Few teams in the NBA are in a better position than the Oklahoma City Thunder. They’re one of the best teams in the league – that alone is a blessing. With that said, the Thunder also have the NBA’s best collection of assets.
This team has been hoarding draft capital for years. No team in NBA history has ever acquired more first-round picks. Now, the Thunder have arrived, and guess what? They’ve still got these picks.
What should they do with them? It’s a point of contention. Some have argued that the Thunder should remain patient. Others would have them make an all-in push with a blockbuster deal. Could they split the difference by acquiring De’Andre Hunter of the Atlanta Hawks?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks receive: F Davis Bertans, F/C Aleksej Pokusevski, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – HOU via OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: F De’Andre Hunter
Much has been made of the Thunder’s approach. Their preference to accumulate draft capital has been criticized by some. How will the Thunder turn those picks into something tangible?
It’s a shortsighted criticism. When a team has the Thunder’s collection of draft capital, they can afford to swing and miss. Josh Giddey has regressed this season. Ousmane Dieng still looks like a project. Yet, despite these concerns, the Thunder are one of the best teams in the NBA.
Yet, no acquisition that they’ve made has been as valuable as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. If the Thunder hadn’t received him in exchange for Paul George, they wouldn’t be here. Should they now add Hunter to their core?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
What would the Thunder seek in a blockbuster? They already have an offensive engine in Gilgeous-Alexander. They already have an alpha scorer in Jalen Williams. The Thunder even have their defensive anchor in Chet Holmgren.
This team doesn’t need much. With that said, they could use another 3-and-D wing. Kendrich Williams is injury prone. Luguentz Dort is great, but he’s undersized. A big 3-and-D wing that’s durable could take this team to the next level.
That’s Hunter. Meanwhile, the Thunder can spare a pick from a Houston Rockets team that’s trying its hardest to make sure it lands outside of the lottery. Should the Hawks covet that pick?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Hunter isn’t the most prevalent trade target on this roster. Dejounte Murray is a fixture in trade rumors. Perhaps the Hawks will move him – but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t shop Hunter.
After all, Jalen Johnson is having a breakout season. Saddiq Bey has been solid as well. This team’s wing rotation is crowded. Here, they’re freeing it up – and landing a first-round pick in the process.
Finally, taking a flyer on Pokusevski is sensible enough. He’s a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect with a wide range of outcomes. If he hits, he’ll improve the Hawks’ situation. With that said, it’ll take more than that for this organization to catch up with the Thunder.
