NBA Insider Hints Damian Lillard Possibility in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has a collection of draft picks that would tempt any NBA team. It makes sense that the Thunder constantly get thrown into trade talk.
With the Damian Lillard saga continuing, many have listed the Thunder as a dark horse if talks drag on throughout the season. It's no secret that Lillard's preferred destination is Miami, but it seems like the Heat have tried every potential trade package.
On The Crossover NBA Podcast, Chris Mannix was optimistic about Oklahoma City's chances if the Thunder have momentum near the trade deadline.
“Trust me, I wrote this last week," Mannix said. "I believe I’m going to call this an educated opinion. That if Dame is still on that Blazers roster in January. And if OKC is overachieving. If they’re playing really well, don’t be surprised if they go out and make a run at Lillard."
From a roster standpoint, it doesn't necessarily make sense for the Thunder to target a player like Lillard. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey are both primary ball-handlers and Jalen Williams did a lot of good things with the ball in his hands a season ago.
The Thunder also drafted Cason Wallace, a smaller guard out of Kentucky, and signed Vasijile Micic this offseason. It's a guard-heavy roster, and Oklahoma City has been heavy on the development process in years past.
However, if the team can somehow hang onto core players and only give up a treasure chest of draft picks in a Lillard package, it's certainly a no-brainer. Lillard is one of the best players in the NBA and would give the Thunder two MVP-caliber players in the backcourt.
The only problem is the Thunder might not be ready to go all in quite yet. The team is full of promise, but putting championship expectations on a young, growing squad could be a bit costly.
It's doubtful, but not impossible.
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