2017 OKC Thunder Trade Discussion

[Pillendreher]

if we offer Adams, Oladipo, Sabonis, Abrines and our draft pick this year for Paul George, that might be enough to get Indiana to call us back...and laugh in our face.

Please stop exaggerating. That would be a great package. Stars never get back equal return, they just don't.

[ThunderBolt]

if we offer Adams, Oladipo, Sabonis, Abrines and our draft pick this year for Paul George, that might be enough to get Indiana to call us back...and laugh in our face.

Please stop exaggerating. That would be a great package. Stars never get back equal return, they just don't.

Our young guys are ok but just wouldnt move the needle. A team that's rebuilding Would rather have a top ten back from last year, one this year and next.

[Pillendreher]

if we offer Adams, Oladipo, Sabonis, Abrines and our draft pick this year for Paul George, that might be enough to get Indiana to call us back...and laugh in our face.

Please stop exaggerating. That would be a great package. Stars never get back equal return, they just don't.

Our young guys are ok but just wouldnt move the needle. A team that's rebuilding Would rather have a top ten back from last year, one this year and next.

Of course they would, but that barely ever happens.

The Jazz got Favors, two 1st rounders and Harris for Williams. The Nuggets got two 1st rounders, Chandler, Mozgov, Gallo and Felton. If Indiana laughs at that package, they're insane. What do you think happens once George actually does decide he doesn't want to be back? He has one year left and you have no guarantee he'll resign. Nobody is gonna throw away their whole future for one year of George. Williams and Anthony had multiple years left on their contracts, mind you.

[slick_watts]

the difference between the jazz package, nuggets package and our package is ours has two guys locked into $150m+. i don't see the rationale for indiana to do it.

[Ontario]

the difference between the jazz package, nuggets package and our package is ours has two guys locked into $150m+. i don't see the rationale for indiana to do it.

I see tremendously little rationale for Indiana to do it either, but if they are in a situation where is move George for what you can or lose him outright GM's are going to low ball them and the Pacers might end up just having to go with the best offer they can get. Not lot of teams are going to offer their franchises crown jewels without Paul giving a commitment to re-sign.

It would be OKC's taking on that risk of losing him outright which would be the most important thing they are offering the Pacers. Easy for me to say that from behind my keyboard b a much more difficult thing for Presti to swallow in real life, he's never been that kind of gambler.

Much more likely the pursuit of Rudy Gay begins again, also a bit of a damaged goods deal this summer which could work in the Thunder's favour.

One thing I will say about Paul George though is I bet he and Westbrook would be on fire together and even if sexier suitors came calling during his free agency it would be hard for him walk away if actual contention was around the corner... it's a fans right to dream big.

[Jkam31]

if we offer Adams, Oladipo, Sabonis, Abrines and our draft pick this year for Paul George, that might be enough to get Indiana to call us back...and laugh in our face.

Please stop exaggerating. That would be a great package. Stars never get back equal return, they just don't.

That offer doesn't even get you a guy like Brad Beal


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[Pillendreher]

the difference between the jazz package, nuggets package and our package is ours has two guys locked into $150m+. i don't see the rationale for indiana to do it.

Yes, that's a good point. Although I would argue that both contracts aren't bad.

if we offer Adams, Oladipo, Sabonis, Abrines and our draft pick this year for Paul George, that might be enough to get Indiana to call us back...and laugh in our face.

Please stop exaggerating. That would be a great package. Stars never get back equal return, they just don't.

That offer doesn't even get you a guy like Brad Beal


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Which is completely beside the point. Beal is locked in for another 4 years whereas George might want out and only has one year left on his current contract. Not the same thing.

[ThunderBolt]

the difference between the jazz package, nuggets package and our package is ours has two guys locked into $150m+. i don't see the rationale for indiana to do it.

Yes, that's a good point. Although I would argue that both contracts aren't bad.

Please stop exaggerating. That would be a great package. Stars never get back equal return, they just don't.

That offer doesn't even get you a guy like Brad Beal


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Which is completely beside the point. Beal is locked in for another 4 years whereas George might want out and only has one year left on his current contract. Not the same thing.

I think teams like Boston will make a better offer because they feel confident in their ability to retain a star. Whereas okc would be more difficult unless him and Russ were BFFs and made it to the WCF. Just my opinion.

[Pillendreher]

the difference between the jazz package, nuggets package and our package is ours has two guys locked into $150m+. i don't see the rationale for indiana to do it.

Yes, that's a good point. Although I would argue that both contracts aren't bad.

That offer doesn't even get you a guy like Brad Beal


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Which is completely beside the point. Beal is locked in for another 4 years whereas George might want out and only has one year left on his current contract. Not the same thing.

I think teams like Boston will make a better offer because they feel confident in their ability to retain a star. Whereas okc would be more difficult unless him and Russ were BFFs and made it to the WCF. Just my opinion.

I don't disagree. All I'm saying is you have to account for the other team's perspective as well. No team will be willing to trade the whole farm for him.

[FNQ]

So I was in the T&T board, minding everyone else's business, and I saw a "help Russ bring in a star" thread. And it looks tough, if not grim.

So I start thinking the opposite direction - OKC essentially saying that they dont see a path to a title with their current superstar and other assets, and look to turn it the other way. With of course, the first move being putting Westbrook on the block. So I started to craft some Westbrook trades.. and man, its just as tough. So I'd like to ask you guys some questions, just to get a feel for what you guys think/expect:

1) How much would the fanbase be open to trading Westbrook, on a scale of 1-10?

2) Would the fanbase be open to taking a very long (2-3 year of picks) style of rebuild, not Hinkie-like, but on the longer end? Or would fans prefer already drafted players and try rebuilding with more 'known' quantities?

3) If Westbrook were to be traded, would you guys be willing to accept bad salary back if it enhanced the quality of the picks/players being offered back?

1) I'd be in the 7-8 range right now, probably closer to 8, simply because of the statistical season that Russ put together. I cant see his trade value being higher than it is in this offseason

2) I would also say yes to a long-rebuild, and I would prefer known quantity young players. Guys like Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Devin Booker, Jamal Murray (etc, etc)

3) I would accept bad salary back too. Think OKC has to re-earn the ability to be a FA draw, and I think the only way to do it is by doing what Presti did initially - making smart and consistent lottery picks that pan out well.

So just other points that I think about in any kind of Russ deal:

- the pick owed to the Jazz is lottery protected through 2020, where it turns into 2nds. So that really puts a crimp in trading picks right now, unless the Thunder were resigned to making all of those picks through a rebuild

- Russ is a superstar no doubt, but a superstar that doesnt fit with some teams. I think he'll return a haul, as a surefire top 10 player like him should, but I'm not sure it will be one of those jaw-dropping hauls. For example, if I was thinking of sending him to LA, would the Thunder get 2 of Ingram, 2017 1st and Russell back for him? Would it require taking on one of their awful contracts? It's hard to gauge

- if Russ is dealt for future considerations and raw players, it would give the opportunity for guys Oladipo and Kanter to get more counting stats and potentially increase their value as well. It almost certainly wouldn't hurt their value.

So, thoughts?

[ThunderBolt]

So I was in the T&T board, minding everyone else's business, and I saw a "help Russ bring in a star" thread. And it looks tough, if not grim.

So, thoughts?

Most fans do not want a complete rebuild. Most want to try and build around Russ similar to how Houston built around Harden. A select few feel this is not possible due to lack of assets and russ' age. Also all signs point to Presti wanting to build around Russ.

Personally I think they should start a rebuild because of their lack of assets and salary cap issues. What I think is most likely to happen is that OKC holds onto the bulk of their players and tries to develope growth internally.

If they were to rebuild I would suggest holding onto Sabonis, Abrines and Adams. Although Adams would bring in some assets if traded, I think it would be wise to continue to develop his game. Most big men take longer to develop. He could still be 3-4 years away from really becoming a dominant big man. It could happen about the same time as the next generation of players start to develop.

That's my philosophy but I'm a strong minority.

[Balkman32]

if we offer Adams, Oladipo, Sabonis, Abrines and our draft pick this year for Paul George, that might be enough to get Indiana to call us back...and laugh in our face.

Please stop exaggerating. That would be a great package. Stars never get back equal return, they just don't.

What did the Thunder get for Harden? 3 firsts, Kevin Martin, and a 2nd.

[jambalaya]

Sign n trade have always been rare but could a sign n trade make everyone happy with Robes? Acquirer gets him but lessens net salary outlay. Thunder get something and the payroll doesn't get as ridiculous and more locked in for a meh plus team. Robes gets paid and maybe by a good team.

[Dn4sty]

Sign n trade have always been rare but could a sign n trade make everyone happy with Robes? Acquirer gets him but lessens net salary outlay. Thunder get something and the payroll doesn't get as ridiculous and more locked in for a meh plus team. Robes gets paid and maybe by a good team.

Roberson to Nuggets for Chandler and picks 49 and 51

[jambalaya]

Is that a win now or win later move for Thunder? Both or neither?

Which of these is it for Nuggets?

Does he start or come off bench? As starter he'd probably take shots & rebounds from Russ. Is management ready to intend to that and actually enforce that? If comes off bench, he can take from PG or PF.

Do you want him mainly at SF or PF or both?

I dob't really love or hate idea. I dunno what Nuggets want. I'm probably prefer something else but it is an option. I'd think Nuggets balk at giving up 2 picks or even one. They still have Chandler because they overvalue him and ask too much for him.

[Dn4sty]

Is that a win now or win later move for Thunder? Both or neither?

Which of these is it for Nuggets?

Does he start or come off bench? As starter he'd probably take shots & rebounds from Russ. Is management ready to intend to that and actually enforce that? If comes off bench, he can take from PG or PF.

Do you want him mainly at SF or PF or both?

I dob't really love or hate idea. I dunno what Nuggets want. I'm probably prefer something else but it is an option. I'd think Nuggets balk at giving up 2 picks or even one. They still have Chandler because they overvalue him and ask too much for him.

I think for OKC Chandler lines up well with Russ timeline.
He also is a veteran presence scorer that I think this team could really use.

I'd start him at SF, but I think he could easily play PF in small lineups. The picks aren't just throw-ins in this draft because of depth. Draft Express has Thornwell and Sumner at picks 49 and 51. Obviously team boards look much different than DX but there is likely going to be some definite value in that range.

For Denver if you start Jokic/Gallinari/Murray you have some MASSIVE defensive issues. Roberson is one of a few players who can help mask it. Further with the amount of shooting that Denver has, you could better hide/compensate for Roberson's lack of offense.

I also wouldn't be opposed to making this trade a bit bigger. It would take a much bigger offer, but I think Mudiay would be a player to take a flyer on if you could get him. Physically he is a lot like Russ. Having the ability to learn from Mo Cheeks and Russ I think could revitalize his game. I think Mudiay's ceiling is a middle class Russ.

I basically just want to find a way to merge a bunch of the Nuggets onto this Thunder team.

[ThunderBolt]

What would it take to get Robert Covington? He ought to be a little easier to acquire than an Otto Porter/Harrison Barnes. He's only 26, which is great. What do we offer? Roberson? Sabonis?

[Andre Roberstan]

What would it take to get Robert Covington? He ought to be a little easier to acquire than an Otto Porter/Harrison Barnes. He's only 26, which is great. What do we offer? Roberson? Sabonis?

Covington's one of the best wing defenders in the league and a very capable 3-point shooter. We can't offer anything Philly would want.

[ThunderBolt]

What would it take to get Robert Covington? He ought to be a little easier to acquire than an Otto Porter/Harrison Barnes. He's only 26, which is great. What do we offer? Roberson? Sabonis?

Covington's one of the best wing defenders in the league and a very capable 3-point shooter. We can't offer anything Philly would want.

You really think he's unattainable? He's a good player but I if we were willing to move some of our better pieces, it's seems reasonable. They obviously need a PG, which we can't offer. Would they have any interest in a shooting guard like Abrines? I would hate to give up Abrines but RoCo's defense probably makes it worth it. If Covington is that good of a player, why not go all in for him?

[Kizz Fastfists]

What would it take to get Robert Covington? He ought to be a little easier to acquire than an Otto Porter/Harrison Barnes. He's only 26, which is great. What do we offer? Roberson? Sabonis?

Covington's one of the best wing defenders in the league and a very capable 3-point shooter. We can't offer anything Philly would want.

They'd include him in a package for Russ.