Hoops Habit
Fansided

1 Deal Each Team Could Make Before Trade Deadline

By Jake Hyman

Nov 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks for a passing lane during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks for a passing lane during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
22 of 31
Next
Nov 4, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) reacts during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Portland won 108-92. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) reacts during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Portland won 108-92. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Oklahoma City Thunder

With Kevin Durant’s impeding free agency decision and Russell Westbrook being eligible for free agency in 2017, adding additional talent to an already loaded roster could be a priority for GM Sam Presti. A glaring hole resides at the backup SF position behind star Kevin Durant, as Kyle Singler hasn’t been efficient on both ends of the floor and Steve Novak rarely plays.

Aminu is a first-year Trail Blazer, but for the rebuilding Blazers, he could be a substantial piece on the market. The former first-round pick is averaging a career-high 10.9 points per game and converting a career-high 37.7 percent of his looks from deep. With a second unit featuring D.J. Augustin, Anthony Morrow and Enes Kanter, offense isn’t lacking.

That makes veteran marksman Novak expendable.

For the rebuilding Trail Blazers, it’s a stretch to part with a player you just re-signed, but the addition of the No. 14 pick in Payne and a former first-round pick in McGary is a haul.

Portland, currently, is devoid of lead guard talent on their roster outside of Damian Lillard. This trade acts like a rebuilding team in baseball signing a vet and flipping him for a prospect. Portland and head coach Terry Stotts could use Aminu, but getting a younger, cheaper and possibly higher ceiling talent would be worth relinquishing one of the league’s quintessential 3-and-D players.

It’s easy to envision what Aminu would give to the hyper-talented offensive conglomerate for the Thunder. As a stopper role similar to Andre Roberson, Aminu can contain wings and smaller fours. Despite taking more than four three-point attempts per game, Aminu would operate as a slasher more for a team heavily invested in the jumper.

Next: Orlando gets a Rim Protector