OKC Thunder: 3 restricted free agents to consider pursuing

By Mark Nilon | Apr 30, 2021

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OKC Thunder Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

OKC Thunder target No. 2) Gary Trent Jr.

Acquired by the Toronto Raptors at this year’s deadline in the deal that shipped Norman Powell to the Portland Trail Blazers, third-year wing, Gary Trent Jr., is finding himself thriving in the final year of his rookie-scale contract.

A former second-round pick, Trent has absolutely outperformed his 2018 draft status, and has prove capable of providing impressive two-way potential as both a reserve player and within a team’s starting lineup.

Since being switched to shooting guard full time with Toronto — often played out of position at small forward with the Blazers –, the 22-year-old has thrived.

In this role, during the month of April alone, Trent is finding himself boasting per-game averages of 16.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 42 percent shooting from the floor, 37 percent shooting from deep, and 92 percent shooting from the free throw line.

Still so young, the Duke product 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 pine or in the starting rotation.

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