The OKC Thunder waited mere hours after the 2021 NBA Draft to make yet another roster move. The Thunder kicks off trade season with a deal that helps them fill a position of need while picking up a future second-round pick in the process.
With the team lacking a center, having a clean cap sheet, and longing for even more assets, making this Derrick Favors swap was a no-brainer for Sam Presti and company.
OKC Thunder add Derrick Favors in late-night swap
The Oklahoma City Thunder will take on nine million dollars during the 2021-22 NBA season, with a player option at Favors’ disposal for 10.1 million dollars the following season.
That is not a steep price to pay while adding value to the roster. Both in the trade return, but also with Derrick Favors.
It is unclear the exact plan for the OKC Thunder and Favors, but if the team elects to carry the proven veteran it could pay off in a big way.
By no means will his contract hamstring a franchise that is currently struggling to hit the salary cap floor, but his value within the organization would be great for the rebuild. Rudy Gobert has praised his practice battles with Favors, attributing them as a key to his development.
Adding a big man who is comfortable in a mentor role could pay dividends when dealing with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Darius Bazley, Aleksej Pokusevski, and Isaiah Roby down low.
Mark Daigneault and company tried to shoehorn Roby into that center position at times a year ago, and he improved game-by-game. If that is the developmental plan the Thunder wish to take with the Nebraska product, Favors helps in a big way.
A year ago, the 12 year NBA veteran did not make a single start playing in 68 games for the Jazz. He put up 5-points, five rebounds, and a block per contest.
The OKC Thunder have shipped out a 2027 second-round pick and in return receive Derrick Favors and a future first-round pick. The 2027 second-round pick owed to the Jazz will be the least favorable of OKC’s four second-round picks that year.