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NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Northwest Division team

By Dalton Sell

PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 30: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons posts up against CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Moda Center on November 30, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 30: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons posts up against CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Moda Center on November 30, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Northwest Division team
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic plays defense against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City, NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Northwest Division team. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Northwest Division NBA trades: OKC Thunder – Mohamed Bamba

The rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder have several young pieces locked in as they continue building for the future, but one position that remains uncertain is their long-term center.

With their cache of draft picks, it would be wise for the Thunder to look at adding some size with a player they could have for the next several years to keep building around this core. In that case, one player that fits with them is Mohamed Bamba of the Orlando Magic.

After struggling to find his footing throughout his first three seasons, Bamba is currently having a career year with the Magic. He’s averaging 10.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and an impressive 2.1 blocks per game.

The 23-year-old still has ample amounts of untapped potential, and a team like the Thunder could be the perfect destination to help unleash it as they continue prioritizing their youth. He would be a seamless fit alongside building blocks such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort.

While Bamba’s value on the trade market had been clouded previously, Bleacher Report insider Jake Fischer recently reported that the Magic are reportedly asking for a first-round pick for the big man.

Given that OKC has an abundance of those, they could certainly meet that asking price to acquire Bamba. In that scenario, they would also have to consider that he will be a restricted free agent after the season, and they could lock him in for the long haul as a result.