OKC Thunder urged to pursue 5x All-Star, 4x NBA Champion this summer

The young and inexperienced OKC Thunder were ultimately eliminated from postseason contention in just round two this year, making it rather evident that they could use more players on the roster who possess a proven track record of succeeding at the highest level and under the league's brightest lights.

While there are quite a number of different routes Sam Presti and company could look to embark on this coming summer, ESPN's Chris Herring recently proposed the idea of adding on such attributes in one fell swoop by signing Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson in free agency.

OKC Thunder urged to pursue Klay Thompson in free agency

On top of adding much-needed experience to this title-hungry rotation, Herring believes that bringing Thompson to the Thunder would allow them to avoid the serious issues that presented themselves with Josh Giddey manning the starting two-guard position, particularly when it came to opposing defenses daring him to shoot from beyond the arc -- Sadly, this game plan seemed to work far too often.

Adding a sniper like the five-time All-Star, however, would be an easy upgrade in this department.

"Even if he was a hair under 39% from 3 this past season, the 34-year-old still canned 268 triples. (The season before, when he hit 41.2% of his 3s, Thompson drained a league-best 301.) Gilgeous-Alexander was already throwing kickout passes a longer average distance than anyone outside of Luka Doncic, per Second Spectrum, because of how much space he had to work with. (Oklahoma City also uses its guards to screen off the ball in a way that's similar to what Golden State does.) Thompson would amplify all that."

- Chris Herring

Throughout his 13-year career, Thompson has proven himself to be a highly efficient two-way wing who can flourish alongside a ball-dominant point guard and aid in a team achieving ultimate successes, as made evident by his four NBA Championships and six NBA Finals appearances with the Dubs.

Despite having a "down" year in 2023-24 compared to his previous campaigns, the veteran still put forth an impressive season from an overall standpoint, as he posted averages of 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 38.7 percent from deep.

While his advanced age may not fit the mold of this historic top-seed's current makeup, the shooting guard is still a reliable defender who, with his 6-foot-6 frame and 6-foot-9 wingspan, can man any position from the one down to the four, which, along with his superb shooting skills, would bring a major upgrade to the starting lineup compared to Giddey's contributions.

At the right price, Thompson could do wonders as an addition to this aspiring Thunder team.