Grading 12 trade deadline targets from no-brainer to palpably awful

No. 11: Wendell Carter Jr. would be a worthy target

The Oklahoma City Thunder are relatively light at the center position. Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams are sized like power forwards playing at center, and while that strategic decision is certainly working for them in terms of btoh offense and overall team success, at some point having a pure center to work into the mix makes sense for this team.

Completely changing their team approach simply to find space for a ground-bound center who can gobble rebounds doesn't make much sense, but adding a player like Wendell Carter Jr. is another story. He can defend multiple positions, switch onto the perimeter, bang with larger bodies inside and shoots well enough not to cramp their spacing significantly.

The Orlando Magic have signaled that they no longer want to trade Carter Jr., but that's probably more of a statement that they don't want to sell low on him. The right offer could entice Orlando to move on from the center, and he would be a worthy target for their frontcourt rotation.

No. 10: Tari Eason is an inspired trade target

The Dunc'd On Basketball Podcast gathers together a handful of NBA analysts each year for a "Mock Trade Deadline" where they negotiate with one another on behalf of the 30 NBA teams to make trades and emulate the behavior of the teams they represent. One player that the Thunder went after in the Mock Deadline was Tari Eason of the Houston Rockets.

Eason is a 6'8" combo forward out of LSU in just his second season in the NBA. He is a whirlwind of energy on the court, his quick hands and agility generating steals and blocks at a solid amount. He is a monster in transition, and his 3-point shot is just good enough to survive. He would be an excellent player to have in the Thunder's rotation if the Houston Rockets don't see him as a key piece moving forward.