OKC Thunder Trades and Transaction Thread

[cjmcallist]

Spoiler:

I don't know what we will or won't do, but history shows we will pay the tax when we think the time is right.

In 2018 OKC made a $61m tax payment for the Anthony/George/WB team. At the time it was the second highest tax payment in history. This is after paying $25 in luxury tax the year before. But - why am I explaining this to you? You should know this.

Yes, they will pay the tax. However, you are suggesting they should have four max contracts OR you are suggesting that Chet shall become worthless and be gone. Is you assumption that Chet is worthless so add Fox as the 3rd player and max contract? I also find it extremely odd that you would think Fox would suddenly learn how to shoot 3s if he came to OKC. If there was some significant advantage to shooting 3s in OKC one would think Giddey's percentage would be down this year not where it was in OKC. Given we have a 2300 shot sample size on Fox I think we know what he is as a shooter. Feel free to make the argument against Chet. Otherwise, you are arguing for OKC to be the first team rich enough to have 4 max contracts, plus other $20M contracts that would still be on the books, under the new punitive tax system that OKC has never participated in. Will OKC pay the tax? Yes. Will OKC pay more in tax than the salary of the players? No, but we apparently disagree on this. Assuming Chet gets a max, which unless injuries end his career will happen, with SGA, JDub, Fox, Caruso, IH, Kenrich, Cason, Jones and Topic ONLY that would put OKC at over $300M in tax for the '26-'27 season. Every contract they sign to finish out the roster adds tax at a 1:8 ration, meaning a $2M contract adds $16M tax so is a $18M contract. That 1:8 would increase as they filled the roster and further exceeded the tax line ending around a 1:10 salary to tax ratio.

Due to your reply (thank you!) I went back and really looked at numbers. I had to make some assumptions for the projections. Assuming;
- I did my math right
- Chet and JDub get 25% maxes
- Hartenstein's option is exercised
- We do not extend Dieng
- We do not extend JWill
- We do not add draft picks (which we obviously will)

Then we will be $45m over the tax and the bill for 26-27 is roughly $163,750,000.

That definitely has me rethinking adding salary or a big money player. To your point, if we swap big money player for Chet or JDub then maybe it makes more sense. Or, that big money player must be a shoe-in for getting us to the chip (aka Giannis type player).

[Kizz Fastfists]

The one thing the Thunder can do, which I am having trouble adjusting my mindset with this CBA change, is they can take on any $8M salary without any matching because they didn't use the room MLE this off-season. They can't aggregate it, but it does give them some ability to make a trade without moving anyone. The issue I have is that the players I keep looking at make $9M+. Duop Reath has been discussed many times on this board as potential big man depth and OKC could theoretically add him for one of their FRPs without sending out salary.

OKC is $10M under the luxury tax so I think their limit on adding salary for this season is capped there. I find it hard to see them in the tax this season when the repeater tax is likely in their future to keep this core together. I do not expect OKC to pay the tax this year or next, but after that they should be tax payers and eventually in the repeater tax.

[Daddy 801]

Utah fan coming in peace with just a thought.

Let’s say OKC wants to assure a championship this year and get aggressive instead of standing pat. What would OKC offer to get Kessler and Sexton? I am thinking Utah would ask for 3 first round draft picks and other assets. Whats the best offer you think OKC would make?

Would OKC do something like Hartenstein, Philly pick, LA clippers pick, Utah pick back (this is of low concern to me ever conveying because we are for sure tanking next year), one other first round pick, or maybe two draft swap rights instead of the third pick.

The Jazz aren’t shopping Kessler, but I am just kind of curious if they did what OKC would offer. You have a ton of picks/assets so this could help Utah tank/rebuild and getting Kessler and Sexton I don’t see how you guys aren’t winning a chip or two the next three years. Yeah, salary might become a problem when it’s time to pay Kessler and Chet is back healthy, but again…I don’t see OKC not winning if they made this move. Kessler is the best offensive rebounder in the league, has the highest field goal percentage, and is a good defender with like the third highest blocks per game. It would make you guys even better which is hard to fathom considering you have one of the greatest teams ever assembled right now.

In the trade machine Svi has to be included to make the trade work so he would also be included.

Again, just curious. If Utah did this we for sure would be trading Lauri in the offseason as well and really just tanking to the fullest extent the next 4-5 years. Which in my mind is the way to do it. Utah could hopefully be where you guys are now come 2029-2030 if they can nab 3 elite guys the next 4 or so drafts.

Just curious what you guys think. Have a good one and wish you the best this season. I’ll be rooting for my fellow small market team come playoff time. Be great for the league to see OKC win a chip.

[Devilanche]

We won’t trade IH this season for sure.

Probably a first for sexton by himself but I have a hard time believing that our front office will add another guard over another big at this trade deadline though I somewhat understand his skillset is what we are lacking at the moment .

[Devilanche]

Would OKC do something like Hartenstein, Philly pick, LA clippers pick, Utah pick back (this is of low concern to me ever conveying because we are for sure tanking next year), one other first round pick, or maybe two draft swap rights instead of the third pick.

Isn’t that 4 first ?
Philly first
Lac first
Utah own first (albeit not really a first)
One other first ?

[Clav]

Utah fan coming in peace with just a thought.

Let’s say OKC wants to assure a championship this year and get aggressive instead of standing pat. What would OKC offer to get Kessler and Sexton? I am thinking Utah would ask for 3 first round draft picks and other assets. Whats the best offer you think OKC would make?

Would OKC do something like Hartenstein, Philly pick, LA clippers pick, Utah pick back (this is of low concern to me ever conveying because we are for sure tanking next year), one other first round pick, or maybe two draft swap rights instead of the third pick.

The Jazz aren’t shopping Kessler, but I am just kind of curious if they did what OKC would offer. You have a ton of picks/assets so this could help Utah tank/rebuild and getting Kessler and Sexton I don’t see how you guys aren’t winning a chip or two the next three years. Yeah, salary might become a problem when it’s time to pay Kessler and Chet is back healthy, but again…I don’t see OKC not winning if they made this move. Kessler is the best offensive rebounder in the league, has the highest field goal percentage, and is a good defender with like the third highest blocks per game. It would make you guys even better which is hard to fathom considering you have one of the greatest teams ever assembled right now.

In the trade machine Svi has to be included to make the trade work so he would also be included.

Again, just curious. If Utah did this we for sure would be trading Lauri in the offseason as well and really just tanking to the fullest extent the next 4-5 years. Which in my mind is the way to do it. Utah could hopefully be where you guys are now come 2029-2030 if they can nab 3 elite guys the next 4 or so drafts.

Just curious what you guys think. Have a good one and wish you the best this season. I’ll be rooting for my fellow small market team come playoff time. Be great for the league to see OKC win a chip.

I like Kessler, and Sexton has improved, I do think both would be targets for us. Hartenstein though, has an impressive record with OKC and I'm nearly sure that Presti will want to see how this roster operates in the playoffs before trading him.

If those picks are of value to Utah, I can imagine a world where OKC sends Utah its '25 pick back, the Miami '25, and the OKC/LAC/HOU/BKN swap thing (that will be like pick #20) for one lesser protected Utah pick that it has.

There could even be a lesser swap of player assets such as Aaron Wiggins and Dillon Jones for Sexton with those picks attached. Dieng is surely on the table, and Kenrich Williams might be as well, but yeah I'm a bit cool on this trade idea. Thanks for stopping by and see ya around

[Kizz Fastfists]

Let’s say OKC wants to assure a championship this year and get aggressive instead of standing pat. What would OKC offer to get Kessler and Sexton? I am thinking Utah would ask for 3 first round draft picks and other assets. Whats the best offer you think OKC would make?

I'm the person who give up a FRP, and maybe toss in a 2nd or two, for Kessler. I don't see OKC doing it, but I want them to add another legitimate center. I don't see OKC having any interest in Sexton. If OKC decided they wanted another ballhandler and shooter there would be options with smaller contracts that would not cause an issue with the tax line next season. If Sexton were an expiring contract this would be a different conversation. Nothing OKC can do would assure a championship this year given the questions about health with Chet and IH and the unpredictability of things. The last time it looked like OKC was ready to go on a championship run Russ got injured and there is a long list of things that went wrong for the franchise after that, but Russ' injury ended that postseason run in the 2nd round.

[Daddy 801]

Would OKC do something like Hartenstein, Philly pick, LA clippers pick, Utah pick back (this is of low concern to me ever conveying because we are for sure tanking next year), one other first round pick, or maybe two draft swap rights instead of the third pick.

Isn’t that 4 first ?
Philly first
Lac first
Utah own first (albeit not really a first)
One other first ?

In a way 4, in a way not. Just spit balling ideas. I was more thinking if the Jazz had an offer for a combined three first round picks (which we don’t know, but hypothetically) from another team the Jazz might be more inclined to trade with OKC if OKC included their pick back. Maybe it’s two frp’s, their pick back, and two swaps. Again, just spit balling.

[Daddy 801]

Let’s say OKC wants to assure a championship this year and get aggressive instead of standing pat. What would OKC offer to get Kessler and Sexton? I am thinking Utah would ask for 3 first round draft picks and other assets. Whats the best offer you think OKC would make?

I'm the person who give up a FRP, and maybe toss in a 2nd or two, for Kessler. I don't see OKC doing it, but I want them to add another legitimate center. I don't see OKC having any interest in Sexton. If OKC decided they wanted another ballhandler and shooter there would be options with smaller contracts that would not cause an issue with the tax line next season. If Sexton were an expiring contract this would be a different conversation. Nothing OKC can do would assure a championship this year given the questions about health with Chet and IH and the unpredictability of things. The last time it looked like OKC was ready to go on a championship run Russ got injured and there is a long list of things that went wrong for the franchise after that, but Russ' injury ended that postseason run in the 2nd round.

To me the questions about health is exactly why OKC would be looking to do this move. Yes, no championship is guaranteed. But OKC has been brilliant this season even after Chet went down. I could see a scenario where OKC wants to improve the odds by having Kessler/Sexton this year for your finals run. And if it doesn’t work out they can always shop Kessler and Sexton come draft time or the offseason. I realize keeping Kessler and Sexton would cause financial issues down the road, but it would give OKC a much greater chance winning it all this season.

I agree OKC management is unlikely to do a trade like this, but I do personally think it would be a move that could be the difference between a championship and or losing to Dallas, Denver, Boston, or Cavs come playoff time.

Again, I’m just thinking out loud. Never really considered OKC a trade target until today when it dawned on me we might actually be perfect trade partners IF Utah does decide to trade Kessler. OKC seems like one of the few teams who might be willing to pay what the Jazz are looking for. And combining Kessler and Sexton make the price of 3 picks or whatever the Jazz would want make sense because it helps solidify a very plausible championship run and you guys have a lot of assets so it could make sense.

[lethalizer]

Let’s say OKC wants to assure a championship this year and get aggressive instead of standing pat. What would OKC offer to get Kessler and Sexton? I am thinking Utah would ask for 3 first round draft picks and other assets. Whats the best offer you think OKC would make?

I'm the person who give up a FRP, and maybe toss in a 2nd or two, for Kessler. I don't see OKC doing it, but I want them to add another legitimate center. I don't see OKC having any interest in Sexton. If OKC decided they wanted another ballhandler and shooter there would be options with smaller contracts that would not cause an issue with the tax line next season. If Sexton were an expiring contract this would be a different conversation. Nothing OKC can do would assure a championship this year given the questions about health with Chet and IH and the unpredictability of things. The last time it looked like OKC was ready to go on a championship run Russ got injured and there is a long list of things that went wrong for the franchise after that, but Russ' injury ended that postseason run in the 2nd round.

To me the questions about health is exactly why OKC would be looking to do this move. Yes, no championship is guaranteed. But OKC has been brilliant this season even after Chet went down. I could see a scenario where OKC wants to improve the odds by having Kessler/Sexton this year for your finals run. And if it doesn’t work out they can always shop Kessler and Sexton come draft time or the offseason. I realize keeping Kessler and Sexton would cause financial issues down the road, but it would give OKC a much greater chance winning it all this season.

I agree OKC management is unlikely to do a trade like this, but I do personally think it would be a move that could be the difference between a championship and or losing to Dallas, Denver, Boston, or Cavs come playoff time.

Again, I’m just thinking out loud. Never really considered OKC a trade target until today when it dawned on me we might actually be perfect trade partners IF Utah does decide to trade Kessler. OKC seems like one of the few teams who might be willing to pay what the Jazz are looking for. And combining Kessler and Sexton make the price of 3 picks or whatever the Jazz would want make sense because it helps solidify a very plausible championship run and you guys have a lot of assets so it could make sense.

I mean even if OKC was looking to make a trade, and I'm 99% sure Presti won't do anything, aiming for Kessler makes absolutely zero sense.

If Chet comes back healthy and I think he will return around March or so, Kessler would become the 3rd string Center, which would be absolutely useless and frankly, insulting to a player of his calibre.

OKC is 23-2 with Chet out and Hartenstein healthy. They don't need a big at this point, they need to make sure they have their two big men healthy for the playoffs.

As for Sexton, he at least makes more sense with Ajay likely not returning back this season and I assume he would accept being a backup pg for a contender, but he does make 18.35 mil this season so idk how the cap math would work on him.

People speculate on moving Joe and Wiggins, but Presti loves his cap controlled cheap contributors and probably had the 2027+ table in mind when he signed them to those deals, so I doubt they'll be moved.

This is also the main reason I think OKC won't do anything this deadline. Roster doesn't have "trash salaries" according to the management. Only likely exception to that is Dieng, and that's it.

[Daddy 801]

I'm the person who give up a FRP, and maybe toss in a 2nd or two, for Kessler. I don't see OKC doing it, but I want them to add another legitimate center. I don't see OKC having any interest in Sexton. If OKC decided they wanted another ballhandler and shooter there would be options with smaller contracts that would not cause an issue with the tax line next season. If Sexton were an expiring contract this would be a different conversation. Nothing OKC can do would assure a championship this year given the questions about health with Chet and IH and the unpredictability of things. The last time it looked like OKC was ready to go on a championship run Russ got injured and there is a long list of things that went wrong for the franchise after that, but Russ' injury ended that postseason run in the 2nd round.

To me the questions about health is exactly why OKC would be looking to do this move. Yes, no championship is guaranteed. But OKC has been brilliant this season even after Chet went down. I could see a scenario where OKC wants to improve the odds by having Kessler/Sexton this year for your finals run. And if it doesn’t work out they can always shop Kessler and Sexton come draft time or the offseason. I realize keeping Kessler and Sexton would cause financial issues down the road, but it would give OKC a much greater chance winning it all this season.

I agree OKC management is unlikely to do a trade like this, but I do personally think it would be a move that could be the difference between a championship and or losing to Dallas, Denver, Boston, or Cavs come playoff time.

Again, I’m just thinking out loud. Never really considered OKC a trade target until today when it dawned on me we might actually be perfect trade partners IF Utah does decide to trade Kessler. OKC seems like one of the few teams who might be willing to pay what the Jazz are looking for. And combining Kessler and Sexton make the price of 3 picks or whatever the Jazz would want make sense because it helps solidify a very plausible championship run and you guys have a lot of assets so it could make sense.

I mean even if OKC was looking to make a trade, and I'm 99% sure Presti won't do anything, aiming for Kessler makes absolutely zero sense.

If Chet comes back healthy and I think he will return around March or so, Kessler would become the 3rd string Center, which would be absolutely useless and frankly, insulting to a player of his calibre.

OKC is 23-2 with Chet out and Hartenstein healthy. They don't need a big at this point, they need to make sure they have their two big men healthy for the playoffs.

As for Sexton, he at least makes more sense with Ajay likely not returning back this season and I assume he would accept being a backup pg for a contender, but he does make 18.35 mil this season so idk how the cap math would work on him.

People speculate on moving Joe and Wiggins, but Presti loves his cap controlled cheap contributors and probably had the 2027+ table in mind when he signed them to those deals, so I doubt they'll be moved.

This is also the main reason I think OKC won't do anything this deadline. Roster doesn't have "trash salaries" according to the management. Only likely exception to that is Dieng, and that's it.

I figured this might be the case. I also wasn’t up to date on Chet’s return timeline. So yeah, it’s very unlikely. Like I said…just spit ballin ideas. That’s what GM’s are suppose to do. Have an idea and explore the idea.

I need to watch more OKC games. I know Chet is brilliant, I wasn’t aware Hartenstein was that good. Hard for me to believe he would start over Kessler. But I’m ignorant to Hartensteins play so what do I know. Hard for me to think the best offensive rebounder, the best field goal percentage player, and the third (or whatever he is today) shot blocker wouldn’t start over Hartenstein….but again…I am ignorant to Hartensteins game.

Thanks fellas. Sounds like my rough idea is a pass. Maybe a small deal for Sexton can be made? Probably taking the protections off next year and a second or two would do it. Doubt Utah does it for less because they have already signaled they are tanking next season. But I also see why you guys might pass on that.

Good luck on your run this year. I think it’s you and Boston come finals time.

[lethalizer]

I need to watch more OKC games. I know Chet is brilliant, I wasn’t aware Hartenstein was that good. Hard for me to believe he would start over Kessler. But I’m ignorant to Hartensteins play so what do I know. Hard for me to think the best offensive rebounder, the best field goal percentage player, and the third (or whatever he is today) shot blocker wouldn’t start over Hartenstein….but again…I am ignorant to Hartensteins game.

Re: This part specifically.

Hartenstein is one of the best screeners in the entire league and also one of the best passing big men in the league, which does wonders for our offense. In a world where iHart didn't exist, I'd surely want Kessler on my team, but Kessler just doesn't provide things Hart does on offense.

So yeah, I don't think Kessler would start over him, you also have to consider that Hartenstein is getting paid 30 million this year and the biggest OKC offseason signing, ever.

Chet being the unicorn that he is, may move Hartenstein to the bench when he comes back, and even that is iffy as they may start together at times.

Good looking out though, I like what the Jazz are trying to piece together even though I think they should have started the tanking process a bit sooner(last year would have been a better start). Good luck in the next few seasons.

[Daddy 801]

I need to watch more OKC games. I know Chet is brilliant, I wasn’t aware Hartenstein was that good. Hard for me to believe he would start over Kessler. But I’m ignorant to Hartensteins play so what do I know. Hard for me to think the best offensive rebounder, the best field goal percentage player, and the third (or whatever he is today) shot blocker wouldn’t start over Hartenstein….but again…I am ignorant to Hartensteins game.

Re: This part specifically.

Hartenstein is one of the best screeners in the entire league and also one of the best passing men in the big league, which does wonders for our offense. In a world where iHart didn't exist, I'd surely want Kessler on my team, but Kessler just doesn't provide things Hart does on offense.

So yeah, I don't think Kessler would start over him, you also have to consider that Hartenstein is getting paid 30 million this year and the biggest OKC offseason signing, ever.

Chet being the unicorn that he is, may move Hartenstein to the bench when he comes back, and even that is iffy as they may start together at times.

Good looking out though, I like what the Jazz are trying to piece together even though I think they should have started the tanking process a bit sooner(last year would have been a better start). Good luck in the next few seasons.

You hit my one nerve with Ainge. The second we traded Rudy and Donovan we should have tanked hard. He thought he could treat Utah like Boston and just get free agents. We wasted years not tanking. And the thought that we could have been tanking for Wemby and didn’t just boils my blood.

Small markets are not large markets. The process is different and OKC has shown the way. Hopefully Ainge gets that now and proceeds with the tank as long as necessary. If it’s two years or five years I don’t care. Just commit and do it right.

I’ll definitely have to watch a few OKC games soon to see Hartenstein more. The way you describe him it reminds me of Gobert (screen setting) which is extremely valuable and people who don’t watch regularly don’t know the true value of that, and his passing it sounds like maybe a poor man Joker? If that’s who he is I can see why you value him so much. Peace.

[Kizz Fastfists]

People speculate on moving Joe and Wiggins, but Presti loves his cap controlled cheap contributors and probably had the 2027+ table in mind when he signed them to those deals, so I doubt they'll be moved.

This is also the main reason I think OKC won't do anything this deadline. Roster doesn't have "trash salaries" according to the management. Only likely exception to that is Dieng, and that's it.

I think Kenrich and Dieng are the salaries that could be moved. You could throw Dillon Jones in there as another potential salary. That is $13.7 in salary. That means they could add one solid player if there is someone available that Presti believes provides something of value either as depth, i.e. Olynyk, or another ball handler. They also can absorb a salary into the space they didn't use on the room MLE, $8M. So they have options. Looking over the teams that are currently not in position for a play-in game there a few players that could be interesting.

Jose Alvarado, NO, has solid ball handling skills and is a solid 3pt shooter with a $2M salary and $4.5M the next two seasons.
Duop Reath, POR, is a solid big man that can rebound and shoot the 3 with a $2M salary this year and $2.2M next year.
CP3, SA, a return to OKC, where his career started, for a playoff run could be interesting and he has a $10.5M salary that is expiring.
Buddy Hield, GS, he can shoot and can be part of a high scoring offense, but while he only makes $8.8M this season he has two more years on his contract.
Tre Mann, CHA, a return to OKC which I would assume is unlikely, but he fits the need as a ball handler that can shoot and his $4.9M salary is an expiring contract
Kelly Olynyk, TOR, a big man that can rebound and stretch the floor and making $12.8M this year and is under contract for next year solidifying the big man depth for next year as well.
Larry Nance Jr, ATL, he can give you some rebounding and shooting as a semi-big, 6'8, and is an expiring $11.2M contract. Atlanta is currently a the play-in spot, but I could see them selling as they might not hold on to that spot and even if they do they are not making any noise in the playoffs.

That isn't a list of guys that you bring in to really make a difference, for the most part, but OKC just needs players to potentially fill in a few minutes, assuming everyone gets healthy, and would be matchup specific. Just to throw a scenario out there. Kenrich, Dieng and OKC's least favorable 2026 FRP for CP3. OKC's least favorable 2025 FRP for Reath, absorbing him into the room MLE space. That takes care of the perceived holes in the roster AND cuts salary for 2026. It also allows them to give AJay, who should return in March, a NBA contract which prevents him from becoming a restricted FA after the season if they want to ensure they keep him for the next few years. CP3 as a veteran PG who played his rookie season in OKC and then came back to help SGA develop and returning to win a championship in what could be his final season would make a great story. Keep in mind that as of right now OKC is currently looking at the 8th, 17th and 21st picks in the 2025 draft.

If you add Duop as your 4th big man to go with Chet, IH and Jaylin you have cheap depth with Jaylin and Duop to go with your studs Chet and IH. CP3 is an expiring and you already have Topic as your, theoretical, backup PG next year. Topic is doing shooting drills and other basketball activity rehabbing from his ACL surgery. The Thunder ruled him out for this year months ago, but his progression could make them re-evaluate. If we assume Presti will be conservative with him then Topic will not play in NBA action until Summer League.

[lethalizer]

People speculate on moving Joe and Wiggins, but Presti loves his cap controlled cheap contributors and probably had the 2027+ table in mind when he signed them to those deals, so I doubt they'll be moved.

This is also the main reason I think OKC won't do anything this deadline. Roster doesn't have "trash salaries" according to the management. Only likely exception to that is Dieng, and that's it.

I think Kenrich and Dieng are the salaries that could be moved. You could throw Dillon Jones in there as another potential salary. That is $13.7 in salary. That means they could add one solid player if there is someone available that Presti believes provides something of value either as depth, i.e. Olynyk, or another ball handler. They also can absorb a salary into the space they didn't use on the room MLE, $8M. So they have options. Looking over the teams that are currently not in position for a play-in game there a few players that could be interesting.

Jose Alvarado, NO, has solid ball handling skills and is a solid 3pt shooter with a $2M salary and $4.5M the next two seasons.
Duop Reath, POR, is a solid big man that can rebound and shoot the 3 with a $2M salary this year and $2.2M next year.
CP3, SA, a return to OKC, where his career started, for a playoff run could be interesting and he has a $10.5M salary that is expiring.
Buddy Hield, GS, he can shoot and can be part of a high scoring offense, but while he only makes $8.8M this season he has two more years on his contract.
Tre Mann, CHA, a return to OKC which I would assume is unlikely, but he fits the need as a ball handler that can shoot and his $4.9M salary is an expiring contract
Kelly Olynyk, TOR, a big man that can rebound and stretch the floor and making $12.8M this year and is under contract for next year solidifying the big man depth for next year as well.
Larry Nance Jr, ATL, he can give you some rebounding and shooting as a semi-big, 6'8, and is an expiring $11.2M contract. Atlanta is currently a the play-in spot, but I could see them selling as they might not hold on to that spot and even if they do they are not making any noise in the playoffs.

That isn't a list of guys that you bring in to really make a difference, for the most part, but OKC just needs players to potentially fill in a few minutes, assuming everyone gets healthy, and would be matchup specific. Just to throw a scenario out there. Kenrich, Dieng and OKC's least favorable 2026 FRP for CP3. OKC's least favorable 2025 FRP for Reath, absorbing him into the room MLE space. That takes care of the perceived holes in the roster AND cuts salary for 2026. It also allows them to give AJay, who should return in March, a NBA contract which prevents him from becoming a restricted FA after the season if they want to ensure they keep him for the next few years. CP3 as a veteran PG who played his rookie season in OKC and then came back to help SGA develop and returning to win a championship in what could be his final season would make a great story. Keep in mind that as of right now OKC is currently looking at the 8th, 17th and 21st picks in the 2025 draft.

If you add Duop as your 4th big man to go with Chet, IH and Jaylin you have cheap depth with Jaylin and Duop to go with your studs Chet and IH. CP3 is an expiring and you already have Topic as your, theoretical, backup PG next year. Topic is doing shooting drills and other basketball activity rehabbing from his ACL surgery. The Thunder ruled him out for this year months ago, but his progression could make them re-evaluate. If we assume Presti will be conservative with him then Topic will not play in NBA action until Summer League.

Good post. Small tidbits here and there, bear with me here:

Tre Mann is heavily injured at the moment, so I'd rule him out immediately.

I doubt Alvarado is moved by the Pels, he's also a pesky defender for his size but he'd be hunted a lot during a playoff series by any team so, pass from me.

Buddy Hield? Say it ain't so lol, that would be a hilarious addition to a historic defensive team.

Of all the people you listed, I'm only intrigued by Chris Paul actually. I'd be willing to give up a future first for him no doubt. I'd still keep Kenrich and send Jones instead though, the spotrac trade machine says Dieng+Jones for CP3 is a doable trade, hard caps us at the 1st apron for the rest of the season but I don't really mind it.

[Devilanche]

Larry nance might be more available now with Jalen Johnson being out .

[Kizz Fastfists]

Of all the people you listed, I'm only intrigued by Chris Paul actually. I'd be willing to give up a future first for him no doubt. I'd still keep Kenrich and send Jones instead though, the spotrac trade machine says Dieng+Jones for CP3 is a doable trade, hard caps us at the 1st apron for the rest of the season but I don't really mind it.

They became hard capped at the 1st apron with the Giddey for Caruso trade. I consider them hard capped at the tax line, which gives them $10M to work with. They are $16.7M under the 1st apron.

[Bremzi]

Dieng + a possible filler with an accepted pick combo for Robert Williams. He is signed aswell for next year at 13 millish. OKC can play Chet at the 4 and there's injury protection for IH. RWilliams is solid on defense and has a knack for alley-oops and passing.

His contract also runs out similarly with IH. Team can chose to either pick up IH's option or structure a longer term deal with either or both of them in the 26' offseason.

Personally I'd add a filler like Kenrich to shed salary and due to needed roster spaces for firstrounders in 2025. I could see Presti giving Kenrich a chance this year still to get the ring, since he is basically the oldest one who also signed on a teamfriendly deal at the time.

[Clav]

Is Luka really traded for AD, what in the world....

[Devilanche]

Is Luka really traded for AD, what in the world....

Yes .

For a heavily discounted price . This is like broke down Luka price.