NBA Insider Drops 'Cryptic' Thunder Intel on Potential Targets After Williams, Wallace Injuries

As the Oklahoma City Thunder deal with injuries to both Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace that are expected to keep them out indefinitely, it wouldn't be shocking if the team made a big move to bolster the roster around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.

"And the one thing too is—and you guys noticed, like the McCain trade last year—like they identify a certain player that fits in that locker room, and also that fits within that style on the court," ESPN's Bobby Marks said during the most recent episode of The Hoop Collective podcast (17:53 mark). "Because they're not big on adding from the outside there."

ESPN's Brian Windhorst quickly followed that up.

"And this is one thing that I've talked to executives about, and I don't mean to be cryptic, but I'm being cryptic," he noted. "If you're going to, if they're going to acquire a player, would not be a surprise if they acquire a player they've already had."

Windy's comments will obviously invite speculation.

Some former Thunder players who could feasibly return at some point include Aaron Wiggins or Lu Dort on the Atlanta Hawks; Isaiah Joe on the Detroit Pistons; Jerami Grant on the Memphis Grizzlies; Dennis Schröder on the Charlotte Hornets; and Ousmane Dieng on the Milwaukee Bucks.

One wouldn't think that veterans like Paul George, Kevin Durant or James Harden would return (or would be made available in a trade), while the Thunder don't have a need for centers like Domantas Sabonis (he played his rookie season with OKC), Al Horford or Steven Adams. Chicago's Josh Giddey is another former member of the Thunder, though such a trade would be a pretty massive splash and is probably unlikely.

Oh, and there's that Russell Westbrook guy who is currently retired...

Regardless, the Thunder now have two spots in the starting lineup they need to address. For the time being, Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell are likely to do so, with both starting on Monday during a 125-114 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Both are more than capable—Mitchell scored 30 points and added five assists in the win, while McCain chipped in with 18 points and four assists while hitting four threes. But OKC obviously has far less depth in the second unit with both promoted to starting roles.

The Thunder have a mountain of future draft picks, so it won't be surprising if they swing a trade to bolster that depth. Let the speculation begin.