4 former Thunder players who'd be welcomed back with open arms this summer

Steven Adams

Back in November of 2020, after seven seasons with the Thunder, OKC traded Steven Adams to the New Orleans Pelicans in a three team deal.

At the time, Adams did not fit Oklahoma City’s timeline as they were beginning their rebuild. Now, after four years apart, a Steven Adams return to Loud City could make a lot of sense.

During the 2023-2024 season, Mark Daigneault's club finished in the bottom half of the league in team rebounding, ranking in at 27 overall. This was their biggest knock against them during an otherwise amazing season.

Desperately needing to add some depth at the center position, Adams could fill a major rotational void. He has finished top-ten in offensive rebounds per game six times in his career and, of those six, he was first once and second twice.

A rebounding machine who can be a force inside on both ends of the floor is exactly what the Thunder need on their bench. In their first-round series against the New Orleans Pelicans this season, Pels big man Jonas Valančiūnas dominated in the paint, averaging 14.3 points and 11.0 rebounds per game.

Chet Holmgren had an amazing rookie campaign and there are high hopes for his development in the coming years. Until he adds more muscle, though, OKC needs an enforcer in the paint.

Adams has quite the resume with the Thunder. He ranks tenth in games played, seventh in total rebounds, fifth in blocks, and first in field goal percentage in the franchise's history of both the Supersonics and the Thunder.

There is no doubt that a homecoming for the man dubbed Big Kiwi would be welcomed by the Thunder fanbase.