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OKC Thunder decided to blow it all up and rebuild after trading Paul George and Russel Westbrook last year. But in a bizarre turn of events, the Thunder fared even better this year inspite of being given just 0.2% odds of making the playoffs.
Chris Paul was the key reason behind OKC Thunder's success in the 2019-20 season. The veteran point-guard averaged 17.6 points and 6.7 assists per game as his team finished fifth in the Western Conference standings.
Five players who could offer OKC Thunder a good deal for Chris Paul:
If OKC Thunder decide to rebuild again by trading their veterans, NBA trade rumours suggest that Chris Paul would be on top of their list given the demand for the star. On that note, here are five teams that could offer OKC Thunder a good deal for the Point God:
#5. NBA Trade Rumours: New York Knicks
Whenever a superstar is up for trade, there's a good chance New York Knicks will be among the teams in pursuit. The Knicks have been a disappointment in the last few years, and a player like Chris Paul might be able to turn that around.
The Knicks have the cap space to absorb Chris Paul's salary. They also have a lot of youngsters who could be sent to the OKC Thunder in exchange. Acquiring more young talent definitely falls in line with OKC Thunder's goal of rebuilding around a young core.
#4. NBA Trade Rumours: Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns were the best team during the 2020 NBA seeding games. They won eight straight games but missed the playoffs berth by the narrowest of margins. This inspiring run has made them one of the teams to watch out for next season.
A player like Chris Paul definitely gives them the chance to compete in the wild west. Though Ricky Rubio has been good, Paul's playmaking ability will elevate Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton's offence even further. A package involving Rubio and other young players or draft picks will benefit the OKC Thunder too.
#3. NBA Trade Rumours: Los Angeles Lakers
Even though the LA Lakers are among the favourites to win the NBA title this year, experts believe that they need more pieces to make them unbeatable. Chris Paul could be a great fit next to his banana-boat buddy as his ball-handling abilities will take some weight off LeBron James' shoulders.
Though Paul's salary will not be easy to manage for the LA Lakers, they may find a way to do so by moving a few other pieces around. As far as OKC Thunder are concerned, they could land players like Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso who'll fit well in their young roster.
#2. NBA Trade Rumours: Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers were swept in the first round of the playoffs this year and are in desperate need of a roster upgrade. While some NBA trade rumours about moving Joel Embiid are making the rounds, adding Paul seems like a really good option in that regard.
According to numerous reports, the Sixers are already preparing a trade package to convince OKC Thunder to let go of the 35-year-old. OKC Thunder could receive Al Horford along with future draft picks in return.
#1. NBA Trade Rumours: Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have been the talk of the town ever since they were knocked out in the second round of the NBA playoffs. With Giannis Antetokounmpo coming up short again, the fans are convinced that the Greek Freak needs another player by his side to deliver the goods.
Chris Paul going to the Bucks definitely makes a lot of sense in that perspective. Paul's playmaking abilities will make everyone around him better, and Giannis Antetokounmpo will have more freedom to dominate in the paint.
OKC Thunder could get players like Eric Bledsoe. A relatively younger player like Bledsoe will buy OKC Thunder some time as they wait for their young core to blossom.
