The Oklahoma City Thunder, by all accounts, do not need to make a move at the trade deadline.
Although they have suffered back-to-back losses to the Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors, they still have a comfortable hold on the one-seed in the Western Conference. They will soon get reinforcements when Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell return from their respective injuries, and Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein are looming in the distance.
Yet if there is one thing they need, it's more reliable 3-point shooting on their bench.
As good as the Thunder have been this season, they've struggled to consistently knock down their shots from the perimeter.
As a result, Luke Kennard of the Atlanta Hawks could be a sneaky option at the trade deadline for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder could go grab a 3-point shooter at the trade deadline
In their hunt for another championship, the Thunder have one obvious hurdle. At times, their offense breaks down when their complementary players are unable to consistently hit their threes.
Against the Pacers, they shot just 26.9% from beyond the arc. Against the Raptors, they shot 25.6%. They lost by a combined five points.
This has been the story with virtually all of their losses this season.
If there is a move to be made at the trade deadline, therefore, it is for someone who can be trusted to make these shots.
Kennard is having an excellent season in Atlanta, averaging 7.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on a diet of 20.4 minutes per game. More importantly, though, he's knocking down a league-leading 48.1% of his attempts from beyond the arc on healthy volume.
The Hawks have already dealt their franchise player in Trae Young this season, and it's clear they're looking to gear up for a future with a new core. Kennard is on an $11 million expiring deal, meaning that a matching salary or two along with a draft pick should be enough to entice Atlanta to move on from their role player.
Kennard, moreover, is a reliable defender. He does not have the upside that someone like Isaiah Joe or Aaron Wiggins does, but he has the length and the ability to fit into the Thunder's defensive scheme.
There will be competition for Kennard. Teams like the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers are also in need of additional perimeter shooters.
But Oklahoma City has the assets to beat any of these teams out. It is simply a matter of if they feel a move is necessary over the next week and a half.