5 Players OKC Thunder Are Most Likely to Target in a Potential Trade

The silver lining of the injury cloud hanging over the Oklahoma City Thunder is that the role players are getting an opportunity to ply their trade in meaningful NBA minutes against starting-caliber opposition. Not only does this give head coach Scott Brooks the chance to evaluate his depth, but it also raises the trade value of those rotation pieces.

It’s unlikely that OKC pursues a trade this season given the battle awaiting the Thunder as they attempt to claw their way back into the playoffs, the tremendous heart exhibited by this depleted roster and general manager Sam Presti’s tendency to avoid rocking the boat.

But this season is also a perfect reminder that championship windows are fleeting, and there are a few players who could pique OKC’s interest if they were made available.

Similarly, the Thunder have a few pieces of their own that could be moved for the right price. The value of expiring contracts on the trade market has decreased over the last few seasons, but Kendrick Perkins and his $9.7 million contract are coming off the books after this season. It could be a chip that intrigues any teams looking to add frontcourt depth while freeing up cap space for the offseason.

Nick Collison has long been a fan favorite for the franchise and has been an invaluable part of the roster as a glue guy, but his extended three-point range, high basketball IQ and $2.2 million expiring contract make him an enticing option for other teams.

Likewise, OKC could look to sell high on Perry Jones III, who has shown flashes of the immense talent that made him one of the most sought-after college recruits in the nation. And then there’s always the possibility that the Thunder try to get some pieces in exchange for Reggie Jackson instead of potentially losing him for nothing in restricted free agency.

It seems unlikely that any of these players could net OKC enough value to prompt a trade, but here are some potential players of interest who could realistically be available around the trade deadline.

Arron Afflalo (Denver Nuggets)

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Jeremy Lamb, Andre Roberson and Sebastian Telfair have all played well for OKC, but it’s still unclear whether any of them have truly turned the corner or if they’re just benefiting from the unfortunate circumstances and greater opportunity.

OKC could continue to hope that at least one of them elevates his game to become an important contributor come playoff time, but it could also try to pry a proven performer from a crowded Denver Nuggets backcourt.

The Nuggets have started the season poorly and may have to think about rebuilding sooner than they had anticipated. If that’s the case, a young piece like Lamb/Roberson and/or an expiring contract could persuade them to part with a player who could come in and contribute for OKC right away.

Arron Afflalo would clearly be the first choice due to his well-rounded game and true 2-guard size. His player option for next year makes it a slightly unsettling trade, but getting one of the best two-way shooting guards in the game for a measly $7.3 million this season is a steal.

Afflalo displayed some individual scoring ability last year for a weak Orlando Magic team, and he can do a little of everything to push OKC over the hump.

Randy Foye (Denver Nuggets)

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If the Nuggets are unwilling to part with Afflalo, Randy Foye could also fill a role for OKC—especially if Coach Brooks relies heavily on dual point guard lineups of Reggie Jackson and Russell Westbrook when the squad is at full strength.

With Jackson and Westbrook projected to play big minutes, the third-string point guard spot becomes more important. Sebastian Telfair has been solid as a facilitator, but he can’t really create offense for himself and is shooting a woeful 26 percent from beyond the arc. After relying on Derek Fisher to play crunch-time minutes in the playoffs last year, Telfair is hardly much of an upgrade (if he’s an upgrade at all).

Foye is a better perimeter shooter, connecting on 38 percent of his treys over his career. Additionally, Foye possesses the off-the-bounce creativity to thrive as a bench scorer. He’s undersized and doesn’t provide much in the way of defense, but he’s a much more proven offensive commodity than Jeremy Lamb and Telfair.

Jamal Crawford (Los Angeles Clippers)

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Arron Afflalo would be a perfect fit at the shooting guard spot because of his ability to play both ends of the court, but Jamal Crawford’s explosive scoring ability and three-point prowess make him an intriguing fallback plan.

On first glance, it seems unlikely that the Los Angeles Clippers would be willing to part with the two-time Sixth Man of the Year. He has become an important part of their offensive identity, but the Clippers are desperate for a body to man the small forward spot with Matt Barnes severely struggling to find his shooting stroke.

Lineups that pair J.J. Redick with Crawford on the wings are going to hemorrhage points defensively, so the Clippers would have to listen to offers centered on Perry Jones with another player or draft pick thrown in.

OKC needs more players who can create offense for themselves and others, and Crawford would definitely address that issue.

P.J. Tucker (Phoenix Suns)

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Things are getting crowded on the perimeter in Phoenix thanks to the free-agent acquisition of Isaiah Thomas. The Suns are playing their three point guards together in stretches, but there aren’t enough minutes to go around with the likes of Gerald Green, P.J. Tucker and the Morris twins competing for playing time.

Green is likely going to be the most available of the group, but Tucker would give OKC some intriguing versatility. He’s a stingy defender with the ability to knock down open threes. He won’t do too much with the ball in his hands, but he has the strength to move down to the 4 if necessary.

With the Suns looking for reliable frontcourt depth, Nick Collison could be a good fit, and his OKC minutes could be taken by Mitch McGary if and when he’s ready to contribute.

Tucker has developed into a very solid role player, and his versatility would allow him to replace Kevin Durant whenever he goes to the bench or to play alongside Durant in smaller lineups.

Rodney Stuckey (Indiana Pacers)

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Rodney Stuckey would not be an ideal fit in OKC because of his uneven three-point stroke, but he’s a very good scorer with the ball in his hands, and he’s shown flashes of being able to facilitate for his teammates.

He’s on a one-year deal, so it would be a rental for the Thunder, but he could give them more firepower off the bench that could help OKC avoid the scoring lulls that plagued it in the playoffs last year.

If Reggie Jackson were to move into the starting lineup when everyone is healthy, Stuckey could fill his void as the lead guard off the bench. Alternatively, he could form a talented and athletic duo with Jackson, and opposing bench units would have a hard time keeping them out of the paint.

Stuckey is clearly the least desirable name on this list, but that means OKC would be able to acquire him without giving up a particularly meaningful piece.

Note: All contract information is from Spotrac.