The Oklahoma City Thunder have put themselves in a prime position. They’re one of the best teams in the NBA. Just as significantly, the Thunder can improve at a moment’s notice.
After all, they’ve got the most draft capital in the NBA. The Thunder have painstakingly collected a remarkable number of assets. When will this team consolidate those assets?
Keep an eye on the Thunder this summer. If they make a deep playoff run in 2023-24, they may prefer to hang onto their assets. On the other hand, if feel like they need a boost, they could make a blockbuster, win-now move. Could they trade for Mikal Bridges of the Brooklyn Nets?
NBA Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Luguentz Dort, G/F Ousmane Dieng, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 6 Protected – PHI via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G/F Mikal Bridges
The distribution of first-round picks around the NBA at the moment is interesting. A small number of teams control the majority of the assets. The Thunder have the most significant share, but the Nets are in that group as well.
The Nets acquired a lot of draft capital in trading Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. With that said, they don’t control their own draft. They relinquished that control when they acquired Harden from the Houston Rockets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
So, unlike the Thunder, the Nets aren’t in a prime position. This team has difficult decisions to make. They aren’t close to contention, but it will be difficult for them to rebuild. Could they move Bridges?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The obvious answer is for the Nets to trade for a star. As it stands, that may be difficult. If a star hits the open market, several teams could outbid them – including the Thunder and the Rockets.
Here, they’re shifting that balance of power. The Nets are weakening the Thunder’s control of that market, and strengthening their own. Suddenly, they’ll have the assets to acquire a top star when one becomes available.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
This will hurt in the meantime. Without Bridges, the Nets will be among the worst teams in the NBA. Still, if they can acquire that star quickly, it will be worth it in the long run. Should the Thunder be focused on the present?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
It makes sense that the Thunder haven’t consolidated their assets yet. They’ve developed stars on their own. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams look like a trio that could carry this team to a title in due time.
With that said, the Thunder could use a 3-and-D wing. If that player could create his own shots, that would be ideal. In other words, they could use a player just like Bridges.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Sure, his defense has regressed recently. Bridges has been overburdened as the Nets’ first option. On the Thunder, he’d find his optimal place in the offensive pecking order. That ought to put the Thunder in an even better position.
