NBA: D.J. Augustin, Unheralded Players Worth Trading For

NBA: Unheralded Players Worth Trading For

Nov 6, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison (7) after a basket against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Houston Rockets defeated the Sacramento Kings 116-110. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 23, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard D.J. Augustin (14) dribbles the ball along the baseline in front of Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

D.J. Augustin, Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: Point Guard

Age: 28

Salary: $3,000,000 (Expiring)

Slash Line: .379/.390/.765

Season Averages: 15.7 MPG, 4.4 PPG, 1.9 APG, 1.1 RPG, 0.7 3PM

In recent games, the Oklahoma City Thunder have received a spark from rookie lottery pick Cameron Payne. As illustrated by the fact that Sam Presti chose Payne at No. 14 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, the hope is that he can develop into a high-caliber complement to Russell Westbrook.

Whether fair or foul, that’s made veteran point guard D.J. Augustin somewhat expendable.

Augustin utilized 2013-14, as well as the first half of 2014-15, to restore his reputation. He helped lead the Chicago Bulls to the playoffs under Tom Thibodeau, and was thriving for Stan Van Gundy and the Detroit Pistons before being traded to Oklahoma City.

Chalk it up to whatever you’d like, but Augustin hasn’t found his niche with the Thunder.

What Augustin would provide to a different contender is the services of a backup with the ability to start. He’s a pick-and-roll playmaker who can torment defenses from midrange, step out beyond the 3-point line, and utilize his quickness to get to the basket.

He alone won’t solidify a contender, but any number of teams could utilize Augustin as a key piece in a postseason push.

Next: Best Backup Point Guard in the NBA?