OKC Thunder Trades and Transaction Thread

[Bremzi]

Lol. Ofc they cant afford all 3. Djj and Cuna were mentioned as a realistic option (since Anunoby is an unrealistic one). Those two + a rookie big men would be three additions. And seriously - did you even watch OKC Dallas series? Dallas wasnt hiding DJJ. He was put into SGAs grill and caught about as many dunks as Lively. In some games he practically didnt miss. He pretty much nearly sealed the deal in game 6 with his fadeaway over Chet. I dont know where you live, but its gotta be the past because theres no way you would speak this way if you watched the playoffs. And no, you search it in google and the first thing that pops up is he is 6’7”.

Like I said, you can try to swing 3 or so trades beforehand for various picks and then get Lebron James (from LA to OKC…). Anyways, we’ll see what happens, no point in spamming it up further.

[Bremzi]

I see Chet as the PF of the future in the same way Dirk was the PF of the future for Dallas when they were playing him out of position at center. It wasn't until they brought in a real center that Dallas won with Dirk and I expect the same from OKC with Chet. The exception being if they bring in a PF that fits the right requirements, which is a very rare player.

So, this is interesting to me. I don't think I agree but I see what you're saying and it is thought-provoking.

My mind immediately goes to Chet's rim protection. Dirk was never as good as Chet is (already) at guarding the rim. So, my thinking is that Chet needs to play near the rim on defense. That means any big in the starting lineup needs to also guard the perimeter. That won't change regardless of whether or not we call them a PF or a C. I think what we're looking for is a player that is;

- Tall (>6'9")
- Perimeter defender
- Defensive rebounder (>20% DREB%)
- Above average from 3
- Above average BBIQ
- Good passer

Good lord.

Is there even a guy that fits those criteria? Jokic fits without the perimeter defense. Lauri probably fits pretty close with shady passing. KD is a shady rebounder. Wemby might actually have all of them. You cant be putting up a compilation of qualities that would make a player close to MVP conversation just to fill a fifth spot.

That’s why you got a team. In a team, you find 2-3 different players, each excelling at some points and being worse at others. Depending on the matchup, you opt for what is available as the best case in each situation.

[cjmcallist]

So to me it's like getting a card that completes a poker hand. If you have 4 hearts , any heart will do but the ace would be preferred but at what price. I think I know a fit that could be traded for that just is starting his 1st extension, 4 years at a manageable $60mil. He is not a finished product still 23 which might fit the chemistry of the team. He really just started shooting the 3 at 33% but free throws at a good 79%. A very good defender and rebounder at 6'9" 245.
https://hoopshype.com/onyeka-okongwu-scouting-report/
So he won't come cheap but he seems to be a starter fit even if not a future star. I think we could overpay for the right piece, he's worth Giddy, #12 and another 1st or 3 2nds

Welcome to the boards!

Okongwu has been mentioned a couple of times, so maybe he's a good candidate for us!

I'm not personally there because of his shooting. I'm also wondering about his rebounding. This season he averaged 7 TRB at 15% TRB%. His DRB% is only 19%. Giddey's rebounding numbers are actually better. Are we sure he's a good rebounder?

Thoughts?

[cjmcallist]

I see Chet as the PF of the future in the same way Dirk was the PF of the future for Dallas when they were playing him out of position at center. It wasn't until they brought in a real center that Dallas won with Dirk and I expect the same from OKC with Chet. The exception being if they bring in a PF that fits the right requirements, which is a very rare player.

So, this is interesting to me. I don't think I agree but I see what you're saying and it is thought-provoking.

My mind immediately goes to Chet's rim protection. Dirk was never as good as Chet is (already) at guarding the rim. So, my thinking is that Chet needs to play near the rim on defense. That means any big in the starting lineup needs to also guard the perimeter. That won't change regardless of whether or not we call them a PF or a C. I think what we're looking for is a player that is;

- Tall (>6'9")
- Perimeter defender
- Defensive rebounder (>20% DREB%)
- Above average from 3
- Above average BBIQ
- Good passer

Good lord.

Is there even a guy that fits those criteria? Jokic fits without the perimeter defense. Lauri probably fits pretty close with shady passing. KD is a shady rebounder. Wemby might actually have all of them. You cant be putting up a compilation of qualities that would make a player close to MVP conversation just to fill a fifth spot.

That’s why you got a team. In a team, you find 2-3 different players, each excelling at some points and being worse at others. Depending on the matchup, you opt for what is available as the best case in each situation.

Exactly. I'm not sure there is such a player.

How are we feeling about John Collins? I'm slowly swimming back to Collins island.

[Clav]

I'm not sure about Collins. For brevity's sake, I can't find my paddle to get over to that island.

I like some of his game but don't like all of it.

+ his contract, $50M still owed, and is extension eligible this off-season. He has a large player option next season which surely he'd pick up if no extension is reached. So my question is... what's the # ? That scares me

[Kizz Fastfists]

Exactly. I'm not sure there is such a player.

How are we feeling about John Collins? I'm slowly swimming back to Collins island.

Collins would be a great fit. Wendall Carter Jr., Lauri, Jabari Smith Jr., Naz Reid, Duop Reath, Tobias Harris, KD, PG13, Bobby Portis, Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, Jerami Grant, Michel Porter Jr., Georges Niang, Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Love and there are a few others that would be good fits.

Those are players of varying ability and availability. Something for every price point from vet minimum to max. Given that Presti said in his end of season press conference that he knew OKC couldn't rebound I will assume he doesn't care about adding rebounding. Given that Presti said he thought Hayward was the solution I will assume he's going to look for wings not big men. Given that Presti said the team will make an appearance the next time it makes an appearance I'll assume he's illiterate and can't read a stat sheet, scouting report or team evaluation. Given that Presti said he's still learning I'll assume he'll continue to think about basketball at an inferior level of an AAU coach.

[Kizz Fastfists]

I'm not sure about Collins. For brevity's sake, I can't find my paddle to get over to that island.

I like some of his game but don't like all of it.

+ his contract, $50M still owed, and is extension eligible this off-season. He has a large player option next season which surely he'd pick up if no extension is reached. So my question is... what's the # ? That scares me

Extension eligible means nothing. What else is Presti going to do with the $26M this season? Take another Bertans type of contract to move up 2 spots in the draft? That contract could be Collins. Would that contract have a negative effect for the '25-'26 season if we assume Collins is going to pick up his option? Unlikely. They most likely still have the ability to max Giddey and resign Joe and Wiggins without hitting the tax. I'm not arguing for giving Giddey a max contract just using that to show it wouldn't negatively impact keeping the team intact then letting Collins walk as Dort, Chet, SGA and JDub are due new deals.

[Big nick]

I see Chet as the PF of the future in the same way Dirk was the PF of the future for Dallas when they were playing him out of position at center. It wasn't until they brought in a real center that Dallas won with Dirk and I expect the same from OKC with Chet. The exception being if they bring in a PF that fits the right requirements, which is a very rare player.

So, this is interesting to me. I don't think I agree but I see what you're saying and it is thought-provoking.

My mind immediately goes to Chet's rim protection. Dirk was never as good as Chet is (already) at guarding the rim. So, my thinking is that Chet needs to play near the rim on defense. That means any big in the starting lineup needs to also guard the perimeter. That won't change regardless of whether or not we call them a PF or a C. I think what we're looking for is a player that is;

- Tall (>6'9")
- Perimeter defender
- Defensive rebounder (>20% DREB%)
- Above average from 3
- Above average BBIQ
- Good passer

Good lord.

Yes that kind of player is real hard to find, I am not sure there are one we could afford. But and here me out I haven't been a supporter of dieng, but what if he improves his 3 shot this summer with the help of our coach. He did win the mvp of the g league in the finals and he is cheap. I mean it was the g league. And then we draft a big (edey) I hope maybe this could be a cheap way to get where we want to be. With that said I am not a fan of diengs motor. But we sure as hell need to get bigger.

[Clav]

I'm not sure about Collins. For brevity's sake, I can't find my paddle to get over to that island.

I like some of his game but don't like all of it.

+ his contract, $50M still owed, and is extension eligible this off-season. He has a large player option next season which surely he'd pick up if no extension is reached. So my question is... what's the # ? That scares me

Extension eligible means nothing. What else is Presti going to do with the $26M this season? Take another Bertans type of contract to move up 2 spots in the draft? That contract could be Collins. Would that contract have a negative effect for the '25-'26 season if we assume Collins is going to pick up his option? Unlikely. They most likely still have the ability to max Giddey and resign Joe and Wiggins without hitting the tax. I'm not arguing for giving Giddey a max contract just using that to show it wouldn't negatively impact keeping the team intact then letting Collins walk as Dort, Chet, SGA and JDub are due new deals.

Fair point, yeah. I agree. Would you trade for him ?

[Kizz Fastfists]

Fair point, yeah. I agree. Would you trade for him ?

I was upset that Presti didn't trade for him last off-season. I'd have no problems making a trade for him.

[Big nick]

Collins sucks never thought he was good. But I have been wrong about alot of things, Sam will most likely just depend on internal growth I am afraid.

[namlede]

Jalen Johnson checks most of those boxes. He is probably untouchable though.

[Kizz Fastfists]

Collins sucks never thought he was good. But I have been wrong about alot of things, Sam will most likely just depend on internal growth I am afraid.

Collins hasn't been the same since his PED issue. He's still a good player, but not as good as he used to be. He shot 37% from 3 this year on decent volume and is 36% for his career. He has always been a good rebounder and exceptional at the rim. He's not great at anything, but he is not bad at anything either. He's pretty much just a solid player that is average or above average at everything. He's not going the star that carries your team, but as a role player he is hard to beat.

[cjmcallist]

- Tall (>6'9")
- Perimeter defender
- Defensive rebounder (>20% DREB%)
- Above average from 3
- Above average BBIQ
- Good passer

Yes that kind of player is real hard to find, I am not sure there are one we could afford. But and here me out I haven't been a supporter of dieng, but what if he improves his 3 shot this summer with the help of our coach. He did win the mvp of the g league in the finals and he is cheap. I mean it was the g league. And then we draft a big (edey) I hope maybe this could be a cheap way to get where we want to be. With that said I am not a fan of diengs motor. But we sure as hell need to get bigger.

The theory of Dieng is there, but I'm not holding my breath.

As of this year, I'm out on depending on players to develop. If we have a top 5 pick somehow, then sure. Let them develop in the background. But rookie-scale players rarely, if ever, contribute to winning. We've been burned by that before. While previous teams were ascending we were giving minutes to project players and it hurt the team. No more hoping on Terrance Ferguson, Cam Payne, Mitch McGary, Alex Abrines, Perry Jones, etc.

Trade the player, trade the pick, bring in rotation players.

[cjmcallist]

Collins sucks never thought he was good. But I have been wrong about alot of things, Sam will most likely just depend on internal growth I am afraid.

Collins hasn't been the same since his PED issue. He's still a good player, but not as good as he used to be. He shot 37% from 3 this year on decent volume and is 36% for his career. He has always been a good rebounder and exceptional at the rim. He's not great at anything, but he is not bad at anything either. He's pretty much just a solid player that is average or above average at everything. He's not going the star that carries your team, but as a role player he is hard to beat.

This is what I always thought, but the narrative around him has been negative - pretty much from day one. ATL was trying to trade him almost immediately. Now UTA doesn't seem to love him either. But, I don't really understand.

When I watched him on ATLs run to the ECF, he was awesome. He did all the dirty things, scrapped hard, dug in on defense. He's 62% TS, 37% from 3, DRB% is 24%, and he's mobile enough on the perimeter. What am I missing?

[Dadouv47]

- Tall (>6'9")
- Perimeter defender
- Defensive rebounder (>20% DREB%)
- Above average from 3
- Above average BBIQ
- Good passer

Yes that kind of player is real hard to find, I am not sure there are one we could afford. But and here me out I haven't been a supporter of dieng, but what if he improves his 3 shot this summer with the help of our coach. He did win the mvp of the g league in the finals and he is cheap. I mean it was the g league. And then we draft a big (edey) I hope maybe this could be a cheap way to get where we want to be. With that said I am not a fan of diengs motor. But we sure as hell need to get bigger.

The theory of Dieng is there, but I'm not holding my breath.

As of this year, I'm out on depending on players to develop. If we have a top 5 pick somehow, then sure. Let them develop in the background. But rookie-scale players rarely, if ever, contribute to winning. We've been burned by that before. While previous teams were ascending we were giving minutes to project players and it hurt the team. No more hoping on Terrance Ferguson, Cam Payne, Mitch McGary, Alex Abrines, Perry Jones, etc.

Trade the player, trade the pick, bring in rotation players.

pretty much this. Chet, Cason, Lively and some other guys are the exception, not the rule

I like building through the draft but now it's time to win.

I still don't mind if we pick a player in the first round and improve our roster at the same time because I know that money is gonna be an issue in 3-4 years and it's tough to attract FAs in OKC.

[Devilanche]

If you want alternatives for big men, there are also Plumlee, Theiss, Šarić, Love, Eubanks options. These might cost less than Valanciunas and I dont think any of them is as good as of a rebounder/stretch big as Valanciunas. But any of them would be ok to be honest. Clippers even had 3 centers on the roster. In the past - GSW with Kerr had a bunch of centers where they could play 15 mins a game and play all-out all the time. Nobody cared for fouls if there were 3-4 legit centers that could play. Injuries didnt matter and basically that took care of rebounding. I could sign up to add Plumlee, Theiss and Šarić as a trio with another rookie big guy on top or instead. Whatever happens, Presti gotta address the Chet/Jaylin big situation. It’s just too weak.

You go with goga or Jalen smith

[Devilanche]

I'm not sure about Collins. For brevity's sake, I can't find my paddle to get over to that island.

I like some of his game but don't like all of it.

+ his contract, $50M still owed, and is extension eligible this off-season. He has a large player option next season which surely he'd pick up if no extension is reached. So my question is... what's the # ? That scares me

Extension eligible means nothing. What else is Presti going to do with the $26M this season? Take another Bertans type of contract to move up 2 spots in the draft? That contract could be Collins. Would that contract have a negative effect for the '25-'26 season if we assume Collins is going to pick up his option? Unlikely. They most likely still have the ability to max Giddey and resign Joe and Wiggins without hitting the tax. I'm not arguing for giving Giddey a max contract just using that to show it wouldn't negatively impact keeping the team intact then letting Collins walk as Dort, Chet, SGA and JDub are due new deals.

When this happen , I know who willed it into existence.

[Bremzi]

Collins sucks never thought he was good. But I have been wrong about alot of things, Sam will most likely just depend on internal growth I am afraid.

Collins hasn't been the same since his PED issue. He's still a good player, but not as good as he used to be. He shot 37% from 3 this year on decent volume and is 36% for his career. He has always been a good rebounder and exceptional at the rim. He's not great at anything, but he is not bad at anything either. He's pretty much just a solid player that is average or above average at everything. He's not going the star that carries your team, but as a role player he is hard to beat.

This is what I always thought, but the narrative around him has been negative - pretty much from day one. ATL was trying to trade him almost immediately. Now UTA doesn't seem to love him either. But, I don't really understand.

When I watched him on ATLs run to the ECF, he was awesome. He did all the dirty things, scrapped hard, dug in on defense. He's 62% TS, 37% from 3, DRB% is 24%, and he's mobile enough on the perimeter. What am I missing?

You're missing his IQ. He reportedly can't remember plays and it makes it tough to work in a team concept. He is not a good defender either. I mean, he is passable, but he's not gonna be a good help defender or a 1on1 stopper.

[Kizz Fastfists]

You're missing his IQ. He reportedly can't remember plays and it makes it tough to work in a team concept. He is not a good defender either. I mean, he is passable, but he's not gonna be a good help defender or a 1on1 stopper.

OKC doesn't need another great defender. He'd be replacing Giddey if he were to start and he is a better defender than Giddey. I believe he could thrive as the 5th starter in OKC or coming off the bench. In Utah they need him to be their 2nd best player. In Atlanta he was a horrible fit next to Trae because Trae is someone you have to surround with four guys who play good defense and will handle all the offensive movement. Trae is the most overrated player in the league. I won't argue with anyone who says he is overpaid. At $15M, MLE level contract, he'd have good trade value. At $26M he's got minimal trade value, but OKC is one of the few teams that has the cap space to absorb that contract without it hurting their cap situation. He's not my plan A, but if Presti talks to the agents of the top FAs and they all tell him not to bother calling when FA opens then Collins becomes a reasonable target. You will not convince me that if OKC had Collins instead of Hayward they wouldn't still be playing, but I've been screaming for Collins for almost a year now and he showed that his shooting issues in '22-'23 were a fluke year so I'm not going to change my mind. If he had only shot 32% from 3 last year, instead of rebounding to 37%, I'd have changed my mind. I was never as high on P.J. Washington as some are, but I had no problem acknowledging the fit even though I see him as a step below Collins.