Does this trade make sense for the Oklahoma City Thunder?
The Oklahoma City Thunder likely do not care who they trade Derrick Favors to, but the veteran big man will almost definitely be on the move this year. If they do not trade him ahead of the trade deadline, then Oklahoma City will definitely look to move him in the offseason.
Seeing as they are building with young talents and draft picks, the Thunder have no use for the 30-year-old big man and as a result, they should be more than happy to ship him to Detroit. They would obviously like to get a draft pick back in this trade for Favors, but Cory Joseph and Josh Jackson are just as good for a couple of reasons.
Not only could the Thunder turn around and get other teams involved so they can trade Joseph and/or Jackson for draft picks, but the Thunder could also look to utilize the two veterans to make a playoff push this year.
Yes, you heard that right… The Thunder could potentially make a playoff push this year!
Nothing about Oklahoma City and their roster screams “playoff team,” but they have looked really strong early on this year given the expectations placed on them. Currently at 9-19, they are very much in the hunt for a spot in the play-in tournament and they could be in this position all season long.
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They are young, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley, Luguentz Dort, Josh Giddey and the other young talents on this roster have all been playing well together. With the energy that they bring every night, they can match up with any team in this league and possibly find success given that they will not get tired.
We should still expect the Thunder to miss the playoffs, but by adding Joseph and Jackson, they strengthen their bench a little bit and suddenly become a team that could wind up winning on any given night. Sam Presti and the Thunder have nothing to lose in this trade, which is why they would likely be intrigued by the offer should the Detroit Pistons show interest in Favors.
