Oklahoma City Thunder Rumors: Steven Adams set to stay, Aaron Gordon could be a trade target and more

Following almost a decade of contending with the best in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2019-20 NBA season in rebuild mode. After exiting the playoffs in the first round for the third straight year, the OKC front office made the tough decision to trade away the All-Star duo of Paul George and Russell Westbrook, while Jerami Grant was also sent to the Denver Nuggets.

The Thunder managed to grab a record haul of future picks in return, although the current roster is still home to several high-earners that could be traded in the months ahead. With the Thunder set to be among the most active teams ahead of the February trade deadline, here we will take a look at all the latest OKC trade rumors you need to know.

#1 Steven Adams is viewed as part of OKC's future despite ongoing trade rumors

Steven Adams remains a key part of OKC's future

Following the departure of Carmelo Anthony in the summer of 2018, Steven Adams was widely referred to as OKC's third star. However, with George and Westbrook completing trades away from the organization earlier this summer, many around the league believed that it was only a matter of time before Adams was also dealt.

Nevertheless, according to a new report from ESPN's Brian Windhorst, OKC's front office still views the Kiwi as an important part of their future:

There are a few big names out there who could come on the market, namely Steven Adams in Oklahoma City, though the Thunder have told teams they see Adams as part of their future for the time being.

Adams' start to the new season has been disrupted by a knee injury, although the 26-year-old is expected to play a big role on offense this year after previously taking a backseat to Westbrook. In four appearances this season, Adams has averaged 6.0 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

#2 The Thunder still want to trade Chris Paul

Chris Paul continues to be linked with a trade away from the Thunder

Chris Paul has embraced his move to Oklahoma City following his surprise trade during the offseason, although rumors persist that the Thunder remain eager to offload the veteran guard. And, according to a recent Q&A session between USA Today's Mark Medina and Jeff Zillgitt, the front office remains determined to offload the 34-year-old ahead of the trade deadline:

The Thunder would love to trade Chris Paul before the trade deadline so they can hoard even more young talent and draft picks. Other teams are reluctant to acquire Paul given his age, injury history and contract, so that might not happen.

Despite averaging just 29 minutes per game for the Thunder, CP3 has made a solid impact, averaging 14.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The Miami Heat have been among the teams linked with a trade for the former All-Star.

#3 OKC are among the teams that could move for Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon has made a slow start to the new season and could be made available ahead of the trade deadline

The Orlando Magic signed Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross to new long-term contract extensions over the summer, leaving the team with little available cap-space going forward. Due to this, the Magic could be active ahead of the trade deadline, and Bleacher Report's Dan Favale believes that the Thunder could be among the teams interested if Orlando makes Aaron Gordon available for trade.

Gordon has made a slow start to the new season, averaging just 11.3 points and 6.3 assists, although, at 24, he is someone that could grow alongside in Oklahoma City alongside Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander, Hamidou Diallo, and Darius Bazley. Gordon is currently signed through another three seasons, although his declining salary means that he is only owed $16.4 million for the 2021-22 season.