The Oklahoma City Thunder are the best team in basketball, and, with their treasure trove of assets, the assumption is that they may be buyers come the NBA trade deadline.
However, the reality of the situation is that, barring possible future injury concerns, they don't need to make any trades this season.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti is regarded as one of the best in the business. He's built an exceptional squad without having to over-pay in free agency or trades.
Many of the players on the team were either drafted by OKC or acquired as young players with potential. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, for instance, wasn't the player we all know today when the Thunder acquired him from the Los Angeles Clippers back in 2019, but they clearly saw something in the guard.
Now, Gilgeous-Alexander is arguably the best player in the league.
Meanwhile, veterans such as Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein have been added over the years for crucial depth purposes. Reliable veterans give the Thunder everything they need around their young core. One look at the depth chart, and it's difficult to tell where OKC would benefit from a trade.
Thunder already have enough firepower as is
As mentioned, a significant injury to a key player could change this narrative. However, if OKC avoids any especially troublesome injuries -- and Jalen Williams returns at some point while avoiding setbacks -- this current roster is built to reach the 2026 NBA Finals.
SGA runs the point. Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Joe are all other capable guards on the roster. Mitchell is in the middle of a breakout campaign. These five players can easily hold down the backcourt rotation.
Luguentz Dort is the three and he's a terrific defender. Caruso and Aaron Wiggins also help out at the position.
Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren, Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams make up the power forward and center positions on the roster.
J-Dub's return from injury will feel like an acquisition of its own. He is one of the best players on the roster and will instantly provide a boost.
Outside of Williams, this depth chart is currently set. Sure, one could always argue that adding another superstar would enhance the roster, but there's also an argument to be made against that claim.
There isn't really even room for another star to handle a starting spot on the current roster. OKC's starting lineup functions well together, and chemistry is arguably the most important ingredient for a winning squad.
Oklahoma City's depth is among the best in the NBA, and bringing in a star would lead to a current bench player having less of a role -- which isn't ideal.
Will the Thunder end up making a trade or two before the deadline? It's hard to definitively say -- after all, anything can happen in this league.
However, as is, this roster is already good enough to repeat as NBA Champions, which means OKC can afford to stand pat if they choose.