Why This Trade Makes Sense For The OKC Thunder

George Hill is definitely a player the OKC Thunder would be willing to trade, but only for the right price. Whether it is a first-round draft pick or a second-round draft pick, the Thunder would definitely want NBA Draft assets from any teams they explore any trades with and getting a guy like Ivica Zubac could really help them moving forward. 

Hill has established himself as a reliable, young center in the NBA and given his toughness in the paint, the Thunder could utilize him in their group of young core players for years to come. By trading away Steven Adams this offseason, the Thunder have open minutes in their frontcourt that are up for grabs for whoever can solidify themselves as being a part of the rotation now and in the future, which is why Zubac could make a big impact on this roster. 

Every move the OKC Thunder have made over the last year has set them up for a rebuild, but potentially the quickest and best rebuild out of any franchise in NBA history. With 31 draft picks through the 2027 NBA Draft, OKC is set up for success with any avenue they explore, but getting young talent has to be their number one priority. 

Whether it is through the NBA Draft or via trades, young talent is the backbone of any franchise in the NBA and without it, there is no future for any organization. GM Sam Presti knows this and has set his organization up for major success down the road because of how much young talent they could possibly end up with.

Reggie Jackson would basically replace George Hill in the rotation now, making the focal point of this trade Ivica Zubac and the future second-round pick. Young players and draft assets is what the Thunder have been collecting over the years and this would just be another move to set them up for future success.