Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Bamba may be raw, but Bazley is rawer. Make no mistake: this would be a win-now move for the Thunder.
With that in mind, the question becomes this: should the Thunder be making win-now moves? Again, they were supposed to tank this year, weren’t they?
Perhaps. On the other hand, the Thunder look ready to win. In fairness, this team is loaded with talent. In particular, Shai Gilgeous-Alxeaner already looks like the type of player who could lead a deep playoff run.
Meanwhile, the Thunder are, in a sense, already guaranteed to bring in a high-level prospect for next season. Chet Holmgren is waiting in the wings. On that note, Bamba is here as a momentary replacement. He’s not as offensively dynamic as Holmgren, but he does offer similar rim protection and three-point shooting.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
By adding his skills, the Thunder could make a real play-in run this season. Furthermore, when Holmgren is ready to return next year, each player’s ability to space the floor should allow them to co-exist.
If the Thunder are ready to flip a switch and go into win-now mode, this could be the move for them. What does it do for the Magic?
