OKC Thunder: “Pass or Pursue” on 5 recently proposed trades
By Mark Nilon
Proposed trade idea for OKC Thunder No. 4) George Hill heads to Boston
Like in the previous trade, we see the likes of veteran presence George Hill heading to a title contender (where he belongs) in the Boston Celtics.
Similar to the role he’d have with the Clippers, in Boston Hill would likely see ample minutes on the court, as their current All-Star point guard, Kemba Walker, is expected to miss at least the first month of the 2020-21 regular season due to a nagging knee injury.
Because of this, the franchise could be desperate for a player who could step in at a moments notice and run the show, hence why Hill is seen linked to the franchise. In fact, they may be so desperate that they’d even be willing to give up last year’s lottery selection, Romeo Langford in the process:
"Few players are more likely of a trade candidate than George Hill. He’s 34 years old, stranded on a rebuilder and down to the final fully guaranteed year of his contract. OKC can’t waste this opportunity to add assets. Romeo Langford, the 14th pick in 2019, might be on the high end of what the Thunder can realistically target. His rookie year was ravaged by injury, but he has long intrigued scouts with his NBA build, three-level scoring and defensive tools. He could play his way into a future starting spot alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and maybe Semi Ojeleye could even attain keeper status."
To me, this is a no brainer move.
At this moment in time, a guy like Langford will NOT impact what the Thunder are trying to do in attaining a high selection come the 2021 NBA Draft. That said, he could be viewed as a quality long-term prospect that the franchise can groom to be a starter alongside SGA moving forward.
Despite his lowly rookie season — 2.5 points on 35 percent shooting — he was an absolute stud during his collegiate days, even with an injured thumb on his shooting hand (averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on 45 percent shooting during his one-and-done season at Indiana).
Getting a 21-year-old 2019 lottery pick without giving up any draft assets?
Yes please!