Why the Trade Works for the Oklahoma City Thunder

After moving on from long-time starting center Steven Adams in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Oklahoma City Thunder could use an intriguing prospect at this position. An underutilized talent like Mo Bamba could be an intriguing buy-low option.

There are two ways the Thunder could end up benefiting significantly from acquiring a prospect like Bamba. If he ends up thriving with more playing time, Oklahoma City can either keep him long-term with Shai Gilgeous Alexander, or trade him after rehabilitating his value.

The rare intangibles that Bamba brings to the table from a measurements standpoint should be intriguing for the Thunder. Height and wingspan can’t be taught and there’s real value in trying to develop a player that has it.

With the Thunder being in a long-term rebuild, there isn’t a rush to bench young players who underperform. Bamba would be able to play through his mistakes on both ends during live game action— creating a real situation to improve as a player.