OKC Thunder: One free agent target from every Western Conference team
Houston Rockets
2021 Free Agents:
- Avery Bradley (team)
- Armoni Brooks (restricted)
- Sterling Brown
- Dante Exum
- Anthony Lamb (restricted)
- David Nwaba
- Kelly Olynyk
- D.J. Wilson
2021 Draft Picks:
- Guard, Jalen Green (2nd)
- Center, Alperen Sengün (16th)
- Forward, Usman Garuba (23rd)
- Guard, Josh Christopher (24th)
At one point leading up to the draft, I was so covetous of the Thunder drafting Alperen Sengun I suggested packaging their16th and 18th picks. So, when he fell into OKC’s lap at 16 I went from doing backflips one second to throwing things at my TV the next.
Let’s revisit this Presti decision in three to five years when I’ll happily concede if I’m wrong – but it sure looks to me like the Rockets bested the Thunder both in the bounce of their lottery bingo ball and once again with this draft-night trade. The true value won’t be known until the two future heavily protected first-round picks are conveyed.
Also of note, this is the fourth Western squad displaying a common trend when it comes to free agents. Stars are locked in contractually while their free agents are primarily vets or young underutilized prospects.
Filtering through the Rockets’ options the only feasible choice would be Exum if Presti still sees value and he’d like to bring in an Australian player to make Giddey’s transition into the pros easier.