NBA Writer Pitches Two OKC Thunder Trade Ideas
Two months into the NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder sit in the top three of the Western Conference.
Despite the team's success so far in 2023, observers around the league are still uncertain that OKC will be able to win in the playoffs due to their youth and inexperience.
Since the offseason, national media members have been looking for the Thunder to make a trade due to their wealth of draft picks and a roster filled with promising young players. Now that Oklahoma City is firmly in the mix for a playoff spot, many of the same media members are suggesting that the Thunder go "all in" and make an addition via trade.
Recently, Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer suggested two players that Sam Presti and company should target in a trade.
One of the additions that O'Connor suggested was Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. After making his first All-Star Game last season, Markkanen and OKC have been linked in trade talks multiple times this year.
Currently 12-18, the Jazz are reportedly taking calls regarding a number of their veteran players, including Markkanen. In 20 games this season, the 7-footer is averaging 23.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and one steal per game.
Markkanen would add another versatile big man to the Thunder's rotation as the 26-year-old is a solid shooter, hitting 38.2% of his shots from beyond the arc this season. Additionally, Markkanen would help solve some of OKC's rebounding struggles at 240 pounds.
The other player that O'Connor suggested Oklahoma City target in a potential trade was Wendell Carter Jr. of the Orlando Magic.
At 24-years-old, Carter Jr. is 6-foot-10 and 270 pounds with a whopping 7-foot-5 wingspan.
The former 5-star recruit has only played eight games so far this year, averaging 7.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. During the 2021-22 season, however, Carter Jr. put up 15 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.
Adding Markkanen or Carter Jr. would certainly change OKC's team dynamic, but would also add more talent to what is already a very deep roster.
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