NBA Rumors: 3 Bold predictions for Oklahoma City Thunder's 2021 offseason

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder won't draft James Bouknight

James Bouknight

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been largely linked to James Bouknight as their main target with their sixth pick. The UConn Huskies sophomore has impressed several scouts with his athleticism. Bouknight would also be a good fit alongside Gilgeous-Alexander thanks to his silky handles and shot-creating ability.

Thoughts on James Bouknight teaming up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Thunder? 👀 pic.twitter.com/akh3QRTxIa

— Thunder Nation (@ThunderNationCP) July 26, 2021

As an extension from the previous point, the Thunder will find it extremely difficult to move up the draft without parting with the sixth pick. They could find a way to swap their #16 and #18 picks for one in the early teens, but Bouknight is unlikely to be available by then.

The Golden State Warriors are extremely interested in Bouknight as well. Unless the Thunder find a way to move up the draft and either retain their sixth pick or acquire Golden State's seventh pick, James Bouknight will likely be starting his NBA career with a different team.

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder will be unable to trade Kemba Walker before the start of the new season

Kemba Walker

The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Kemba Walker's huge contract worth roughly $74 million over the next two seasons in exchange for Al Horford and Moses Brown. It also netted the Thunder the 16th pick in this year's draft.

OKC would certainly want to flip Walker for additional assets, just like they did with Horford and Chris Paul prior to that. Some reports have stated that the team is hopeful of trading Kemba before the start of next season, but that's unlikely to happen.

There’s also an expectation in Oklahoma City’s front office, sources said, that barring a positive medical, the Thunder will be able to move Kemba Walker for additional future assets prior to the start of this season. https://t.co/e6APaJ2WML

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 27, 2021

Kemba Walker found some form towards the end of last season, but he's made a habit of being unavailable for early portions of a campaign due to injuries. Unless he can stay fit and prove that he's the same scoring machine that the Boston Celtics had hoped him to be, other teams are going to stay away.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are also more likely to extract additional assets for Kemba Walker if he's able to start the 2021-22 season well. Until then, Walker's contract is still too huge for someone to take on and part with draft picks or young players at the same time.

---