2017 OKC Thunder Trade Discussion

[Rocket_Raccoon]

Also I appreciate your opinions and I obviously agree Phil is an asshat who has destroyed Melo's value...

[Andre Roberstan]

Knicks fan coming in peace, just gauging trade interest for trade ideas (which I like conjuring up).

Do you guys have any interest in trading for Melo? If yes, what would you be willing to part with?

If no, carry on and have a nice day

I think opinion is kind of split, but I would trade for Melo.

Wouldn't give up a ton, though. Phil has done his utmost to completely kill his trade value. Kanter/McDermott and add value as needed? Depending on draft/FA could give Abrines.

I was thinking something centered around Kanter as well, with us flipping him to a 3rd team (maybe like Portland) for some assets.

I feel like Kanter would be close to getting it done value wise...but if we included O'Quinn would you guys be willing to include your pick? Obviously not saying O'Quinn is worth the pick, but it's more to make up for the small gap in value I feel is still missing for us. He's a good, relatively young big on a really good contract, but with us having Noah under contract along with KP and Hernangomez, I don't see him getting many minutes for us. I can't think of anything else we can include for that.

Kanter's a hard one to fit.

I think it's a moot point anyway, as Melo's not waiving his NTC for OKC. Presti was rumored to have interest in him at the deadline, but I don't think we're on a list of teams he'd want to play for.

It gets tricky because to match salary we'd need to send Kanter/McDermott/Singler. Singler's clear negative value and Kanter's negative to most teams. Portland's not gonna have any interest because they're capped out. Nets might, Kings might (Kings fans don't but I think Vlade might).

Unless we start talking something bigger. But that gets complicated really fast due to Melo and Kanter's trade kickers.

[Rocket_Raccoon]

I think opinion is kind of split, but I would trade for Melo.

Wouldn't give up a ton, though. Phil has done his utmost to completely kill his trade value. Kanter/McDermott and add value as needed? Depending on draft/FA could give Abrines.

I was thinking something centered around Kanter as well, with us flipping him to a 3rd team (maybe like Portland) for some assets.

I feel like Kanter would be close to getting it done value wise...but if we included O'Quinn would you guys be willing to include your pick? Obviously not saying O'Quinn is worth the pick, but it's more to make up for the small gap in value I feel is still missing for us. He's a good, relatively young big on a really good contract, but with us having Noah under contract along with KP and Hernangomez, I don't see him getting many minutes for us. I can't think of anything else we can include for that.

Kanter's a hard one to fit.

I think it's a moot point anyway, as Melo's not waiving his NTC for OKC. Presti was rumored to have interest in him at the deadline, but I don't think we're on a list of teams he'd want to play for.

It gets tricky because to match salary we'd need to send Kanter/McDermott/Singler. Singler's clear negative value and Kanter's negative to most teams. Portland's not gonna have any interest because they're capped out. Nets might, Kings might (Kings fans don't but I think Vlade might).

Unless we start talking something bigger. But that gets complicated really fast due to Melo and Kanter's trade kickers.

If we sent Kanter to Portland we'd have to take back one of Crabbe or Turner, which I can live with I guess. You don't think Melo would be willing to play in OKC with Westbrook? Although to be honest...I don't think that moves the needle for you much since you guys have a few holes, especially with your bench

You could have a starting lineup of:

Westbrook
Dipo
Roberson
Melo
Adams

but that still leaves you guys without much of a bench (O'Quinn would be nice to cover the 4/5, but outside of that?)

[Andre Roberstan]

I was thinking something centered around Kanter as well, with us flipping him to a 3rd team (maybe like Portland) for some assets.

I feel like Kanter would be close to getting it done value wise...but if we included O'Quinn would you guys be willing to include your pick? Obviously not saying O'Quinn is worth the pick, but it's more to make up for the small gap in value I feel is still missing for us. He's a good, relatively young big on a really good contract, but with us having Noah under contract along with KP and Hernangomez, I don't see him getting many minutes for us. I can't think of anything else we can include for that.

Kanter's a hard one to fit.

I think it's a moot point anyway, as Melo's not waiving his NTC for OKC. Presti was rumored to have interest in him at the deadline, but I don't think we're on a list of teams he'd want to play for.

It gets tricky because to match salary we'd need to send Kanter/McDermott/Singler. Singler's clear negative value and Kanter's negative to most teams. Portland's not gonna have any interest because they're capped out. Nets might, Kings might (Kings fans don't but I think Vlade might).

Unless we start talking something bigger. But that gets complicated really fast due to Melo and Kanter's trade kickers.

If we sent Kanter to Portland we'd have to take back one of Crabbe or Turner, which I can live with I guess. You don't think Melo would be willing to play in OKC with Westbrook? Although to be honest...I don't think that moves the needle for you much since you guys have a few holes, especially with your bench

If Melo came, our starters would probably be Russ/Robes/Melo/Sabonis/Adams with Oladipo being the primary creator off the bench, which would help a lot. Losing Kanter and sliding Oladipo to the bench is probably a net positive if we could get a halfway capable backup C. The bench's big issue was not having anyone who could create offense outside of Kanter, who's not much of a passer, and he often gives up what he scores on the other end. A halfway capable point guard would have made it look a whole lot better.

And I don't think Portland is interested in tying up any more money in centers. Nurkic is the real deal, and they have money tied up in Leonard.

[Balkman32]

Getting a backup C should be pretty easy to do. There are too many Centers in the league right now.

[Rocket_Raccoon]

Kanter's a hard one to fit.

I think it's a moot point anyway, as Melo's not waiving his NTC for OKC. Presti was rumored to have interest in him at the deadline, but I don't think we're on a list of teams he'd want to play for.

It gets tricky because to match salary we'd need to send Kanter/McDermott/Singler. Singler's clear negative value and Kanter's negative to most teams. Portland's not gonna have any interest because they're capped out. Nets might, Kings might (Kings fans don't but I think Vlade might).

Unless we start talking something bigger. But that gets complicated really fast due to Melo and Kanter's trade kickers.

If we sent Kanter to Portland we'd have to take back one of Crabbe or Turner, which I can live with I guess. You don't think Melo would be willing to play in OKC with Westbrook? Although to be honest...I don't think that moves the needle for you much since you guys have a few holes, especially with your bench

If Melo came, our starters would probably be Russ/Robes/Melo/Sabonis/Adams with Oladipo being the primary creator off the bench, which would help a lot. Losing Kanter and sliding Oladipo to the bench is probably a net positive if we could get a halfway capable backup C. The bench's big issue was not having anyone who could create offense outside of Kanter, who's not much of a passer, and he often gives up what he scores on the other end. A halfway capable point guard would have made it look a whole lot better.

And I don't think Portland is interested in tying up any more money in centers. Nurkic is the real deal, and they have money tied up in Leonard.

How good of an outside shooter is Sabonis? If he's not that great, wouldn't you be worried about teams just clogging the paint since Adams is definitely not an outside threat and Roberson is a poor shooter?

[Andre Roberstan]

If we sent Kanter to Portland we'd have to take back one of Crabbe or Turner, which I can live with I guess. You don't think Melo would be willing to play in OKC with Westbrook? Although to be honest...I don't think that moves the needle for you much since you guys have a few holes, especially with your bench

If Melo came, our starters would probably be Russ/Robes/Melo/Sabonis/Adams with Oladipo being the primary creator off the bench, which would help a lot. Losing Kanter and sliding Oladipo to the bench is probably a net positive if we could get a halfway capable backup C. The bench's big issue was not having anyone who could create offense outside of Kanter, who's not much of a passer, and he often gives up what he scores on the other end. A halfway capable point guard would have made it look a whole lot better.

And I don't think Portland is interested in tying up any more money in centers. Nurkic is the real deal, and they have money tied up in Leonard.

How good of an outside shooter is Sabonis? If he's not that great, wouldn't you be worried about teams just clogging the paint since Adams is definitely not an outside threat and Roberson is a poor shooter?

Great in the first half of the year and real bad in the second. Think he'll be more consistent next year—his mechanics are solid, and he seemed to get his confidence back a bit after moving back with the bench.

[Rocket_Raccoon]

If Melo came, our starters would probably be Russ/Robes/Melo/Sabonis/Adams with Oladipo being the primary creator off the bench, which would help a lot. Losing Kanter and sliding Oladipo to the bench is probably a net positive if we could get a halfway capable backup C. The bench's big issue was not having anyone who could create offense outside of Kanter, who's not much of a passer, and he often gives up what he scores on the other end. A halfway capable point guard would have made it look a whole lot better.

And I don't think Portland is interested in tying up any more money in centers. Nurkic is the real deal, and they have money tied up in Leonard.

How good of an outside shooter is Sabonis? If he's not that great, wouldn't you be worried about teams just clogging the paint since Adams is definitely not an outside threat and Roberson is a poor shooter?

Great in the first half of the year and real bad in the second. Think he'll be more consistent next year—his mechanics are solid, and he seemed to get his confidence back a bit after moving back with the bench.

Fair enough, probably just tired legs then.

How would you feel about getting Ariza back if we made a trade with HOU? Would you be willing to give up your pick for Ariza?

I posted a trade on our Melo trade thread. Ignore a trade I proposed with Dipo in it, that was before I realized how valuable he was to you guys. That's why I came over here to read up on how everyone felt about their players, haha.

[Andre Roberstan]

How good of an outside shooter is Sabonis? If he's not that great, wouldn't you be worried about teams just clogging the paint since Adams is definitely not an outside threat and Roberson is a poor shooter?

Great in the first half of the year and real bad in the second. Think he'll be more consistent next year—his mechanics are solid, and he seemed to get his confidence back a bit after moving back with the bench.

Fair enough, probably just tired legs then.

How would you feel about getting Ariza back if we made a trade with HOU? Would you be willing to give up your pick for Ariza?

I posted a trade on our Melo trade thread. Ignore a trade I proposed with Dipo in it, that was before I realized how valuable he was to you guys. That's why I came over here to read up on how everyone felt about their players, haha.

I don't think we can afford to give a pick up unless it's for a guy who's on a cost-controlled salary for a while at this point. Roster is too top-heavy, rookie salaries too important.

[ThunderBolt]

Pickswap with Minny and Dipo for Lavine. You hear it here first.

I like that idea but do you really think Minnesota would go for that?

I don't.
Lavine/Jones/2018 2nd for vic

Lavine has allstar potential. He would save money next year and we may get him on a cheap contract coming off the injury. The trade might set us back next year but could pay big dividends in two years. If we trade for him I would definitely hold on to Andre until Lavine learns how to play defense. If we added McDermott would that made Vic & 21 work for Lavine and #7?

[Pillendreher]

I think it would be interesting because we could go after Griffin directly I think. But it worries me that Donovan has shown me absolutely nothing regarding the development of young players.

[ThunderBolt]

I think it would be interesting because we could go after Griffin directly I think. But it worries me that Donovan has shown me absolutely nothing regarding the development of young players.

Yeah that's what most of us haven't been talking about. This is the coach who played Semaj with Norris Cole at the same time.

[NaturalThunder]

Would you deal Abrines, McDermott, Sabonis, Grant and #21 for PG13?

Absolutely. Unfortunately, the Pacers would laugh in our faces if we tried to make that trade offer. That's two bad players, two young below average players with some promise but not a lot, and a late-ish 1st round pick.

What do you think they can got for a guy whos looking to sign with the Lakers next off season.

Well, the Hawks apparently offered four first round picks and that wasn't enough to get it done. Now, since we're at the end of the season, the Pacers have less leverage, but four future first round picks is a whole hell of a lot better than an Abrines, McDermott, Sabonis, Grant and late first rounder offer; due in large part because two of those players suck and the other two don't really move the needle even a little bit unless you make "the needle" relative to future potential solid role players.

[ThunderBolt]

What about TJ warren? What would it cost to get him?

[Pillendreher]

What about TJ warren? What would it cost to get him?

Too much for it to be worth it I'm afraid. We're basically looking to buy low on guys who might break out someday, but why should their current teams, who are doing the exact same thing, give up on them for cheap?

[ThunderBolt]

What about TJ warren? What would it cost to get him?

Too much for it to be worth it I'm afraid. We're basically looking to buy low on guys who might break out someday, but why should their current teams, who are doing the exact same thing, give up on them for cheap?

So basically that's what we got with Grant.

[Pillendreher]

What about TJ warren? What would it cost to get him?

Too much for it to be worth it I'm afraid. We're basically looking to buy low on guys who might break out someday, but why should their current teams, who are doing the exact same thing, give up on them for cheap?

So basically that's what we got with Grant.

Yeah but I think it very unlikely for Grant to 'break out'.

[ThunderBolt]

Our situation is beyond frustrating. There isn't one guy I feel confident about moving forward besides Westbrook. I feel like we're only one or two non-allstars away from being a significantly better team. The problem is we have no way to get them.

We'll probably have to stretch something of value to get rid of Kanter or we'll take back something of similar crap value.

[Balkman32]

Our situation is beyond frustrating. There isn't one guy I feel confident about moving forward besides Westbrook. I feel like we're only one or two non-allstars away from being a significantly better team. The problem is we have no way to get them.

We'll probably have to stretch something of value to get rid of Kanter or we'll take back something of similar crap value.

I think Adams 2016 playoffs gave us some unrealistic expectations. Oladipo just had his first year with the Thunder and it was the Russell Westbrook show. They didn't have him running the backup point at all last year, he went down with two injuries that really stunted his growth with this team. I think he really showed the capability of hitting the 3 ball but didn't give me what I wanted getting to the rim, finishing, and getting fouled.

I think both of these guys will be improved next year. I am not surprised one bit if Adams is a walking double double and Vic is scoring 20 a game.

Roberson is a STUD defender and when we are playing the teams that have a great wing scorer it is so nice to just have Roberson follow them where ever they go. I think the Thunder match any contract he gets. He just needs to work on hitting those FT's, maybe he can sit down with Rick Barry, and change his approach.

Sabonis is going to be a nice player. He can shoot the 3, he can move the ball, and he can post up. He will be a nice starting 4 that can play small ball 5. I think the starting 5 can all be valuable assets that can each have a 10+ year career and get 3-4 contracts because they have valuable skills.

I think the 3 on the bench unit right now are great assets with McDermott, Abrines, and Grant. McDermott can really play some small ball 4, unlike Abrines and Oladipo. McDermott will just get better and better at shooting the 3 ball. Abrines showed me a lot this year, I think he has the opportunity to be our Manu. With Abrines and Vic at the 2 its the most complete the position has been since Harden and Tabo. Grant has shown he can play small ball 5, shoot the 3 at a high percentage, protect the rim, and play good defense on 4's and 5's. It will be interesting how the Thunder handle his team option, because they would live to only pay him $1.5 million this year but I don't think they can afford to let him hit free agency, especially since we gave up a 2020 first round pick for his services.

[Andre Roberstan]

Our situation is beyond frustrating. There isn't one guy I feel confident about moving forward besides Westbrook. I feel like we're only one or two non-allstars away from being a significantly better team. The problem is we have no way to get them.

We'll probably have to stretch something of value to get rid of Kanter or we'll take back something of similar crap value.

I think Adams 2016 playoffs gave us some unrealistic expectations. Oladipo just had his first year with the Thunder and it was the Russell Westbrook show. They didn't have him running the backup point at all last year, he went down with two injuries that really stunted his growth with this team. I think he really showed the capability of hitting the 3 ball but didn't give me what I wanted getting to the rim, finishing, and getting fouled.

I think both of these guys will be improved next year. I am not surprised one bit if Adams is a walking double double and Vic is scoring 20 a game.

Roberson is a STUD defender and when we are playing the teams that have a great wing scorer it is so nice to just have Roberson follow them where ever they go. I think the Thunder match any contract he gets. He just needs to work on hitting those FT's, maybe he can sit down with Rick Barry, and change his approach.

Sabonis is going to be a nice player. He can shoot the 3, he can move the ball, and he can post up. He will be a nice starting 4 that can play small ball 5. I think the starting 5 can all be valuable assets that can each have a 10+ year career and get 3-4 contracts because they have valuable skills.

I think the 3 on the bench unit right now are great assets with McDermott, Abrines, and Grant. McDermott can really play some small ball 4, unlike Abrines and Oladipo. McDermott will just get better and better at shooting the 3 ball. Abrines showed me a lot this year, I think he has the opportunity to be our Manu. With Abrines and Vic at the 2 its the most complete the position has been since Harden and Tabo. Grant has shown he can play small ball 5, shoot the 3 at a high percentage, protect the rim, and play good defense on 4's and 5's. It will be interesting how the Thunder handle his team option, because they would live to only pay him $1.5 million this year but I don't think they can afford to let him hit free agency, especially since we gave up a 2020 first round pick for his services.

I think there'll be some improvement, but if this happens next year I will be beyond overjoyed. It's awfully optimistic.