and removing trade protection. Rather, the wording here implies a few things. First, and most importantly the deal is not complete YET. Second, it’s highly unlikely (one would hope) that Presti is going to jettison Gallo just for the sake of moving him before season end.

Of all the players on the Thunder, Gallinari will garner the most interest because of his skill set. Like Marc Gasol proved to be the difference for the Raptors Gallo could be that player who takes a good team with potential and makes them an NBA Finalist.

Again, Sam Presti isn’t under the gun even with Gallo on an expiring contract. If the offer isn’t bringing back equal value personally I don’t think it’s worth doing.

And now that Woj has put this out into the universe presumably other interested parties were calling Presti. Adding the efficient scoring Italian with the full toolbox would improve virtually every team currently among the contenders. As of this morning, however, Woj is implying the deal is agreed to in principle but the thing holding it up is a contract extension for Gallo.

That could potentially be a stopgap if Gallo’s camp isn’t willing to concede or the Heat aren’t willing to commit to the extension.

In terms of the particulars for what the Thunder would get should this deal get stamped there has NOT been any confirmation of who will be coming to OKC.

TI’s Rylan Stiles dove into what the Thunder should be asking for (not what only helps the Heat).

There were murmurs earlier in the week that Steven Adams was a player teams were coveting. But with moves by the Hawks to get their big that reduces the pursuing parties.

However, you know Danny Ainge is still going to make that call to Presti who will need to be cautious of the Boston GM who is notorious for taking advantage of his fellow GMs. Unless Jaylen Brown‘s name is being mentioned, Presti needs to tell Danny to enjoy some New England clam chowder on him and to have a nice day.

It’s not a stretch to presume Presti’s phone will be the most active of all his counterparts today. Even teams not projected to be playoff bound will make calls, especially since the GM has that draft closet full of picks. Teams looking to add picks and have decided a player doesn’t fit their roster or system will make inquiries about any number of players on the OKC Thunder.