Re-grading the OKC Thunder Paul George trade – one season later

Trade effect on OKC Thunder one-year later

The immediate aftermath of the trade was always going to be considered a massive win for Sam Presti and the Thunder.

As outlined in today’s earlier article, the Thunder executive vice president of basketball operations had few options with only one that gave him control and the assets necessary to enter the ‘replenish and reposition’ era in the manner he desired.

That he made two additional moves after the George trade to bolster the draft cupboard and steal a quintessential leader (Chris Paul) who the Rockets essentially paid him to take only added to his Magician’s lore.

Although owning home court seeding is no longer relevant the sheer fact the Thunder could be sitting in fourth after their first seeding game in Orlando punctuates Presti’s ability to spot talent. Or more accurately, talents that complement one another.

Head coach Billy Donovan is no longer shackled with constraints to appease superstars desirous of touches and minutes. Examples being Carmelo Anthony or the ‘your turn – my turn’ iso-ball tandems of Westbrook and Durant or Westbrook and George. In retrospect, his coaching style is better suited to ‘team’ ball where he can implement his offensive creativity.