As we approach the trade deadline, the Oklahoma City Thunder look more vulnerable than they have in recent memory, largely as a result of the injuries that have plagued them through this last portion of the season.
They are still the championship favorites by most measures, but there are teams lingering beneath them who are hungry to take that leap. The next week will inform us on whether they will be able to accomplish that feat.
The Denver Nuggets are likely poised to make a minor move, either bringing in a backup point guard or dishing out a player to duck the luxury tax. The Houston Rockets are similarly stuck in cap purgatory. Any addition they make will likely be on the buyout market after the trade deadline.
Yet there is one team, the San Antonio Spurs, who have the assets and the talent to seriously challenge Oklahoma City if they choose to make a splash move at the deadline.
Thankfully, according to Bobby Marks at ESPN, their best approach is a patient one, buying the Thunder extra time to dominate the West.
The Spurs are likely to have a quiet trade deadline
Amidst all of the rumors, including the recent semi-trade request from Giannis Antetokounmpo, San Antonio has been remarkably quiet. According to Marks, this is the best move they could make given their timeline:
"Despite having a plethora of draft picks and swaps available, players on controllable contracts (five players on rookie contracts) and $32 million of expiring contracts (Harrison Barnes and Kelly Olynyk), San Antonio would be wise to evaluate the roster after Victor Wembanyama's first NBA playoffs."Bobby Marks
All season long, the Spurs have been tied to virtually every star on the market in one way or another by virtue of the leap they have taken in Victor Wembanyama's third season.
As Marks mentioned, they have the draft capital and the contracts to make a serious bid for almost any player they choose. Yet as the Thunder know, patience often pays off in the team-building process.
San Antonio is currently ninth in offensive rating and third in defensive rating. They are, without a doubt, a formidable team. Yet they currently lack the star power and the championship experience to be a serious playoff threat.
If they take the route of the Houston Rockets, using one playoff run to evaluate their current squad before making a splash move, it could be the best case scenario for the Thunder.
While a move involving Jeremy Sochan could still be on the table given his impending restricted free agency, Oklahoma City must hope San Antonio stops there.