Coming into the 2025-26 campaign, many were convinced that the LA Clippers would be one of the biggest threats to the repeat title bid of this OKC Thunder team.
Just under two months into the season, however, it appears they are anything but, for not only is Los Angeles on track to miss the postseason entirely with their fifth-worst record of 5-16, but they might also hand Oklahoma City a high-end lottery pick in the process.
Now, amid the chaos that's actively ensuing, coupled with Los Angeles' reported desire to shed salary, Sam Presti and company may want to consider dipping back into trade negotiations with their crumbling rival in pursuit of veteran big man, Brook Lopez.
Thunder should consider buying low on Brook Lopez
With a league-leading 21-1 record and on pace to win the most games in NBA history, it's obvious that the Thunder don't need to make any in-season moves.
However, the idea of buying low on a proven champion and, frankly, an ideal frontcourt depth piece in Lopez could be enough to make this front office consider striking on some sort of roster-bolstering deal.
Throughout his 18 seasons in the association, the center has established himself as an All-Star, multi-time All-Defensive selection, and, during the latter half of his career, a true marksman from beyond the arc (has shot 35.5 percent from deep since 2016-17).
A three-man rotation of him, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein would allow the Thunder to always have the height advantage on the court, while the former two would provide trusty offensive spacing all the way out to the perimeter.
On top of all this, the addition of Lopez would provide the Thunder an incredibly cost effective, 7-footer to replace Hartenstein come 2026-27, as his $28.5 million salary is attached to a club option and, being the franchise is on pace to be roughly $24 million over the second apron, his services are almost certainly going to be opted out of this coming summer as a result.
Lopez and his $9.1 million salary would be a much welcomed replacement option.
Though some have suggested the Thunder should look to Ivica Zubac as a potential trade target from the Clippers to help bolster their frontcourt, such a move would presumably cost them somewhere in the range of first-round draft capital to pull off.
Lopez, meanwhile, could likely be had for mere second-round value.
At the very least, this kind of transaction is one Oklahoma City may want to strongly consider between now and February's trade deadline.