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After the OKC Thunder lost their first-round playoff series with the Utah Jazz back in April, many NBA insiders and experts believed that the franchise had blown their opportunity to compete for a Championship, and claimed that the team was in need of a major rebuild.
Carmelo Anthony was quickly traded from the team, while many expected Paul George to follow, leaving Russell Westbrook as the only remaining member of the 'OK3'. However, despite all the gloom, Paul George opted to commit the best years of his career to the franchise, and the OKC Thunder look to be in their best shape since Kevin Durant left.
The team has made an impressive start to the 18/19 season, as the Thunder sit third in the Western Conference thanks to a 22-12 record. Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Steven Adams are all currently playing at an All-Star level, however, the team still has room for improvement as they chase a first NBA Championship. With the trade window open until February, here we will look at three players that the Thunder could target over the coming weeks.
#3 J.R. Smith
The Oklahoma City Thunder still face the issue of squandering big leads whenever Russell Westbrook comes out of the game. Dennis Schroder looked to have solved this issue, although the 25-year-old has recently been playing long spells alongside the 2017 MVP.
J.R. Smith has been told that he can find a new team, and the Thunder would benefit from the 33-year-old's ability to lead from the bench. Smith has the recent experience of winning a Championship with the Cavaliers, and if the veteran can agree to a buyout with the Cavs, Sam Presti should pursue a short-term deal.
#2 Justin Holiday
Justin Holiday is currently in his second stint with the Chicago Bulls after resigning with the team in the summer of 2017. During the current season, the 29-year-old is playing a career-high 35.0 minutes per game, while averaging 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Holiday's rebounds, assists and point averages are all career-highs, although his individual performances have not been enough to influence the Bulls poor season.
The Chicago team is currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, with just 10 wins from their opening 36 games. Holiday is also in the final year of a two year, 9-million dollar contract that he signed in 2017, so the Bulls may be willing to trade one of their best performers away. If the Thunder can pick up the veteran in return for a player such as Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, it is a deal worth pursuing.
#1 Bradley Beal
Ever since it was revealed that every member on the Washington Wizards roster could be available for trade, rumors have swirled that the Thunder could be set to pull off an incredible move for the Bradley Beal.
The Thunder's General Manager, Sam Presti, is known for his tendency to pull off the spectacular, as he has completed deals for both Carmelo Anthony and Paul George in the last 18 months. If the Thunder were to pull off a move for Beal, the organization would likely have to give up 2-3 players, in addition to having to pay a huge amount of luxury tax.
Nevertheless, a starting 5 of Steven Adams, Paul George, Andre Roberson, Russell Westbrook, and Bradley Beal has the potential to threaten the Warriors current dominance, and it is even more formidable when you consider that all five players are firmly in their prime. Ultimately, a move for Beal is still a long shot at this point, although if the Thunder pull it off, it will truly send shockwaves throughout the NBA.
