OKC Thunder: 3 Players the Oklahoma City Thunder should keep out of trade talks

Despite much anticipation heading into the 2019 postseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a third consecutive first-round playoff exit as Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers proved too strong. Nevertheless, with much of the roster under contract, the Thunder were expected to regroup and have another go the following season.

However, just a year after pledging his future to Oklahoma City, Paul George requested a trade to his native Los Angeles, and Sam Presti sent the superstar to the Clippers in return for a historic draft haul. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook also completed a quickfire trade to the Houston Rockets, a move that put the Thunder into rebuild mode.

Despite having no chance of competing in the immediate future, the Thunder still have plenty of talent left on a surprisingly stacked roster.

Naturally, more talent will leave in the coming months as Presti pushes forward with his rebuild plans, however, here are three stars that OKC should keep out of trade talks.

#3 Terrance Ferguson

Terrance Ferguson is among OKC's most talented young stars

During the first half of the 18-19 season, Terrance Ferguson started to grow into an important part of the OKC starting lineup. The 21-year-old helped fill the void left by Carmelo Anthony's departure and Ferguson made an immediate impact at both ends of the court thanks to his tremendous work rate.

However, Ferguson’s form was patchy after the All-Star break, and the Oklahoma native struggled during OKC’s woeful postseason run. After exiting to the Trail Blazers, Ferguson was linked with a trade, although with the Thunder now looking to develop youth, his place on the roster should be assured.

As a hometown talent locked in for another three years, Ferguson is a name the team should keep around for the considerable future.

#2 Dennis Schroder

Dennis Schroder impressed during his debut season with the Thunder

Before the Oklahoma City Thunder traded Russell Westbrook and Paul George, Dennis Schroder was among the names that the franchise was believed to be willing to offload as it aimed to escape the luxury tax. However, the All-Star duo's departure has helped to reduce the salary bill, and moving Schroder should no longer be a priority for the franchise.

The German is among OKC’s remaining high earners, although his deal will expire in the summer of 2021, and it makes little sense for the Thunder to take on multiple bad contracts to offload his deal.

Still just 25, it is also possible that Schroder could force himself into Presti's rebuild, and it is worth remembering that the former Atlanta man is coming off an impressive season.

The Thunder need to offload Chris Paul this summer, however, it makes sense to bring back Schroder for at least the 19-20 season.

#1 Steven Adams

Steven Adams could still develop into an All-Star talent

Plenty of the OKC roster has been linked with a trade following Russell Westbrook’s departure last month, but none have received as much attention as Steven Adams.

The Kiwi has been a mainstay in Oklahoma City since being drafted by the team back in 2013 and the 26-year-old played a huge role during the 2016 playoffs as the Thunder came within one game of the NBA Finals.

Adams has continued to improve since his breakout but has been forced to take a lesser role due to the presence of George and Westbrook. However, it is now time for Adams to take on an expanded role in Billy Donovan's team, and the Thunder could see a significant increase on the 13.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game that Adams managed last season.

The Boston Celtics may come calling, although the Thunder would be foolish to let Adams go before seeing what he can do while playing out of Westbrook's shadow.