Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Thunder

There are very few true lockdown defenders in the NBA. Luguentz Dort is one of them and he proved that last season. However, his long-term fit with the Thunder may not be a great one.

With the offseason trades of Steven Adams, Chris Paul, and Dennis Schroder, the Thunder need more offensive weapons. Alex Caruso may not be a “weapon” right now, but he has more potential to unlock. He would have a much bigger role with the Thunder than he would with the Lakers.

Last season with the Lakers, Caruso averaged 5.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. He shot 41.2 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from the three-point line.

Those numbers don’t look great and there is no doubt that this would be a risky move. Trading Dort for potential is dangerous business. But, Sam Presti is known for making risky moves at times and they pay off quite often.

Caruso is a solid piece and a bigger role could unlock his full potential. Adding a second-round pick would give Presti yet another asset to utilize in the future. Dort is a good piece, but he isn’t unmovable by any stretch of the imagination.