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After being given a 0.2% chance of making the NBA playoffs 2020 at the start of the season, OKC Thunder exceeded all expectations and managed to secure the fifth seed in the West. However, as per NBA trade rumors, the Thunder could look to blow it all up in the off-season as they try to revamp their roster.
In this article, we'll take a look at five players who are unlikely to be back on the OKC Thunder roster for the 2020-21 season.
NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players unlikely to be back with the OKC Thunder for the 2020-21 season
Even though the OKC Thunder can possibly continue with its same core next year, they simply lack the star power to compete for an NBA championship. They'll most likely try to offload the veterans on the team in exchange for younger players who could fit well with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort in the coming years.
Without further ado, let us take a look at five such players who are unlikely to appear for the OKC Thunder next season.
#1 Chris Paul
Chris Paul was the best player on the team and was the key reason for the OKC Thunder's success last season.
Following his inspiring performances in the 2020 playoffs, NBA trade rumors have linked Chris Paul with multiple teams in the competition.
Considering his playmaking abilities and high basketball IQ, Paul would be in high demand among top teams who are a piece away from competing for the championship.
#2 Danilo Gallinari
Even at age 32, Danilo Gallinari continues to be one of the most lethal shooters in the league. He averaged 18.7 points and shot an impressive 40.5% from beyond the arc last season.
Gallinari, who is now an unrestricted free agent, has already expressed his desire to play for a contender. Even though OKC Thunder would love to have him back, they might not be willing to spend too much on the Italian if they are going to rebuild from scratch.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: How Alex Caruso can be the key for LA Lakers in their attempt to acquire Chris Paul.
#3 Dennis Schroder
Dennis Schroder, who had one of the best seasons of his career this year, was a close contender for the sixth man of the year award. Considering his scoring and playmaking abilities, Schroder has already been a part of multiple NBA trade rumors.
Schroder still has one year left on his contract, but OKC Thunder might look to move him in the off-season to make the most of his expiring contract.
#4 Nerlens Noel
Though Nerlens Noel has been decent on the OKC Thunder team in the past two seasons, he has failed to live up to expectations that were set on him in the early days of his career.
Noel averaged 7.4 points and 4.9 rebounds this season and played over 18 minutes a game.
The player is already 25 years old and doesn't have a high ceiling at this point. Given his injury history, the OKC Thunder wouldn't fret too much if he walks away in the 2020 free agency.
#5 Andre Robertson
Andre Robertson has had a career that has been riddled with injuries. He spent most of his time on the bench in the past two years and played only seven games in the 2019-20 NBA season while being a non-factor in the 2020 NBA playoffs.
Robertson is already 28 years old and is in a different timeline compared with the OKC Thunder's young core. The Thunder have no particular reason to re-sign Robertson as he enters the free agency in the off-season.
Guess the Lakers players!
