The Oklahoma City Thunder will have some decisions to make in the future and it’ll be important for the rest of the NBA to monitor. They have problems. Luckily, they’re a rich person’s problems. Nonetheless, the Thunder have some issues to resolve.
To be specific, they’ve got too many first-round picks. We know – that’s like having too much money. How will you ever spend it all? Yet, this is something that the Thunder have to deal with. If they kept every pick they currently have and selected players with them- well, they couldn’t. It would be impossible. The Thunder would quickly run out of roster spots.
They’d also run out of developmental reps, rotation spots and – most importantly – money. Eventually, the Thunder need to move some of their first-round picks and consolidate their assets. Yet, even moving some second-round picks could be helpful. Could they spend some on Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers?
The Trade Proposal
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Davis Bertans, 2024 Second-Round Pick (HOU via OKC), 2025 Second-Round Pick (PHI via OKC), 2026 Second-Round Pick (GSW via OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G/F Buddy Hield
Although to hear the Thunder tell it, they’re in no rush to move those picks. General manager Sam Presti recently pushed back on the notion that the Thunder had to consolidate. Ultimately, he’s right – for now. The Thunder can focus on the players that are currently on their roster.
Eventually, something will have to give. Let’s focus on the salary sheet. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is already on a significant contract, and his next one should be even larger. In all likelihood, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey will also earn big deals. This team may already have its long-term core in place.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Oklahoma City Thunder & Indiana Pacers Updates
Yet, they’ve got picks to spare. In every draft for the foreseeable future, the Thunder have multiple firsts. Trading all of these second-rounders barely makes a dent in their collection. Is it even worth their time?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Sure. In the end, this isn’t about shedding picks for the Thunder. After all, they shouldn’t be dumping assets. The Thunder need to move some picks eventually, but they need to get a player or two that they can use in return. Here, we’ve got them starting with Hield.
After all, he’s among the best movement shooters in the NBA. That’s critical for the Thunder. This team has a surplus of playmaking and defense, but they lack floor spacing. Adding Hield would be meaningful from that point of view.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Oklahoma City Thunder & Indiana Pacers Updates
Is he on an expiring contract? Sure. That’s why Hield’s value isn’t a first-round pick. For a trio of second-rounders, the Thunder should be happy to take a flyer on Hield. If they can’t agree on an extension next summer, they’ll at least have had a look at how their core looks with some elite floor spacing around it. Should the Pacers give up their best shooter?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
By all accounts, the Pacers are looking to move Hield. It does not appear that these two sides can agree on an extension. So, the Pacers might as well move him before they lose him for nothing.
They may be happy to add Bertans. The Pacers have been looking to add a 4 all summer. Sure, they’d likely prefer a more impactful player than Bertans. He’s a solid floor spacer, but he’s also a defensive liability. That’s fine. The Pacers have Jarace Walker and Obi Toppin on the roster. Bertans could be part of the team’s rotation without stealing minutes from their younger players.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Oklahoma City Thunder & Indiana Pacers Updates
After all, this team should be rebuilding. The Pacers won’t be among the league’s bottom feeders next year, but they won’t be contenders either. With that in mind, they should be looking to the future. Three second-rounders also help in that regard – whether they use them all or not.
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