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The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2018/19 season with the belief that they could compete for a first NBA title, although their season ended with an increasingly familiar defeat in the first round of the playoffs.
OKC's 4-1 series defeat to the Trail Blazers marked a third consecutive first-round exit, and general manager Sam Presti is likely to make a number of changes to the roster this summer. However, not everything needs to change, and here we will examine three players that the Thunder should bring back for the 19-20 season.
#3 Raymond Felton
Raymond Felton enjoyed a fine first season with Thunder, although his opportunities decreased during the 18-19 campaign due to the addition of Dennis Schroder. Despite being utilized as the Thunder's third choice point guard, Felton performed well when called upon, averaging 4.3 points and 1.6 assists in 11.5 minutes per contest.
While Felton only appeared in 33 regular season games, Billy Donovan often spoke of Felton's professionalism and positive impact in the locker room, and the 34-year-old has continually expressed his commitment to the OKC franchise.
Still, it would make little sense to bring him back in a such a limited role, although with Dennis Schroder likely to be traded to free up cap space, Felton is likely to find himself as Russell Westbrook's backup once more.
While the veteran is a step back from Schroder, the Thunder need to focus on improving other areas of the roster, and Felton will be available on a minimum deal. With this in mind, a return for the veteran makes sense, and there is no reason why Felton cannot put up similar numbers to the 17-18 season.
#2 Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant signed a three-year, $27 million contract back in June of 2018, and he has proved that he is worth every penny over the past 12 months. Due to the departure of Carmelo Anthony, Grant was promoted to Billy Donovan's starting five, and over 80 appearances, the 25-year-old averaged career highs in points (13.6), rebounds (5.2) and blocks (1.3).
Grant was also the Thunder's most accurate shooter from beyond the arc (39%), and his impact at both ends of the court was felt on a nightly basis. After taking such a leap forward over the past 12 months, there is also a general feeling that the former Sixers man will continue to develop.
Grant's name has been regularly mentioned in trade rumors, although unless the Thunder can land an elusive third All-Star, a potential deal makes little sense.
#1 Russell Westbrook
Following another early postseason exit, multiple reports have suggested that the Thunder could finally consider trading Russell Westbrook. Westbrook has spent his entire career in Oklahoma City, and while he has yet to deliver a title, it makes very little sense for the Thunder to trade him at this point.
The franchise went all-in last summer by signing Paul George to a long-term deal, while Westbrook himself is contracted until 2023. At 29 and 30, the Thunder have two elite players in their prime, and with the Rockets looking to sell, and Kevin Durant likely to leave Golden State this summer, the OKC may have an opportunity to win next year.
Ultimately, the 2017 MVP has done everything over the past decade to put the Thunder organization on the map, and the team should now entrust him to deliver the first championship.
