OKC Thunder: Could Collin Sexton trade be catalyst to nab Evan Mobley?

Conclusion – Should the OKC Thunder make the deal?

I’ll point you back to the Reggie Jackson era and the drama that ripped at the center of the team when the aforementioned guard felt he should be starting over Russell Westbrook. Fans know how that turned out as Jackson left for Detroit, got stuck in purgatory for six campaigns. Albeit, it’s hard to argue his effectiveness this postseason, however, it’s equally obvious he now understands his role isn’t the alpha— it only took a decade for him to get there.

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That’s my worry with Sexton. His entire career in Cleveland has been tempered by being babied. Sure he shows glimpses of defensive ability but they’re far more fleeting than regular instances. His ballhandling skills work for his own drives but aren’t exceptional nor is his ability let alone desire to create for his teammates.

The type of money he wants is on par with Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, or — yes– what SGA will net this summer. Sure his individual offensive stats are great but he doesn’t affect winning.

Consider the Gilgeous-Alexander effect last season and how the club kept overperforming. I’d hazard a guess if Sexton swapped shoes with SGA to play that role last season we’d be talking about how the Thunder was about to select Cade Cunningham tomorrow night!

Yet, I’m given pause because if that’s all it will take to land Evan Mobley it’s hard not to jump on the deal. Assuming Mobley would be part and parcel of the deal, it’s also reasonable to assume it would cost several of this year’s picks possibly all three first-rounders, and potentially a young player too.  Still, I have a hard time saying no especially with future visions of SGA, Lu Dort, POKU, Mobley, and another future generational talent or hot property acquired via some more draft picks.

Besides, the Thunder would own Sexton’s Bird Rights so if they decided to move on from him if

(cough I’m proven right)

he doesn’t fit. It’s not like Presti doesn’t have the draft capital to attach a pick to his deal to trade him down the road.