OKC Thunder: Pros and Cons of trading for John Collins
As the OKC Thunder begin the second half of their schedule the team has earned a reputation of gritty competitors. With six wins in their last ten games, this young squad is proving how valuable culture and identity are to a franchise.
Regardless of circumstance, the OKC Thunder aren’t capable of tossing in the towel, it’s simply not a part of their DNA. This iteration of the Thunder wins games they aren’t supposed to, often with their youngest most inexperienced players on the hardwood (see Sunday’s win versus the Grizzlies).
That presents a bit of a quandary. With 18 potential first-round draft picks in the coffers the ideal scenario would be to cement high picks and at least one generational talent over the next seven drafts. However, that’s not a given as the draft is never a guarantee and many of the picks Sam Presti collected are protected which means they might not be conveyed immediately.
Nor is it wise to commit to constant losing for seven years in order for OKC to try to tank their way to the top draft pick. The restructured lottery has already proven teams outside the bottom three can win the top pick (Pelicans – Zion Williamson).
It’s a quandary because it would be counterproductive to lose the culture the team worked so hard to establish. Plus, there’s the little matter of rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is proving he belongs in conversations for Most Improved. Shai has stepped into the role of leader with the same grace in which he floats on the hardwood.
While the Thunder want to utilize those 18 draft picks isn’t it a risk to ask SGA to embrace continual losing? The Canadian is already proving by his production, rapid growth, and leadership he wants to win. So where does that leave the franchise in terms of what direction they take?
While I can relate to those who prefer the OKC Thunder use the majority of the accumulated picks I’m in the camp that believes there is a middle ground where Sam Presti can find a balanced attack.
Specifically, retain the best picks and marry it with using picks from the years where the Thunder possess multiples to upgrade the roster with proven NBA talent.
Just as important as it is to capitalize on the draft picks it’s equally important to keep the franchise cornerstone invested and happy. At the end of next season (2021-22) Gilgeous-Alexander’s rookie contract will be complete and negotiations for his rookie contract extension will be on the table meaning the future strategy will be an important part of the contract extension.
Logically, SGA will be offered a max deal, but the negotiations will include talk of the future. It seems obvious the young star wouldn’t be keen to sign if the goal is to be a tanking team for the duration of his contract.
Whereas, if the Thunder demonstrated they are committed to using the draft capital to land top-level talents both in the draft and via proven assets it could go a long way to forging a long-term bond with SGA.
Pros and cons of OKC Thunder trading for John Collins:
With this latter suggestion in mind let’s revisit a proposed trade Intentions outlined earlier this season to make a deal for John Collins.
Since that initial article, there have been further reports of friction between Collins and Hawks cornerstone Trae Young. Additionally, there are reports of the Hawks shopping the young forward.
There is ample interest in acquiring John Collins with teams ignoring the typical hush-hush pattern the OKC Thunder employ. On the Bill Simmons March 12 podcast, Jackie McMullan said “Minnesota is dying to have him” (19:34 of podcast).
Likewise, Brian Windhorst confirmed numerous teams are keen to grab Collins to bolster their depth and add a young talent with the Knicks being very much in play.
As they say where there is smoke — there tends to be fire. With that in mind let’s dive back into the possibility of the OKC Thunder making a deal for Collins.
Of note, today we’ll look at both the pros and cons