Why the Trade Benefits the Oklahoma City Thunder

For a rebuilding team like the Oklahoma City Thunder, a huge contract for a center like Al Horford is not beneficial. Mainly, this would be a deal to get rid of the contract and clear up some space. The return is not huge but it would help.

Sam Presti has built draft capital over the next half a decade that could supply multiple teams. Oklahoma City has 18 first-round picks over the next six years. This trade would land them another second-rounder that they could flip for a player if they feel the need.

Jalen McDaniels is a promising prospect while Cody Zeller has just one year left remaining on his contract. Managing to move Horford directly in exchange for an expiring contract will substantially lower the Thunder’s payroll over the next few seasons.

Presti clearly has a plan for the Thunder moving forward. Horford is not a part of the plan and getting rid of the contract is what makes this deal so good for Oklahoma City.