OKC Thunder: “Pass or Pursue” on 5 recently proposed trades
By Mark Nilon
Proposed trade idea for OKC Thunder No. 3) George Hill flipped for youngsters
In regard to what the OKC Thunder are currently trying to do with their youth-movement, this deal actually goes with their plans.
In exchange for George Hill — a man they are reportedly interested in flipping already — Sam Presti would bring back the likes of Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann, and Rayjon Tucker, all of whom are either 23 or 24-years-old.
"The Thunder have little use for Hill, so they might as well transform him into young players with potential. Zubac could land in Steven Adams’ old spot, while Mann and Rayjon Tucker would get ample opportunities to prove themselves."
Obviously, the “meat” of this deal revolves around Zubac who, per-36 minutes, posted a solid 16.2 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game on 61 percent shooting from the floor.
Though perhaps not the floor-spacer modern NBA teams highly covet, he could be a solid rotational center long-term for the franchise or, if Presti wishes to be two-steps ahead with his eyes on flipping him down the road, could even wind up building his trade value with extended play within this lowly frontcourt and pad his stats along the way.
We’ve brought up the idea of trading George Hill to the Los Angeles Clippers in the past, but went about saying the deal just didn’t seem right. This deal, while not “sexy” by any means, could be one worth considering.