OKC Thunder: 3 lineup strategies leading up to trade deadine

OKC Thunder lineup strategy No. 2:  Showcase supporting cast

On the opposite end of the spectrum are players the franchise may also want to feature as potential trade chips. VP Sam Presti and the brain trust likely have an idea of who they are willing to trade especially if that individual can bring back valuable assets or draft picks.

At this stage, the untouchables seem clear. The locks are cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, defensive specialist Luguentz Dort, and 20-year old rising talent Darius Bazley. It also makes sense rookies Aleksej Pokusevski and Theo Maledon would be in this group based on their contracts, upside, and demonstrated fit with the above core.

Of the remaining players let’s assume each could be obtained for the right price.  Selfishly, Intentions hopes Kenrich Williams is protected because he’s the type of all-purpose asset and glue player every team needs. Williams is also locked into an economical deal with team options for the next two seasons.

Likewise, Isaiah Roby and Ty Jerome have impressed and are contracted to economical deals (with team options and qualifying offers) through the next three and four seasons respectively.

Justin Jackson is an option here and has the highest contract of the group with next season based on a qualifying offer which would be valuable to a potential trade partner as a qualifying offer gives his team the right to match any offer sheets in free agency.

But if a deal Presti values more, is on the table and they or another player will make or break the deal, the VP likely makes the move.