Phoenix Suns: Grading Chris Paul deal that makes them contenders
By Duncan Smith
Trade grade for the OKC Thunder
Not to give away the ending, but this was a home run of a deal for the Thunder. They have a variety of directions they can go with this haul of assorted veterans and youngsters. More likely than not, Ricky Rubio will find himself on the trade market, and Kelly Oubre should have value as well.
Ty Jerome and Jalen Lecque are less heralded, but they’re young and cheap, and that has its own value during trade season in the NBA.
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That 2022 protected pick is an intriguing chip as well, because the Thunder are getting to the point where their war chest of draft assets is almost too big. Eventually, they’re going to want to start combining and packaging some of these picks, because you can only draft so many players.
This season, the Thunder will have two first-round picks, two in 2021, potentially three in 2022, potentially two in 2023, potentially three in 2024, one in 2025, and as many as three in 2026.
There is absolutely no chance the Thunder use all of these picks themselves, so it’s going to be fascinating to see just how they end up utilizing them. A market like Oklahoma City generally can’t count on drawing free agent interest, so drafting and trading well is the way to go.
As far as the product on the floor, this trade and the trade of Dennis Schroder appear to be clear evidence from the organization that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the point guard of the future, and they’re going put him to the test next season with plenty of responsibility.