Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder: “Pass or Pursue” on 3 recently rumored trade targets

By Mark Nilon

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 03: Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks as Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks defends during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on December 03, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 03: Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks as Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks defends during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on December 03, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Though the OKC Thunder are seen as more of sellers than buyers this season, there are a few players that could be worth it for the team to trade for.

The OKC Thunder have proven themselves to be quite an interesting squad through the first 12 games of the season.

Coming into the season, many pegged them as being one of the most likely teams to finish with the league’s worst record yet, at the moment, they are at .500 (6-6) and have seen impressive victories over playoff contenders such as the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets.

Believe us, we’re well aware of the fact that the season is still so young, and many things can change, but with the way this roster is currently constructed, they may be too good to “properly” tank and, instead, could realistically stay competitive and remain in the hunt for a postseason berth similar to their 2019-20 surprise run.

Whatever journey they ultimately choose to embark on, General Manager Sam Presti is likely to find himself back in the trading game at some point this season.

Though many envision the team will look to be more of sellers, in a recent article by Bleacher Report, writer Greg Swartz suggests that they could be enticed to be buyers, and listed 3 specific players they may be interested in.

With this piece, it sparked the desire for us at Thunderous Intentions to push out yet another installment of one of our favorite series we call “Pass or Pursue”, where we discuss whether or not the OKC Thunder should sit out on talks for a specific player, or if they should actively try to acquire them.

So, without further adieu, let’s get started:

OKC Thunder target No. 1) Gary Trent Jr., Portland Trail Blazers

First up, we see the likes of third-year sharpshooter Gary Trent Jr linked as a potential target for the OKC Thunder.

The 22-year-old is off to a solid start to the 2020-21 season, averaging 10.9 points and 1.5 rebounds per game on 44 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent shooting from deep.

Citing age and scoring prowess as the main reasons for his inclusion on this list, Swartz believes that Trent’s fit with the Thunder would be almost perfect.

"Trent and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be a terrific backcourt pair, both 22 or younger with differing skill sets. Trent is hitting 57.1 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes this season and should thrive in a starting role."

Make no mistake about it, we here at TI believe Gary Trent Jr. is a solid talent and will likely have a long career in the NBA. That said, with the fact that the Thunder already roster the likes of Luguentz Dort, a player at the same position who possesses a very similar skillset and is a true lockdown defender, dealing for the shooting guard would seem a bit redundant and unnecessary.

With all due respect, we think Presti should pass on the former Duke Blue Devil.

Verdict: Pass

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