NBA Trades: Why the Hottest Team in the West Shouldn't Make a Move
While the Oklahoma City Thunder had high expectations entering this season despite being the second youngest team in the NBA, few thought that they would start as well as they have to this point. Almost a month into the season, Oklahoma City is the first team in the Western Conference to win 10 games.
With a record of 10-4, there's a case to be made the the Thunder have been the top team in the West to this point based on record. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this team has now won five-straight games.
Other places around the league, teams are already evaluating the trade market, whether it's as a buyer or seller.
With that in mind, Oklahoma City should not look to make any big trades in the near future. While the Thunder have the assets to make nearly any trade work, it's much too early. Especially with how well this team is playing and the organic nature in which the young roster was built, maintaining that should be a priority. Patience has paid off throughout the rebuild, so there's no need to shy away from that now.
Perhaps at the trade deadline this team will have a larger sample size of being a top team and be better positioned to make a big trade, but the reality is that it still may be too early. If OKC is that good in February, why make a change?
If the Thunder are going to make an all-in trade, it should likely wait until the offseason. For now, it's all about building roster chemistry and developing young talent while being competitive.
Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
