Why the Thunder Should Do It

Oklahoma City’s main motive here is to rid themselves of Paul’s contract. Paul is still a productive player even at the age of 35, but in this deal Oklahoma City is able to add two productive players in place of Paul salary.

In Rubio, the Thunder immediately replace Paul with another veteran point guard who can help create on offense.

Oubre Jr. is just 24, and would be the hardest piece for Phoenix to part with in this trade. He has yet to enter his prime, and would fit with the timeline that the Thunder are looking at for contention, which is likely multiple years away.

Oubre Jr. would slot in alongside the young core in Oklahoma City, giving the team’s next coach another piece to build around.