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

As we close in on 24 hours until the NBA Draft, rumors are rampant regarding OKC Thunder VP Sam Presti attempting to move upward. What was once tagged as a definitive top-five in the class shifted to a quartet of generational talents but as the event looms that group has narrowed to an elite trio.

Not surprisingly Presti is linked to rumors of trying to trade up to grab two of those three prospects. Neither Jalen Green nor the Rockets have been attached to OKC likely because Houston has been linked for eons to the G-League Ignite sharpshooter.

Earlier this week rumors swirled Presti had offered up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a draft pick swap with the Pistons for Cade Cunningham. Whether there is veracity to SGA being on the table (or whether he should be) is moot since the same source stated Pistons GM, Troy Weaver turned down the offer.

Toronto holds the fourth pick with differing reports on a desire to trade up to third (for Evan Mobley), to trade down (for picks and assets), pick outside the projected top-four prospects (Scottie Barnes) or simply select Jalen Suggs who is among the elite quartet. Like the Pistons and Cavaliers, the Thunder have been linked to the Raptors as potential trade partners.

OKC Thunder – Cavaliers deal heats up with Collin Sexton in the mix

But, the loudest and most recent banter is revolving around the Thunder and Cavaliers. While Koby Altman is said to be asking for an outrageous package to pry the third pick and opportunity to draft Evan Mobley, the main media members state SGA was not part of the Presti offer.

Clouding the issue further are reports the Thunder are among the teams interested in Collin Sexton. Per Sam Amico on July 12th, the Thunder, Heat, Knicks, Pelicans, and Lakers had shown interest in the mercurial Cavaliers guard who is due for a rookie extension and said to be desirous of a max deal.

Cleveland has long been rumored to be shopping Sexton as they aren’t keen to pay him the max and while my cohort Rylan Stiles likes his fit in OKC I’m more of the belief his skillset is better suited as a Sixth Man.

Today, the Sexton to Thunder rumors took on new life and I think it’s more than just coincidental.

Considering the Cavaliers have Jarrett Allen and despite their continual proclamations Mobley and Allen will fit I’m not buying it.

In the initial reports about Sexton, Amico called the deals in the exploratory stages and stated some of the potential trade partners were open to taking on the Kevin Lover contract which becomes an even bigger albatross after his struggles with Team USA prior to his departure.

Love still has two seasons of $31.3 and $28.9 million left on his contract. Granted the Thunder has been the leading career rehabilitation ground for aging talented vets. Kemba Walker was seemingly tapped to fulfill that roster role this coming season but perhaps Presti would be willing to add another resurrection project. Particularly because this season it will behoove the OKC Thunder to continue the full-out tank.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the pros and cons of a trade for Sexton…

Pros of OKC Thunder trading for Sexton:

1. The most obvious pro is Sam Presti only does this deal if it also brings in the third pick and a path to drafting Mobley.
2. As a microwave scorer, Sexton would offer an immediate offensive burst which is something the Thunder are in desperate need of. He averaged 24.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 steals with a 37.1 percent 3-point efficiency this past season.
3. Given Sexton’s craftiness at creating offense whether driving or shooting he would offer a tangible Robin for SGA’s Batman.  His presence (maybe) puts a bow on the Thunder backcourt especially since SGA is a definite upgrade from Darius Garland.

Cons of OKC Thunder trading for Sexton:

1. The max contract he wants isn’t an ideal salary for the Thunder to commit to. Part of the reason the Cavs want out from under Sexton is the franchise and star have drastically different visions on his role. Should the Thunder be strapped with Sexton on a $168 million deal over the next five seasons? Before you answer that realize Shai is also up for his rookie extension and has earned it.
2. His usage rate has climbed in each of his three pro seasons (from 25.3 to 27.1 to 29.6). Is that a red flag – – will he be too ball-dominant?
3. Although the Thunder held the bottom rung in offensive rating (102.8) last year, the Cavaliers were 28th (105.2) despite their roster constancy and (more?) talent.  Couple that with his tendency for ball dominance and iso-ball and it’s hard to envision him in Mark Daigneault’s system or not taking away from SGA more than he adds.

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.

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

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.