This past summer, the OKC Thunder found an answer to their most glaring rotational weakness at the center position by signing 7-foot big man Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million deal.
For months leading up to the free agency acquisition, fans and pundits alike were talking ad nauseam about how badly Oklahoma City needed to address their lack of size down in the frontcourt, and many saw the 26-year-old as the perfect fit for the franchise.
However, despite his seamless play style when it comes to what the team desperately needed (rebounding, rim protection, etc.) and the overwhelmingly positive reception from the franchise's faithful followers, recent reports suggest that Hartenstein wasn't the only big-bodied baller Sam Presti and company had interest in pursuing for the 2024-25 season.
Recent report reveals Thunder had eyes on Kevon Looney trade
In a recent piece penned by Hoops Hype, NBA Insider Michael Scotto revealed that the Thunder were one of three teams who showed an interest in trading for Golden State Warriors center, Kevon Looney this past offseason.
"Finally, center Kevon Looney drew exploratory trade interest from the Knicks, Thunder, and Grizzlies early this offseason before the organizations pivoted in other directions," Scotto revealed.
A 10-year veteran, Looney is a proven commodity in the association who has served as a regular contributor on three separate NBA Championship squads, even starting for the Warriors during their NBA Finals run back in 2022.
Though a somewhat limited talent, as he's far from a floor spacer and lacks the speed to be a fastbreak rim-runner, the 28-year-old has made a career for himself as a big bodied paint presence who can contribute solid defense (109 defensive rating), gobble up rebounds (averaging 24.4 boards per 100 possessions this year), and set lethal screens thanks to his 6-foot-9, 222-pound build.
The idea of having someone of Looney's build and attributes logging minutes within this Thunder frontcourt is far from undesirable and, in an alternate reality where such a deal was made, there's reason to believe the addition could have been highly beneficial.
However, the reality in which we live where OKC opted to sign Hartenstein is shaping up to be far superior.
While it's not specified whether this trade inquiry for Looney would have been a different path to or a complimentary deal with the I-Hart acquisition, if the choice were to be between having one or the other it should go without saying that Hartenstein should unanimously be the club's decision.
From his advantages in size (three inches taller), passing (5.8 assists per 100 possessions), and shot-swatting (2.4 blocks per 100 possessions), to his sheer age and overall athleticism, there should be no doubt that the Thunder wound up making the right decision by pursuing their big-time free agency pick up.