OKC Thunder: 2 low-ball trades for Kevin Porter Jr.

The OKC Thunder have proven to be quite the interesting squad thus far into the 2020-21 campaign.

Though many penciled them in to be one of the leading contenders to nab the top spot in the upcoming NBA Draft, through 12 games played the team finds itself with a record of 6-7 and are constantly rotating in and out of the playoff picture.

No, they are not a title-contender as things currently stand, but fans are still rooting against any semblance of a tank and, in turn, are hoping for a competitive season throughout.

Whatever they decide to do, however, the ultimate aim for this franchise is setting themselves up for a bright future and this has been made more than apparent based on Sam Presti’s wheeling and dealing over the last several offseasons that has brought OKC a potential total of 18 first-round picks over the next seven years.

That said, the draft is not the only way a team can build for the future. In fact, there are some that believe the OKC Thunder should strongly consider cashing in on some of their capital to land an already established player to both make them more competitive as well as more of an attractive landing spot for impending free agents.

We, too, believe they should consider doing such an act, and have pointed out several players worthy of giving up such assets for.

One new player, however, has entered the conversation as a young talent that the OKC Thunder might find intriguing enough to part with some lesser valued picks for.

That player: Kevin Porter Jr.

The OKC Thunder should consider trading for Kevin Porter Jr.

Now we understand your initial trepidations — after coming into the season having been charged for possession of an illegal weapon (albeit, charges were later dropped), Porter Jr. recently had a screaming match with Cleveland Cavalier officials after his locker was moved and, in turn, the ordeal ended with him being told to clean out his locker and a promise that he will not be returning to the team.

Again, we get it, the man has baggage.

That said, the man has an unbelievable amount of talent and is only in his second season in the league.

Deemed as “the biggest enigma of the 2019 draft” by The Ringer writer Paolo Uggetti, heading into the 2020 NBA Draft 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.

With comparisons from Kelly Oubre Jr. to even some as wild as James Harden, the potential that Porter Jr. posseses is absolutely real — and he now finds himself available for, most likely, unbelievably cheap.

Yes, he has baggage but this has not stopped the OKC Thunder in the past when dealing for talents (Dion Waiters, Dennis Schroder, etc.).

His potential at least deserves consideration from Presti and co. to offer a trade.

Today, we present to you 2 deals that could get Porter Jr. to Oklahoma City: