OKC Thunder Trade Rumours: 3 players they should avoid ahead of the trade deadline

After suffering a disappointing first-round playoff defeat to the Utah Jazz last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder's window of opportunity to win an NBA Championship looked to have closed. The team were set to be weighed down by Carmelo Anthony's inflated contract, while many expected Paul George to link up with LeBron James in LA.

Despite the understandable cause for concern among OKC fans, the Thunder pulled off a stunning coup to keep George in Oklahoma City, while Melo was offloaded in return for Dennis Schroder.

The Thunder's off-season moves have led to a strong campaign so far, and the team currently sit third in the Western Conference standings. Despite their success though, the Thunder are still expected to be in the market ahead of the trade deadline and here we look at three players they should avoid trading for.

#3 Channing Frye

Frye, 35, is averaging just 10 minutes on court per game this season for a struggling Cavaliers side

There have been reports that the Thunder may be interested in acquiring Channing Frye ahead of the trade deadline. Frye is a seasoned veteran who has amassed a wealth of experience during his more than decade career in the NBA, although the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers are now looking towards younger options.

Frye is only contracted to the Cavs until this summer, and the veteran is also available on a veterans' minimum deal. Nevertheless, Frye has struggled during his limited time on the court this season, shooting a career-low 34% from the field, and the 35-year-old is also contributing just 3.4 points per game in 10 minutes of action.

The Thunder are already struggling to give good minutes to the impressive Nerlens Noel, so it makes little sense for the team to add a third senior center. In the event of an injury to either Noel or Steven Adams, Jerami Grant can slot into the position, so they clearly have no use for the Cavs veteran.

#2 Courtney Lee

Lee has struggled for consistency from three-point range this season

Despite recently being part of a bumper trade deal to the Dallas Mavericks, Courtney Lee could still be traded again this week. Some have speculated that Lee's presence would help address the Thunder's issues from beyond the arc as they've been one of the league's worst shooting teams from range and during his career. But Lee too has shot just 39% from three-point range.

Nevertheless, Lee would arrive on an expensive deal as the veteran is still owed $12.8m for the 19/20 season. Given the Mavericks are gradually improving their roster, they could ask for a young player - such as Hamidou Diallo - in return for Lee, and the Thunder should refuse to give up any of their rising stars.

It is also worth noting that so far this season, Lee is only shooting 31% from beyond the arc, and the Thunder would be better off targeting wide players who have expiring deals.

#1 Kevin Love

Love's hefty contract has left prospective teams wondering whether his presence is a risk worth taking

The Thunder have focused on reducing their luxury tax spending over the last few months, and the team's recent decision to trade away Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot will reportedly save the Thunder $7.2million. Nevertheless, NBA owners have been willing to pay luxury tax in order to lure additional All-Stars to their roster and Love would fit this bill.

The Thunder could technically acquire Love if the team sent away the likes of Schroder and Patrick Patterson, however, a move for Love makes very little sense. Firstly, Love recently turned 30 and is signed to a huge four-year, $120-million deal that does not come into effect until next season.

In addition, OKC's on-court chemistry is currently at an all-time high and the addition of a third star could have a negative impact on the team's overall balance. Ultimately, this is a trade that the Thunder should avoid at all costs.