As currently constructed, the OKC Thunder are the top seed in the Western Conference standings with a record of 16-5.
Considering this, along with the fact that they roster the likes of superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rising stars Jalen Williams and (when healthy) Chet Holmgren, and elite role players such as Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Luguentz Dort, they are regularly found mentioned in the conversation of best teams in the association.
Yet, despite this enviable position, it's hard to argue that Oklahoma City is a perfectly assembled unit. Sure, they may have one of the deepest rotations the league has to offer, but found within it are numerous holes and considerably lacking depth at rather important positions.
Because of this, it's quite plausible that Sam Presti and company may wish to strike on some sort of move between now and February's trade deadline to shore up some of their limited, albeit glaring weaknesses on the roster. Doing so, however, could cost them one of their most tenured talents.
Thunder could us Kenrich Williams as trade fodder to land talent upgrade
Since his arrival in the Sooner State back in 2020, Kenrich Williams has established himself as a consistent contributor within coach Mark Daigneault's rotation thanks to his enviable 3&D style of play.
However, in recent years it has become evident that the wing's usage has drastically reduced, dropping from 22.8 minutes per night in 2022-23 to just 13.0 in 2024-25.
This fall in the minute distribution department is more a result of the Thunder having added both younger and higher-impact players to their arsenal over the years.
Guys of a similar ilk like Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Ajay Mitchell have all established themselves as must-plays while simultaneously showing with their age and versatility that they are more likely to be long-term staples within Oklahoma City's rotation than the oldest player on the roster in 30-year-old Kenny Hustle.
There's a strong argument to be made that, be it painful to hear or not, Kenrich Williams is somewhat of an expendable asset for this Thunder team that, frankly, could use some upgrades beyond their wing position.
Packaging his $6.6 million salary along with one other lower-end contract and some draft capital in a deal for a legitimate power forward upgrade such as Larry Nance Jr. ($11.2 million) or perhaps some extra help in the table-setting, floor-general department like a Dennis Schroder ($13 million) could be highly beneficial for Oklahoma City moving forward.
Especially considering he's clearly seeing a reduction in his role and is in line to make $7.16 million next season, Kenrich Williams very well could be used as a key addition in a trade to attain an ideal target between now and February 6.