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OKC Thunder: Gary Trent Jr. viewed as ‘ambitious free-agent target’

By Mark Nilon

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 18: Gary Trent Jr. #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers in action against the New Orleans Pelicans during the third quarter at Moda Center on March 18, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 18: Gary Trent Jr. #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers in action against the New Orleans Pelicans during the third quarter at Moda Center on March 18, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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On top of the fact that the OKC Thunder likely will have themselves quite an active 2021 NBA Draft, as they will be holding the rights to two first-round selections (the more favorable between their own, Houston’s, and Miami’s) and have their own pick boasting the fourth-best odds of landing the top slot, but they also seem to have the cap flexibility to be active participants in free agency as well.

This summer, Sam Presti and co. could find themselves holding onto nearly $55 million in spending money, which would lead the league and, in turn, make them the most powerful organization (at least financially) on the open market.

Though they may not be the premier destination in the NBA, there are quite a few available players that could realistically be inclined to pursue a contract with Oklahoma City.

With their salary situation, pursuing players shouldn’t be much of an issue, though the folks at Bleacher Report believe that a guy like Gary Trent Jr. seems to be an ambitious free-agent target for the franchise.

Though viewed as a solid fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the young core for the OKC Thunder, writer Dan Favale believe that the Toronto Raptors opting to part ways with the restricted free agent this offseason may prove to be rather challenging:

"The Thunder need to surround Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with more shooters—they were 28th in long-range efficiency—and he drilled 40.3 percent of his spot-up threes this season while hinting at some off-the-bounce pizzazz. He offers a touch of north-south speed when defenders close out too aggressively and nailed a respectable 35.5 percent of his pull-up treys on the year.Stealing him from the Toronto Raptors may prove impossible. Serviceable restricted free agents are tough to poach. It could also be easier than usual. The Raptors might opt out of doubling down on their core if Kyle Lowry and team president Masai Ujiri leave.Oklahoma City has the spare cash to make Toronto uncomfortable either way. Tendering a reckless offer sheet is never a good idea, but Trent doesn’t turn 23 until January. The Thunder can justify spending on him."

In the past, we’ve discussed the idea of the OKC Thunder targeting the likes of Trent Jr. and, ultimately, decided that such a talent would be worth the pursuit.

This past season, the guard proved capable of being a fantastic defender at the two while also putting up impressive per-game averages of 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals during his time spent with the Toronto Raptors.

He would be a great grab for the Thunder.

The only question is — how much would it take to pry him away from the Raptors?

Next. 2 estranged youngsters to consider trading for this summer. dark

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