OKC Thunder: 3 buy-low trade targets team should consider

OKC Thunder target No. 1) Kevin Porter Jr., Cleveland Cavaliers

Sometimes players need a reality check in order to prosper, and perhaps a trade could serve as such for the likes of sophomore wing Kevin Porter Jr.

Deemed as “the biggest enigma of the 2019 draft” by The Ringer writer Paolo Uggetti, heading in analysts were split on the USC forward, with some going as far as to say he’s a top-tier lottery pick while others deemed him a second-rounder.

He went on to be chosen with the final pick in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers and, since then, has looked both promising and troubling.

After posting averages of 10 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and just shy of a steal per game on 44 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent shooting from deep, Porter, unfortunately, had an offseason filled with legal troubles, including an arrest back in November for improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle after he flipped his Mercedes SUV.

Since then, the charges have been dropped, but he has yet to make an appearance for the Cavs as the organization has made it clear that they do not want him to return until he’s ’emotionally ready.’

Should this hiatus linger for too long, Cleveland’s front office could look to cut ties with the 20-year-old and, should this happen, the OKC Thunder should inquire about his availability.

With his value being so low, the cost could drop as far as a few second-round picks and, perhaps, a contract like Ty Jerome to match salaries.

If this were the case, it would be the ultimate buy-low on a highly-talented player who is highly comparable to Kelly Oubre Jr., who just posted averages of 18.7 points and 6.4 rebounds last season.