OKC Thunder don’t need to tank to optimize draft picks return
By Rylan Stiles
OKC Thunder are in a great position
No matter if the OKC Thunder elects to use each, and every pick of their future 15; or if Sam Presti decides he will once again hit the trade market in favor of making a huge splash, the team is in a great spot.
Do you trust Sam Presti in the NBA Draft process? If he has a high, valuable pick I absolutely do. Do you trust Sam Presti on the trade market? The Kendrick Perkins trade worked out pretty well, as did the Paul George trades. Sure, they did not get enough back for the Sixth Man of the Year James Harden, but that is his lone mistake.
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While Carmelo Anthony did not work out, they gave up Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a second-round pick. When it came time to get rid of Melo, Sam Presti somehow flipped him for soon to be the Sixth Man of the Year Dennis Schroder.
Let’s not forget one of the most underrated options, and that is simply trying to build around CP3 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While Paul’s contract is viewed as a negative, once the expiring contract of Andre Roberson rolls off, the team will be in a much better financial state.
Not to mention the presumed sign-and-trade of Gallo, and the team shipping off the soon to be expiring deal of Dennis Schroder. The organization, even if they keep Paul, will have flexibility.
Lucky for them, CP3 has been a great leader and a fantastic player on the floor. There is a reason this move is under the radar, it is not very realistic, but it still gives Sam Presti yet another option.
No matter which path the team goes down, Oklahoma City stands a strong chance to be back competing for championships sooner rather than later.
In Presti we trust.
Sam Presti is right fit for this rebuild. dark. Next
If you were in Sam Presti’s seat, which path would you take?