This trade season, the OKC Thunder have been oddly active.
After striking on a trade to swap future draft picks with the Charlotte Hornets earlier this week, GM Sam Presti stepped back into action Wednesday by agreeing on a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans to acquire veteran center Daniel Theis and a 2031 second-rounder.
Looking at the exchange, it's reasonable to suspect that the Thunder view the future draft capital as the main draw to the exchange, with Theis simply being seen as a throw-in. Yet, despite this, there's a case to be made that the big man can still serve a purpose on this team if Oklahoma City decides to keep him.
The journeyman currently occupies the 15 and final standard roster spot for the ball club, and there are plenty of pros and cons to the idea of keeping him around.
Pro to Thunder keeping Daniel Theis: Playoff experience
Daniel Theis has appeared in 41 playoff games throughout his career, including 25 starts. This quantity of experience crushes all of his new Thunder teammates in comparison, even former champion Alex Caruso, who has 31.
This experience can't be undervalued to a team that looked absolutely lost at times during last year's playoff run.
Before arriving in the Sooner State, the eighth-year veteran spent time under coaches and cultures that are proven winners, such as Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka with the Celtics. Bringing in a player who's been around other winning environments should fit right in with the new Thunder culture.
Theis contributed as a key rotation player on two deep playoff runs during his time with the Celtics - once in the 2020 Lake Buena Vista bubble and then again during their 2022 run to the NBA Finals.
Through his 17 starts in the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals run, the big man averaged 8.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Con to Thunder keeping Daniel Theis: No room for Ajay Mitchell
The Thunder inherited Daniel Theis as the 15 man on a now full roster, meaning that until he -- or another player -- is moved, nobody can be signed to the team. This could mean bad news for standout rookie Ajay Mitchell, who's currently playing on a two-way deal for the season.
Mitchell was certainly playing his way into a main roster spot until suffering a turf toe sprain that's projected to keep him out until at least mid-April. While the rookie's skillset is more valuable than what Theis can bring to the table, it's possible he won't be available to make an impact for the remainder of the regular season.
Still, even if Mitchell can't make an appearance this year, the value of converting and subsequently extending him goes further than keeping Daniel Theis on the roster for the next few months.
Losing out on a chance to lock up a hidden gem youngster to a long-term deal in favor of keeping a 32-year-old Daniel Theis is not one that fits the Thunder's mentality.
Pro to Thunder keeping Daniel Theis: Front-court depth
OKC has dealt with injuries to its big-man rotation all season long, with Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams all missing significant time. This often leaves Jalen Williams, Kenrich Williams, or a carousel of rental free agents to fill the void.
Having Theis around to act as a band-aid whenever injuries strike would be the best insurance policy the Thunder have had all season. He offers a brand of physicality, toughness, and size that's desperately needed to match up with other bigs around the association.
In just 16.8 minutes per game this season, Theis has averaged 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and half a block per night in just 16.3 minutes of action. Whether he's needed to play spot minutes or fill in as an emergency starter, the veteran would be a viable option.
Con to Thunder keeping Daniel Theis: Branden Carlson's days are over
As previously mentioned, there have been periods throughout the season in which the Thunder had severe frontcourt injury issues. This led to the rise of Branden Carlson, a surprise standout in the month of January.
The 7-footer took a while to get going with OKC and was even released at one point. He waited patiently for his second chance, however, and while on a string of ten-day contracts, he made his presence felt.
Carlson grabbed the attention of national media when he lit up the Cavaliers back on January 16 for 11 points (cashed in on three deep-balls along the way) and a block in just 17 minutes.
A few days later against the Nets, Carlson stuffed the stat sheet with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block all in 18 minutes.
His playing time began dipping after those performances, and his most recent ten-day contract has already come to an end.
The 25-year-old showed flashes in his final stint as a stretch big who could protect the basket, something many fans found intriguing at the least.
If Theis is around for the long haul this season, the Carlson experiment is likely done out in Oklahoma City.