OKC Thunder Trade Rumors: 3 targets for the Thunder ahead of the deadline

The NBA trade deadline will close next week ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. The trade window has historically closed on the Thursday after the All-Star Game, however, since 2018, the deadline has closed 10 days before the NBA's best players face off in the prestigious game.

The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.

In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder are currently vying for homecourt advantage in the playoffs, as the team are being fuelled by the standout performances of Paul George.

Nevertheless, the Thunder may need to make one or two additions to be able to compete with the Warriors and Rockets in the postseason, and here we will look at three players that the Thunder are currently targeting.

#3 Terrence Ross

Terrence Ross joined the Magic back in 2017 and during his time in Orlando, the 8th pick of the 2012 draft has quickly developed into a star. The 18/19 season has been the best of Ross' career so far, as the former Raptors man has averaged 14.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Nevertheless, Ross' contract expires in the summer, and the Magic are looking increasingly unlikely to make the postseason. Due to this, Ross is likely to be made available for trade in the next few days, and the 27-year old would be a perfect addition to the Thunder's starting lineup.

The Thunder will want to send either Alex Abrines or Patrick Patterson to Orlando as part of the deal, and if OKC can complete a move for Ross, the team will be in a strong position for the remainder of the season.

Also read: NBA Daily Schedule, Latest Results, and TV Listings

Also read: Pistons Trade Rumors Roundup, February 1st

Also read: NBA Trade Rumors Roundup, February 1st

Also read: Lakers vs Warriors - Starting Lineup and Match Prediction

#2 Rodney Hood

Rodney Hood has been one of the few positives from the Cleveland Cavaliers' miserable season so far, and The Athletic has reported that the Thunder are among a number of teams interested in acquiring the 26-year-old:

Shooting guard Rodney Hood is garnering interest from several teams, and has a no-trade clause on the one-year, $3.4 million qualifying offer he signed with the Cavaliers before the season. Teams such as New Orleans, Oklahoma City and Milwaukee have looked into wing help.

Hood has been with the Cavs since February 2018, and so far this season, Hood has started 43 games, averaging 12.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. The shooting guard will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and Hood is owed just $3.4 million for the 18/19 season.

Evidently, Hood could be available for little in return, and if the Thunder pull off of a move for the Cavs man, they will be getting a player who can contribute regular points from the bench.

#1 Courtney Lee

Courtney Lee is exactly the type of player that the Thunder need to add this month. Over the last two seasons, the 33-year-old has averaged over 40% when shooting from beyond the arc, and over his career, Lee has been a reliable scorer, averaging more than 10 points per game. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Knicks man is available for trade this month, and the Thunder could have a free run at the veteran.

It is worth noting that Lee is set to earn $12.8 million for the 19/20 season, and the Thunder are already over the salary cap. The Thunder would need to offload the likes of Patrick Patterson and Alex Abrines in order to make a deal realistic, however, OKC have been among the worst shooting teams in the NBA this season, and the addition of Lee could make a huge difference in the playoffs.