Why The Trade Benefits The Thunder
Oklahoma City is clearly trying to get younger and rebuild the roster. Chris Paul was traded to the Phoenix Suns at the beginning of the offseason, while Danilo Gallinari signed a free agent deal with Atlanta. Dennis Schroder was also shipped out of town to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Thunder were supposed to be near the bottom of the conference last season, but rode an All-Star campaign from Paul all the way to the postseason. It is very unlikely that this happens once again in the upcoming season.
This is a trade that would help Oklahoma City get younger and add some more draft capital to be used in other deals. Julius Randle would be a nice player down low to keep them in some games while continuing to rebuild.
Randle signed a three-year deal with the Knicks and turned in his best offensive campaign last year. He was basically signed to be traded by the Knicks and this is one deal that could make it happen.
Another reason that this trade makes sense for the Thunder would be the possibility of moving him in a separate deal. Presti could very well add another pick or two in return for Randle.
