The Oklahoma City Thunder have a two-way star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. On the other hand, they’ve been one of the worst teams in the NBA over the last two years and don’t have a second definitive building block.
Now, the Thunder have a plethora of players on rookie deals, some of which have flashed starting potential, and 19 first-round draft picks over the next seven years. The time has come for them to begin deploying these assets in trades, as they have minimal open roster spots and draft picks can deteriorate in value based on the NBA’s volatility.
Here are three offseason trade targets for the Thunder.
3. Myles Turner to the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Thunder get: Myles Turner
- Pacers get: No. 12 pick, Isaiah Roby and Derrick Favors
The Thunder have struggled to shoot, score and defend. Turner improves Oklahoma City in all three areas.
The big man is a well-versed player who fits any NBA offense. Turner is an elite shot-blocker who defends the rim, has a respectable outside jump shot and is an athletic player at 6-foot-11. Offensively, Turner gives the Thunder someone to stretch the floor and benefit from the double-teams that Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey attract off the dribble.
Oklahoma City is deep in wings and forwards, but they don’t have a concrete center. Turner fills that void, serving as a veteran complement to a young roster on both ends of the floor. He’s also still just 26.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stats (2021-22): 24.5 points, 5.9 assists and five rebounds per game while shooting 45.3/30.0/81.0