The reigning top-seeded OKC Thunder have gotten even better this offseason thanks to GM Sam Presti's strong presence on the trade market and in free agency.
From the splashy signing of Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million deal to strengthen their frontcourt, to their acquisition of Alex Caruso via trade to improve their three-point shooting abilities, in more ways than not Oklahoma City has managed to shore up numerous areas of weakness that, throughout last season, proved to be true deterrents in their championship aspirations.
However, even with all these win-now moves made, amid their wheeling and dealing endeavors the franchise has seemingly created a notable on-court deficiency, particularly with their decision to send Josh Giddey out to Chicago in the Caruso deal.
Thunder could use for more facilitators after Josh Giddey departure
While it's hard to argue against the notion that the Thunder made the right decision to capitalize on their late-June transaction that landed them one of the game's best 3-and-D role players without shipping out a single draft pick in exchange, in doing so they ridded themselves of arguably the best pure play-maker and second-best ball handler coach Mark Daigneault had within his arsenal.
Though a lineup headlined by the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren is hard to scoff at, still with room remaining on their roster Oklahoma City might want to consider adding on a talent who can, in some ways, make up for the loss of Giddey, and there are a few free agents still available that should be on their wish list.