Rationale for Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder had too many centers on the roster when Domantas Sabonis was initially on the team. He had to fill an awkward stretch-four role that didn’t match the strengths of his game.
Unless the Thunder were to move on from Steven Adams, it’s difficult to envision a clean fit in the frontcourt by inerting Sabonis. There would need to be some sort of roster reconfiguration in the frontcourt.
From a long-term standpoint, the Thunder would benefit from fielding a duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Sabonis would be intriguing. Oklahoma City would have a real pick-and-roll combination and would be able to operate out of handoffs.
Moving on from the No. 25 pick wouldn’t be much of an issue for the Thunder. However, a 2022 first-round pick from the Clippers could end up being quite valuable if Los Angeles’ contention hopes continue to crumble.
Would trading such an asset such as the Clippers’ 2022 first-round pick be the right move in exchange for an interior-based center? The Thunder would need to believe Sabonis can make a Nikola Jokic type of leap.