NBA 2019-20: 3 Ways in which OKC Thunder can shape their roster heading into the next season

Oklahoma City Thunder traded away Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers which sent shockwaves in the NBA world. The Clippers managed to pair up Paul George and Kawhi Leonard together and have become instant favorites for the championship next season.

The Thunder had lost in the first round of the playoffs on three consecutive occasions since Kevin Durant left. Paul George was an MVP and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate last season. The departure of George has left a gaping hole in the Thunder lineup.

The Thunder are now at crossroads with their roster. They have a mega superstar in Russell Westbrook, some good role players in Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams and a plethora of first round picks that they received from the Paul George trade. They can either try to improve their roster by trading for a superstar or they can start a new era by going for the rebuild.

Here are the 3 ways in which OKC Thunder can shape their roster heading into the next season:

#3 Trade for Kevin Love

Kevin Love can be a great addition to the Thunder

Since LeBron James left Cleveland for Los Angeles at the start of last season, Kevin Love has become an isolated talent. Love is an All-Star caliber player and the Cavs are clearly looking for a rebuild.

The Cavs will be open to offers for Kevin Love and the Thunder should look to pounce on the opportunity. They have too many first-round picks at their disposal to make the deal work. They can also add Steven Adams to make the salaries work.

The combination of Love and Russ will be great to watch. Russ can drive to the rim like no one else is capable of and the shooting capabilities of Love will also provide great floor spacing.

#2 Trade away Russell Westbrook and start the rebuild

Russell Westbrook has averaged a triple-double for three consecutive seasons

The Thunder can start their rebuild process by trading away Russell Westbrook. It is quite evident that unless Thunder trade for a superstar player, they won't be competitive next season. Russell Westbrook has already handed in a trade request.

The Thunder received loads of first-round picks for Paul George and they will also receive future picks and some good young players by trading away Russell Westbrook. They can look to revamp the roster and build around these young players.

One of the pros of trading Westbrook would be his massive contract. He will be paid 47M$ in the 2022-23 season at the age of 33. The Thunder can get rid of his contract and save themselves from the luxury tax. But OKC fans just adore Westbrook and his trade might see a decline in the ticket sales.

#1 Trade for Bradley Beal

Golden State Warriors v Washington Wizards

Bradley Beal is a perennial All-Star and was brilliant for the lowly Wizards last season. He is a terrific scorer and can be a great complimentary piece for the Thunder if they are looking to contend.

Beal is only 26 right now and has many years still left in his prime. The Thunder can form a great core of Russ, Beal, and Gallinari. Both Beal and Gallinari are great three-point shooters and will complement the style of Russell Westbrook.

Beal averaged a career-high 25.6 PPG last season and almost single-handedly took the Wizards to the playoffs. He will fit in seamlessly in the place of Paul George.

The Thunder can take either of the two routes here. They can look to rebuild by trading away their superstar, Westbrook or they can add All-Stars to pair up with Russ and remain in championship contention.