The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline with a number of potential paths ahead of them. Armed with a seemingly endless collection of draft picks and both young prospects and matching salaries, the Thunder could stand pat, add talent or swing for the fences.
Many Thunder fans and NBA analysts wanted the Thunder to make a huge deal to add another star, but there wasn't a player on the trade market who moved the needle enough to justify the cost, especially when factoring in their fit with OKC's core and system. Yet the Thunder weren't quiet, either, trading for a former All-Star to bolster their rotation.
The Thunder traded for Gordon Hayward
The Thunder traded Davis Bertans, Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic and a pair of second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets for forward Gordon Hayward. Given that there were no All-Stars moved at the deadline, former All-Star Hayward is among the best players to change teams, particularly if he can stay healthy for the stretch run.
Did the Thunder win the deadline? Was this the right move to make? Let's dig into this trade from all angles and "grade the trade" to see if the Thunder come out looking wise or like a team not ready to go all-in. We'll start with the on-court fit of Gordon Hayward on one of the best teams in the Western Conference.