For the second season in a row, the OKC Thunder find themselves atop the Western Conference standings at 22-5.
However, despite this enviable rank among their peers, through 27 games played it has become more than apparent that this ball club still has some work to do before they can confidently consider themselves title favorites.
Sure, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is producing at MVP-worthy rates and Jalen Williams has legitimately thrust himself into the All-Star conversation, but, as was proven last season, it takes more than just a select few individuals to mask a team's weaknesses as a whole.
Though this Thunder team may possess very few flaws, the ones they do have could prove to be the difference between an early playoff exit and an NBA Championship.
Because of this, many believe Sam Presti and company should look to address the team's limited, albeit evident issues during this year's trade season. As for what, in particular, should be tended to, there are three specific flaws that the front office may want to fix.
1. Perimeter shooters
Last season, the Thunder finished as the best long-range shooting team in the entire league with an average conversion rate of 38.9 percent.
This season, it's become clear that coach Mark Daigneault has opted to steer further into this aspect of the game with the team's offensive approach, as Oklahoma City has seen a drastic uptick in three-point attempts per game going from 34.2 to 39.3 per night.
Unfortunately, their success rate has not managed to carry over with this increase in volume, as they've fallen drastically in the league-wide ranks to a middling 18 overall in three-point percentage.
As many may remember, outside of their lack of size down low, a big reason for why OKC was ousted by the Dallas Mavericks during the second round of the playoffs last year was due to their lackluster shooting performance from beyond the arc (shot a league-worst 33.5 percent in round two).
They already managed to address their vertical challenges what with the addition of Isaiah Harternstein. Now, it's time to stockpile sharpshooters within their reserves.
Possible targets: Cameron Johnson (BKN), Kevin Huerter (SAC), Josh Green (CHO)
2. Tweener bigs
As noted, the Thunder went about and addressed easily their biggest flaw from last season with the addition of center Isaiah Hartenstein.
Already, his play and build have proven to have a major impact on the ball club, as he's been putting up career-best numbers virtually all across the board while OKC has lost just one regular season game with him in the lineup.
However, as things currently stand, he's the only active big within coach Daigneault's rotation what with the injuries to Chet Holmgren (hip) and Jaylin Williams (hamstring).
Now, granted, at some point this season the latter two talents are expected to make their way back to the lineup and, in turn, help the franchise pursue their first title out in the Sooner State.
Still, even with all three activated, there are ongoing arguments over whether their games and skill sets mesh well enough (particularly Hartenstein and Holmgren) to see action on the hardwood together.
On top of this, considering the wide-spread injuries to their big man rotation, one could also make the case that the Thunder could use for another big bodied presence to serve as something of an insurance policy.
Perhaps the best way to approach this predicament would be to pursue a tweener big, or, in other words, someone who has the skills of a modern-day four but has the size and physicality to slot in at the five when need be and can play alongside an individual who plays whichever role he doesn't.
Fortunately for them, it appears there are several players fitting this description who are rumored to be on the block this trade season.
Possible targets: Larry Nance Jr. (ATL), Isaiah Stewart (DET), Daniel Theis (NOP)
3. Bench scoring
Arguably their biggest weakness during the 2024-25 season, OKC has gotten little to nothing in the scoring department from their bench unit.
Though guys like Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Alex Caruso have all proven capable of popping off any night (most recently, this proved to be Wiggins as he dropped 11 on 66.7 percent shooting from deep against Orlando), the Thunder have only seen glimpses of this potential through three months of action.
As a result, they currently rank in as the eight-worst scoring bunch in the entire league (32.2 points per game) while shooting the sixth-worst percentage from distance (33.0) and the third-worst percentage from the field as a whole (42.5).
If the Thunder want to vie for a championship this year, they'll need to look into strengthening the scoring punch among their reserve options. Having the ability to generate consistent offense while primary starters like SGA, J-Dub, and Chet are catching a breather on the sidelines will prove crucial down the stretch of this season and during the playoffs.
Possible targets: Cameron Johnson (BKN), Anfernee Simons (POR), Collin Sexton (UTA)