3-team trade idea lands Thunder new floor spacing big and future first-round pick

If the 2024 NBA Playoffs taught us anything, it's that the OKC Thunder need some bolstering within their frontcourt rotation.

From their seventh-worst rebounding rate and their opponents' third-highest offensive rebounding averages in the postseason to, simply, their overall struggles against bigger and bulkier teams like the Dallas Mavericks in round two, it's become more than evident that Sam Presti and company must look to address the overall size and strength of this team during the upcoming summer months.

Since Oklahoma City's semifinal elimination last week, there has been a slew of ideas brought to light regarding ways to improve upon this rotational sore spot, and, recently, Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey dropped his two cents into the conversation with a trade proposal that not only would bring on an established NBA big, but also a future first-round selection in the process.

Trade idea sends Zach Collins, 2030 first-round pick to OKC Thunder

Though the Thunder obviously need to look into adding more size to their frontcourt, finding someone to fill such a void isn't as easy as just snatching up the biggest player available.

Names such as Andre Drummond and Nic Claxton have been tossed around within the rumor mill over the last few months and, considering their specific measurements along with rebounding and rim-protecting expertise, at least on paper, such talents could add some real value to this team.

Of course, when considering how Oklahoma City likes to operate, these more traditional, back-to-the-basket ballers don't seem to fit the mold needed to help complement Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and company.

A guy like Zach Collins, however, very well could.

Measuring in at 6-foot-11, 249 pounds while boasting a 7-foot-1 wingspan, the 26-year-old has the build of a center while his inside-out offensive game allows him to slot in at either the four or five, which bodes well for both the Thunder's offensive approach as well as their desires to continue running Holmgren at the pivot.

Over his last three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Collins has showcased more of an all-around game that would come in handy within OKC's frontcourt, as he's boasting averages of 10.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and just shy of a block on 49.9 percent shooting from the field and 34.4 percent shooting from distance.

On top of these counting stats, the big man plays with an underrated level of physicality and overall brute force that was desperately needed during their series against the Mavs and that, in turn, could be of great use to the team as they gear up for a hopeful title-run in 2024-25.

Of course, the exchange proposed by Bailey would require the Thunder to part ways with the likes of Josh Giddey and Kenrich Williams, which could stir up a few differing emotions among the fanbase.

Though both have proven to be positive contributors at times throughout their tenures out in the 73102, coming into this offseason they are both believed to be players who could be on the verge of being moved anyway, so the concept of swapping them out for someone like Collins shouldn't be hard for anyone to comprehend.

Add on the fact that this deal would also net the Thunder yet another future first-round pick, and Bailey's proposal teeters on the "no-brainer" territory.