NBA 2018-19 Trade Review: Oklahoma City Thunder - Inactivity, financial limitations and more

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the NBA’s hottest team. Currently sitting at the third position of the Western Conference standings. After a disappointing first half of the season, the team has worked hard to get back on track and possibly challenge for the NBA title.

All the trade rumours and speculation were put to an end when the trade deadline had elapsed last week, with 14 of the league's 20 deals happening on the final day. On that note, here we take a look at how the Thunder fared during this year's trade window:

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#1 Thunder's inactivity

Westbrook is Oklahoma City's leader

Last July, OKC Thunder re-signed Paul George on a four-year contract worth $137 million and moved out Carmelo Anthony. That huge sum now looks like a bargain for the team as Paul has become the front runner for the MVP Award and has linked up well with Russell Westbrook, averaging 28.7 points per game.

A lot of fans thought the Thunder would be active at the trade deadline this year, but this wasn't the case. No trades were made by the team. Although the team has fared well and have a strong squad, many were hoping that they would sign a solid wing player or a player who could add more three-pointers as they are just okay from beyond the arc.

Even without adding any new player, they are still considered as one of the favourites for the NBA title, due to the recent incredible performances of the team and the phenomenal chemistry between Westbrook and George. Steven Adams has also developed a solid offence in the post, apart from his elite rebounding skills.

#2 Players they couldn't sign

Wesley Matthews is a solid shooter

With only a few days remaining, Thunder looked to sign a wing player or a player who could shoot three-pointers, as they aren't an elite team in three-point percentage.

OKC haven’t been afraid to be aggressive in the trade market, as seen in their past transactions of players like George, Victor Oladipo and Carmelo. But this time they are in a very tight spot financially, having one of the highest payrolls in the NBA. (North of $145 million)

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Thunder were interested in Knicks guard Wesley Matthews. He stated, "The Knicks are exploring the trade market for Matthews before the deadline, league sources say, but there are also several antsy suitors hoping Matthews makes it to the buyout market. Among them: Houston, Oklahoma City, Toronto, Philadelphia and, yes, Golden State". But the deal didn't come to fruition and Matthews opted to sign for the Indiana Pacers.

Wayne Ellington was also linked with Thunder. Reportedly, he wanted to be released from his Suns contract and many teams were interested in signing him, OKC were one of them. But due to the limited cap, the Thunder did not make a move for him. Ellington was traded to the Detroit Pistons.

#3 Players they should have signed

Many teams were interested in Reggie Bullock

Recently, OKC traded Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot to Chicago, this move saved them a lot of cash but opened up another spot on the roster. Their GM Sam Presti waited until after the deadline and now it looks like they'll sign a player bought out by another team, as he did last year with the addition of Corey Brewer. If it wasn't for the financial limitations, the following players were a good option for OKC.

The Thunder should've gone for a young shooter like Tomas Satoransky. Playing for the Washington Wizards, he averages 8 PPG, 43 percent 3-PT FG, 78.9 percent FT.

Reggie Bullock was also a good choice for Oklahoma City as he is only 27 years of age and is a good shooter. He averages 12.0 PPG, 38 percent 3-PT FG, 87.5 percent FT. Bullock was traded to the Lakers in exchange for Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and a future second-round draft pick.

A backup to Adams would've also been beneficial for depth. The Thunder are already in a strong position, but additional shooting could help make the team better and lead them to the Finals.