OKC Thunder: “Pass or Pursue” on 3 recently linked free-agent targets
By Mark Nilon
Though there are still 14 games remaining on the schedule for the 2020-21 regular season, the OKC Thunder are team in a rebuilding phase with their sights predominantly set on the future.
Viewed by many as the most promising tanking team currently in the NBA, from a fan’s perspective there’s a lot to like about Oklahoma City moving forward.
From their current building block budding star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to their ample draft capital over the next several years — upwards of 34 potential picks, 17 of which fall into the first-round — the team once again finds itself with the opportunity to build something special in the Sooner State.
This coming offseason, the front office will have ample opportunity to add on some quality pieces to the roster be it via the NBA Draft and through free agency.
In regard to the latter route, there is a myriad of young and talented ballers that could be worth Sam Presti and co. taking a chance on and, recently, Bleacher Report writer, Greg Swartz, pinpointed 3 players, in specific, that should be on their radar.
With this publication, it sparked the desire for us at TI to push out yet another installment of our favorite series we call “Pass or Pursue”, where we discuss whether or not the OKC Thunder should sit out on going after a specific player, or if they should actively try to sign them.
So, without further adieu, let’s get started:
OKC Thunder target No. 1) Gary Trent Jr.
The 2020-21 season has been quite kind to the likes of Gary Trent Jr.
Acquired in the trade deadline deal that sent Norman Powell to the Portland Trail Blazers, the third-year wing has continued his impressive play up north with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 rebounds per game on 39 percent shooting from deep.
Seemingly played out of position in Portland, with the Raptors, coach Nick Nurse has thrust him into the full-time two-guard position, where he is posting 20.6 points per game on 45 percent shooting from the floor and 42 percent shooting from deep since his switch to the position.
At just 22-years-old, Trent Jr. fits the timeline in which the OKC Thunder’s core is currently on, while his proven track record when receiving ample playing time points to a low-risk floor-spacing backcourt presence to have either off the bench or in the starting lineup.
For the right price, taking a swing at Gary Trent Jr. seems like a sound idea for the front office to take part in.