The Thunder possess the most dynamic 1-2 punch in the league in All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Both players have stayed healthy this season and, not surprisingly, put up big numbers. Durant is averaging 27.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists while Westbrook, the All-Star Game MVP, has been a triple-double machine while averaging 24.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 10.0 assists.
Oklahoma City collected 40 wins before the break and have a realistic shot at 60 before the playoffs. With Durant and Westbrook leading the way, the Thunder would seem a like a major title contender in almost any season.
Instead, the amazing consistency of the Warriors and Spurs has relegated the Thunder to an afterthought. A Western Conference finals matchup between those powerhouses seems almost inevitable, given that both clubs have been invincible at home and show no signs of letting up.
Is there anything Oklahoma City can do to change that perception? Perhaps adding another starting piece by this week’s trade deadline could make people think twice about the Thunder’s chances of upsetting the Spurs and Warriors and reaching the NBA Finals.
Seemingly, the Thunder have enough “bigs” to compete with the other top echelon teams with Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams, Enes Kanter and Nick Collison giving them impressive depth at power forward and center.
Oklahoma City could use an upgrade at the wings. The shooting guard spot has been an issue for the Thunder, with Dion Waiters seeing the most action at the position. They could also seek a starter-quality small forward and go smaller with Durant playing more minutes at power forward. That would help them match up better with the Warriors, who use Draymond Green at power forward and even center at times while “downsizing” their units.
This leads us to our question of the day: What player should the Thunder target in trade talks this week?
Please take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.
I think the Thunder should stand pat at the deadline a try to get involved in the post-deadline Joe Johnson buyout sweepstakes. If Joe wants to have an impact somewhere, he couldn’t do much better than OKC.
I wish the Thunder would look into acquiring Jeff Green again. I would love to see a small ball line-up of: PG-Westbrook, SG- (Anybody honestly), SF- Durant, PF-Green, C-Ibaka. I know it’s a long shot because of his salary but it would be nothing but positive for Thunder. Jeff could also help in the process of convincing Durant to stay. It’s just an idea though
Trevor Ariza and Courtney Lee would be good additions too
Any of those players would provide a wing upgrade, Apollo. I especially feel Ariza would be an intriguing addition who would help them at both ends of the floor.
they’re starters can outplay the warriors its they bench that get dominated, especially bench wing players and athleticism.
Jeff Green would be great and a Ben McLemore or Courtney Lee.
miss well go for it this year, just upgrade that bench
Our wing depth is awful but what would a trade for Green, Ariza, or Lee look like? I wish Dion would live up to his expectations, but I still wish we got Iman in that 3 team trade with the Knicks and Cavs
they could trade payne and mcgary.
not sure if they have picks they can trade
Thunder traded Jackson at last season’s deadline, so they’re not afraid to make a deal if they deem it necessary. That one, though, didn’t work too well. Augustin/Singler have not helped them much.
yeah not great waiters, augustin, singler all fails.
package payne and mcgary should get them a good rotation player
Thunder should trade Andre Robinson for Tim Hardaway Jr
Any interest in a wing shooter like Mike Dunleavy?
Dunleavy has only played 3 games this season because of a back injury, I doubt they’d look at him as a difference maker.
Package McGary And Augustin and try to get Jeff green Trevor Ariza or Courtney lee.