3. The Thunder stayed relatively quiet at the deadline this year, was that the right move? Were there any players that they should have targeted?
Eberley: Enes Kanter is a sixth man of the year candidate, despite defensive flaws he has been a good pickup for them (Yes, I know this was last season). An off-ball shooter they could play for 30+ minutes a night, or an off the bench instant offense type player would’ve gone a long way.
Kyle Korver would’ve been a phenomenal pickup and his name was tossed around a bit at the deadline. Danilo Gallinari (now injured) would’ve been a terrific fit in Oklahoma City. I don’t know what OKC had on the table, who they had on the phones, but Randy Foye wasn’t the all-in move Thunder fans, and possibly even Durant wanted to see this deadline.
Bourguet: While I can appreciate the move for Randy Foye considering his career shooting percentage from three-point range, that trade is rapidly proving to have been a mistake. I can’t say there was any one move the Thunder should have made, but it’s hard to understand why the Thunder didn’t make an offer for the two-way talents of someone like Courtney Lee or Kyle Korver, potentially perfect fits to replace Andre Roberson at the 2.
Korver’s shot has returned, while Lee is now helping the Hornets to the third best record in the NBA since Feb. 6. Hell, even a proven shooter like Mirza Teletovic would have helped.
Hanneke: Tough to say because we don’t really know how aggressively they pursued some of the names being thrown around. Joe Johnson was one they obviously considered, but he pretty clearly didn’t want to go to OKC, so it’s no one’s fault and it is what it is. The Thunder is going to have to pay up for Durant and, eventually, Westbrook, Ibaka and even Steven Adams, so it’s hard to say they should have gone out and added some huge piece because it just wouldn’t have really made sense for them in the bigger picture.
Woods: Saving some luxury tax money was probably the right thing to do at the deadline given that the front office will ask the owners to fork over everything they have for the next few years with Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka up for free agency in the next two summers.
To answer who they should have targeted, I often wonder who the worst player the Thunder could acquire and become legitimate contenders this year. It would have been impossible to acquire him at the trade deadline this year, but I always come back to J.J. Redick.
Next: Kevin Durant's free agency