OKC Thunder Could Help to Facilitate Blockbuster Lillard, Harden Trades

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been no stranger to a variety of transactions over the past few seasons.

Be it trades, signings or more, the organization has involved itself in plenty in order to further bolster its roster or pick cache.

Some of these have come by way of three or even four-team trades. Typically ones that don’t net the team a high-profile player, but rather smaller assets or trade pieces just for helping to get the deal done money-wise or from a roster spots perspective.

Writer Mark Medina recently said that OKC could very well be in the mix to help facilitate deals including James Harden and Damian Lillard, both of whom could be on the move soon enough.

“I would also pay attention to Oklahoma City [Thunder],” Medina said. “Not necessarily with Joel Embiid but just all the major dominoes that are waiting to fall with [James] Harden and Damian Lillard.”

“Not to say they're the recipient of those stars, but they could be the bridge that facilitates a trade with other teams because they just have so many attractive assets with young players and draft picks that often help grease the wheels in very tough trade negotiations and discussions.”

Of course, there would need to be decent compensation on Miami or Philadelphia’s end in order for Oklahoma City to get involved. The Thunder currently own a protected Miami Heat first rounder, one that could have protections lifted should Miami need to trade other picks in order to nab Lillard.

Oklahoma City could also help facilitate Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers, although that may or may not be in their best interests owning plenty of LA draft capital.

Regardless, there’s no question general manager Sam Presti and the Thunder organization are exploring all possible avenues to continue stockpiling assets and maximize their current and future roster.

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