Thus far into 2020-21, the OKC Thunder are a team in the beginning stages of a rebuild playing like one much farther along.
Despite shipping off the majority of their core that helped lead them to a surprise 2019-20 playoff appearance this offseason, Oklahoma City finds itself flaunting a record of 6-7 as well as a budding star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
However, even with these unexpected successes and recently established anti-tank sentiment, there are still many who are under the impression that sooner or later Sam Presti and co. will look to flip their current crop of veterans such as George Hill and Al Horford to bring back some more future assets.
There are a few teams the OKC Thunder could trade with
While there are likely to be many suitors in regard to being adequate trade partners, Bleacher Report sees one team in specific as OKC’s ideal target for deals.
That team: the Los Angeles Lakers.
Citing their need for secondary playmakers and defensive versatility, writer Zach Buckley believes both parties could wind up aiding in each other’s ultimate missions, stating:
"If Hill doesn’t make it to Hollywood, someone will have likely overpaid to get him. Given his potential impact on the Clippers as a shooter, sharer and serviceable defender, though, and what his arrival might mean both for the club’s championship chances and hopes of retaining Leonard, L.A. should feel justified to overpay for Hill if that’s what it takes.The Clippers don’t have many picks to dangle—most already belong to OKC after the Paul George trade—but maybe a few prospects like Terance Mann and Daniel Oturu could get a deal done."
We at TI have already brought up the idea of the Clippers and Thunder being optimal trade partners in the past and discussed how they’d be one of the most ideal landing spots for veteran guard George Hill.
With B/R’s latest piece, it appears they’re keen on the idea as well.