Considering they're currently on track to boast a $250.5 million payroll next season, roughly $28 million north of the dreaded second apron, it's clear the OKC Thunder should be open to shedding some salary wherever possible.
Because of this, many suggest Sam Presti and company may be interested in scouring the offseason trade market to cut costs without risking losing any players, particularly those attached to team options, for nothing on the open market.
Of course, considering their impressive collection of quality, long-term talent already on the roster, coupled with the two first-round picks they'll presumably add in this year's draft alone, if a deal were to be made, bringing back players in return may not be the ideal situation for OKC.
Because of this, a team like the Boston Celtics could prove to be the perfect trade partner, as they're equipped with a massive $27.7 million Traded Player Exception (TPE) thanks to the mid-season Anfernee Simons trade.
Thunder and Celtics could be perfect offseason trade partners
A TPE is essentially a luxury for a team where they can bring on a contract without having it go against their cap.
In this case, because the Celtics parted ways with Simons and his $27.6 million salary via a trade without bringing anyone back in exchange, they are allowed to absorb a player whose salary fits within this allotted amount.
Littered throughout the Thunder rotation are a number of talents who fall into this financial range that could prove to be highly intriguing for Boston to bring aboard through an exchange this summer.
Whether it's Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, two players who would certainly help fit into the C's high-octane, three-point shooting offense, or Jaylin Williams and, albeit less likely, Isaiah Hartenstein, who would immediately address their lackluster big man depth, Oklahoma City certainly has no shortage of players for Boston to be interested in acquiring.
Depending on which talent is sent to Beantown, draft capital could be shipped either way.
Be it OKC looking to sweeten the pot for a more lofty Lu Dort deal or Boston trying to pry away a more attractive talent who has many supposedly interested clubs, such as I-Joe, the draft-pick add-on possibilities are seemingly endless.
Most important of all, however, is that any deal between the two clubs wouldn't require a player heading back to the Thunder, which, considering their current situation both from a financial and stacked-roster standpoint, should be absurdly enticing.
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