The Oklahoma City Thunder has made the transition from the Kevin Durant era with a 24-17 start to the 2016-17 season. While that is a fairly good start to the season, the Thunder still own just the seventh-best record in the Western Conference. They have a long way to go to lock up a playoff spot. What’s worse is that Russell Westbrook has played out of his mind and it’s not moving the needle so much for this team. They’ve gone from being one of the legitimate top three or four teams in the NBA – and being one of the teams that could beat Golden State – to being a fringe playoff squad. Worse yet, they’ve lost four of their last seven and appear to be trending in the wrong direction.
Oklahoma City might not be a legitimate championship contender right now but they have a solid core and could really improve their chances with at least one major acquisition before the trade deadline. Here is a look at the best potential trade targets for the Thunder right now.
Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are exploring their options when it comes to potential trade partners for Millsap, who turns 32-years-old in February and has reportedly already decided to opt out of his $21.4 million player option. Millsap is one of the best power forwards in the NBA and while rookie Domantas Sabonis has held his own in Oklahoma City there is no doubt that Millsap would be an upgrade as a starter. Millsap can do it all from scoring in the post to playing big in the paint and thriving as a defender. If the Thunder managed to add him, it would improve their starting five while also upgrading their bench with Sabonis moving to a reserve role. Oklahoma City needs to surround Westbrook with more talent and Millsap would be an excellent option at the power forward spot. The Hawks have said that they have pulled Millsap off the market but that’s probably just a negotiation tactic. He’ll be available for the right price.
Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets
The Thunder should also explore the potential to add a quality scoring wing in Gallinari, who has averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while hitting 37.3-percent of his three-point attempts this season. Gallinari is a solid combo forward that can space the floor and really open up room for the Oklahoma City offense to be a little more versatile. The Thunder need at least one stretch wing that could capitalize off Westbrook’s ability and sink open shots off the dribble so Gallinari could be the perfect option. Gallinari has a history of injuries but he is still just 28-years-old and if the price is right the Nuggets could be willing to part ways with him.
Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies
Gay is another player set to decline his player option and hit free agency next season and according to ESPN.com’s Zach Lowe the Thunder are among the teams that are interested in his services. Gay is a bigger wing that is still capable of shooting from the outside and while his lower points per 100 possessions is an obvious issue it seems as though Oklahoma City believes he could be better in their offense. The Thunder shouldn’t break the bank for Gay but if he is available at a reasonable price it would make sense to take a chance on him at the deadline.
Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets
Chandler isn’t as versatile of a scorer as Gallinari or Gay but he can attack off the dribble, rebound and move the ball well as a versatile small forward. Chandler isn’t the most consistent three-point shooter but he could hit open looks and it’s his all-around ability that might make him an intriguing depth option. Chandler’s defensive ability is one of his biggest strengths as he is strong enough to handle physical power forwards but can also be effective guarding quicker wings. The Thunder have several options they might want to consider before the trade deadline so it will be interesting to see if they are interested in adding a player like Chandler to the mix.
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