NBA
Oklahoma City Thunder Offseason Review: OKC Looks To Rebuild
Oklahoma City Thunder Overview
2018-19 Record: 49-33 (6th Place in the Western Conference)
Result: Lost to Portland 4-1 in the first round of NBA Playoffs
Coach: Billy Donovan
Draft: Darius Bazley, Forward
Additions: Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Mike Muscala, Nerlens Noel, Danilo Gallinari
Subtractions: Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Jerami Grant
Oklahoma’s Big four era is officially over
After trading away the 2016-17 most valuable player, Russell Westbrook, to the Houston Rockets, the Thunder officially are rebuilding and are now looking to stock up on picks and build for the future. This is even more evident as they acquired a whopping four unprotected first-round draft picks, Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a deal to send Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers to pair with Kawhi Leonard.
Though OKC general manager Sam Presti said he did not want to trade George, disagreeing with George’s statements that the trade was a mutual decision, he was able to complete the deal simply “because of the fact that we were able to get the return that we did, which then allowed us to accommodate what he was looking for, as well,” Presti said. Furthermore, with one year left on George’s contract, the organization felt they would not be able to get the same value next season.
After having all-stars such as Serge Ibaka and three MVPs, James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Westbrook, that era is over and the group was only able to reach the NBA finals one time. In 2012, the big four was able to reach the NBA Finals to face the trio of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. But ultimately, OKC lost the series 4-1.
Key Subtractions
Though George to the Clippers and Westbrook to the Rockets stole headlines, the Thunder wasn’t done rebuilding and other moves went under the radar. In a trade a few days later, Oklahoma City traded Jerami Grant to the Denver Nuggets for a 2020 first-round pick. Grant was a vital part of OKCs system having a career season averaging 13.6 points and 5.2 rebounds. Grant was a solid all-around player for the Thunder and his versatility and ability to play both forward positions will be missed.
George averaged 25 points and seven rebounds during his time in OKC. Westbrook, on the other hand, averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds per game during his career there and was the heart and soul of the team. Westbrook and Presti were able to work out a deal in the coming weeks after the George trade so he could be on a contender.
Key Additions
The Thunder were able to get Chris Paul who is still a solid starting point guard but whose contract is very concerning. Paul will be earning $38.5 million next season and that will increase to $41 million the two seasons afterward. Paul will then be 36. Nonetheless, Paul averaged 17 points and eight assists last season with the Rockets, but injuries have plagued his tenure in Houston. If he can escape the injury bug the nine-time all-star will be a great leader for the Thunder and mentor for also newly acquired Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander showed promise in his rookie season with the Clippers, averaging 10 points and three assists, and hopes to be the franchise point guard for Oklahoma City.
Gallinari will fill the starting small forward position and is a reliable scorer. He averaged 20 points and six rebounds last season with the Clippers. However, Gallinari not played a full season since 2009 and has only played 92 games during his time in Los Angeles.
Nerlens Noel Mike Muscala
OKC also resigned Nerlens Noel and signed Mike Muscala to a two-year deal. Noel was a great resign because if they Thunder decide to move Steven Adams this offseason or before the trade deadline he can fill the role of the starting center. Muscala is a versatile big who can play the center or the power forward position. He can stretch the floor with his ability to hit the three and fill a role similar to Markieff Morris who the Thunder had signed near last season’s end but is now on the Detriot Pistons. Muscala has shot 36 percent from three in his career.
Oklahoma City was able to get a Swap 2021 1st round picks, a conditional 2024 1st round pick (HOU own), a Swap 2025 1st round picks, a conditional 2026 1st round pick (HOU own) in the trade for Paul. In addition they received a 2021 1st round pick (MIA own), a 2022 1st round pick (LAC own), a Swap 2023 1st round picks, a conditional 2023 1st round pick (MIA own), a 2024 1st round pick (LAC own), a Swap 2025 1st round picks, a 2026 1st round pick (LAC own) from the George trade. In total, they have received eight first-round picks this offseason. These picks will give OKC a chance to find talent and rebuild their roster and/or trade in the future for a star of their own.
2019-2020 Prediction
Billy Donovan’s team was able to reach the playoffs each season without Durant mainly because they were able to pair George with Westbrook. This season there is no George nor Westbrook and no star player outside of Paul. Though these past three seasons all ended with a first rounded exit, this season OKC will not make the playoffs. With a lackluster roster and a revamped Western Conference, the Thunder will be a lottery team.
OKC likely won’t be able to move Paul with all the money left on his contract, so they will have to lean on him to lead the younger players on the team even if they won’t be a contending. This will be a time where OKC can let their younger players get some playing time and have a chance at growing as a player.
Record Prediction: 30-52
Written by Joshua Sampson
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