OKC Thunder: 3 lineup strategies leading up to trade deadine

OKC Thunder key number 3: The expiring contract

To that end, keep an eye on the next four games for the minute allocation of specific players.

In contrast to the George Hill scenario, Mike Muscala is a player who might be featured. He’s a versatile no-nonsense vet capable of playing both frontcourt positions and spaces the floor (37.0 percent from deep).  Muscala would provide depth for a contending team and lineup flexibility.

The Bucknell alum stands out as a likely trade asset given Sam Presti’s penchant for always getting something back for players in their final contract year. Case in point, this past week witnessed the trades of Hamidou Diallo and Trevor Ariza. Both players in the final year of their contract and both netting a player but more importantly draft picks.

With the emphasis on building the core and even though Muscala is a vet who could easily be re-signed to an economical deal, it seems more likely Presti would capitalize on gaining a second-round draft pick instead of taking the chance of losing him in the offseason.

Six other OKC Thunder players will enter free agency this offseason:

• Moses Brown (restricted)
• Josh Hall (restricted)
• Justin Jackson (restricted)
• Meyers Leonard (team)
• Darius Miller
• Svi Mykhailiuk (restricted)

The player on the list that stands out is Darius Miller because he’s an unrestricted free agent. If Sam Presti makes a deal and needs salary to make it work, Miller would be a logical choice as the add-on given his $7 million contract and unrestricted free agency (as would jettisoning Meyers Leonard who Intentions would be surprised to ever see suit up for OKC).

In fact, diving into Miller’s minute allocation there is already an uptick occurring. In his initial 14 appearances, Miller averaged 10.1 minutes per game.  On two occasions his minutes exceeded 13 minutes and both were in games that SGA was out.

In the last two matches (with SGA in the lineup) Miller’s minutes climbed to 20:08 and 14:01. Perhaps simply a product of missing depth, however, this falls in line with the team showcasing the youngster prior to the deadline — an audition if you will.

 In closing:

Development and experience were among the goals of the 2020-21 campaign. Just because culture runs deep in this iteration of the Thunder those objectives don’t change.

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

It’s a win-win to a degree because in circumstances where the youngsters defy the odds (as they did versus the Grizzlies) they are gaining invaluable experience that will come in handy in the future.

‘Resiliency’ is the new era mantra of the Thunder. From a broad perspective, it addresses the team strategy. However, it also has a direct application for each individual.

As such, giving rookies Aleksej Pokusevski and Theo Maledon increased exposure and experience will be beneficial. Granted, the long-term benefits may reap more rewards than this season but taking a broad view is wise.

The duo and the youngsters who remain on the roster as of March 26th will be given ample playing time and opportunity.

That said, watch for the above lineup tweaks and featured players as Sam Presti makes calculated moves heading toward March 25th.