OKC Thunder: 3 buy-low offseason trade targets to consider pursuing

OKC Thunder buy-low target No. 3) Kemba Walker

Lastly, we see Kemba Walker making his way onto the list of buy-low candidates we believe the OKC Thunder could pursue this offseason.

Now, for those of you who follow our writings, you’re likely already aware that we’ve discussed the idea of Sam Presti pursuing a deal with the Boston Celtics this offseason and, specifically, for Walker, as his value has plummeted so low to the point where they may be forced to attach draft capital to a package involving the point guard.

Now, while it may be odd to think about the rebuilding Thunder trading for a high-cost veteran, in actuality such a transaction could make a ton of sense and prove to be even more valuable long-term for the franchise.

As we said in the opening slide, Oklahoma City has already made it clear that they’ve discussed the idea of trading Al Horford to a team more in need of his veteran expertise and skillset this summer.

To be kind, why not send him back to where he had some of his best days as a pro in Boston?

In turn, Presti could flip his contract for Kemba’s, thus making the money rather simple to work.

Sure, the concept of bringing on an injury-riddled/ low-value point guard may be a bit unappealing to some, but this team has recently proven capable of working their magic on such a player last year with Chris Paul, where they ended up flipping him after his resurgent All-Star campaign the offseason after acquiring him for much more valuable assets for their rebuild in draft picks.

Who’s to say they can’t do it again, especially considering that even in a down 2020-21 season he still managed to post impressive averages of 19.3 points, 4.9 assists, and four boards on 42 percent shooting from the floor and 36 percent shooting from deep?

Of course, this is not a “one size fits all” plan — CP3’s success with the franchise does not mean that the same will happen for any fallen star in the league… and that’s ok.

Say he doesn’t reclaim his form. Let’s say he continues to get injured and he is relegated to the sidelines and can’t manage to suit up.

Frankly, that’s also fine as it would only aid in another tanking season for them to once again try and land the top spot in the 2022 draft which, in turn, would stockpile their pool of youthful talents even more, all while bringing on extra picks in the initial trade for Walker or perhaps even young players from their roster such as Aaron Nesmith or Romeo Langford.

On the surface, trading for the 31-year-old perennial All-Star may seem like an odd idea for the OKC Thunder to consider. That said, acquiring him on the low-end could actually do wonders for their long-term goals of a franchise rebuild.