OKC Thunder: 2 estranged youngsters to consider trading for this summer

OKC Thunder target No. 2) Kristaps Porzingis

Though the Dallas Mavericks had themselves a 2-0 lead against the Los Angeles Clippers to start their first-round postseason series, Sunday their campaign came to an end as LA stormed back to come away victories in Game Seven.

While a ton of praise is heading superstar, Luka Doncic’s way for his performance during the series, the same cannot be said for his teammate, Kristaps Porzingis, who many are casting blame for the loss on for his lackadaisical play throughout.

Brought on two years ago via trade to serve as Doncic’s Robin, the former All-Star has yet to live up to these lofty expectations, and, now, less than 24-hours since their campaign’s conclusion, reports are starting to circulate stating that the big man’s future with the organization is “very much in doubt.”

By no means are we suggesting the OKC Thunder should shell out major assets in any hypothetical deal that could land the Latvian-born baller, but should his value continue to plummet, there’s reason to believe that, with a lower value future selection coupled with, say, the salary matching contract of veteran Al Horford, perhaps a pursuit of Porzingis could be worth Presti’s while.

Still just 25-years-old, the sixth-year talent has plenty of years left to produce at an NBA prime level. Though he’s currently receiving negative press, let’s not forget that the man is a career 18.7 point, 7.8 rebound, and 1.9 block producer with a 3-point shooting clip of 36 percent.

Just this past season, in 30.9 minutes a night with Dallas, KP posted 20.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game on nearly 48 percent shooting from the floor and 38 percent shooting from deep.

As we’ve covered in the past, it is the belief by many that extra frontcourt spacing could help thrust SGA from being an All-Star caliber talent to All-NBA. At 7-3, Kristaps Porzingis could serve as either a stretch four or five for the Thunder if acquired while also, in theory, serve as a high-potential building block alongside the likes of Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and whoever else they wind up selecting with their lottery selection(s) this July.

A 20+ point scorer and 8+ rebounder on over 36 percent shooting from deep over the last two seasons, should the price be right, landing the former star big man could prove to be teetering on steal-worthy for a team like the OKC Thunder who can afford to take chances at this stage in their rebuild.