5 roster moves the Oklahoma City Thunder need to make this offseason

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Derrick Favors #15, Luguentz Dort #5, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2, Darius Bazley #7 and Kenrich Williams #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder react during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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Mar 23, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) shoots as Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) looks on during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

Offseason moves the Oklahoma City Thunder need to make: 2. Pick up Darius Bazley’s team option

Darius Bazley is a key piece of the future of this franchise. His athleticism and energy are infectious on a young team. He is also only 21 years old, coming into the NBA as an 18-year-old and developing over the following few years.

While he has not put up great numbers for his three seasons, as mentioned previously, his energy is so important. Bazley provides a true spark off the bench, he is able to change the momentum of a game in a single play, be it a chase-down block or a massive dunk.

He evolved from a starter to a key bench spark plug. Yes, I say evolved because when the Thunder started their rebuild, Bazley was a starter. Then, thanks to injury over the last season, Bazley came back and was coming off the bench and showed the ability to do almost anything against opposition second units.

Rebuilding is not just about getting the stars. Every team has stars on its roster. It is also about getting the right rotations pieces around these stars. With the amount of draft picks this organization has this should not be a problem.

If Bazley is happy to continue to come off the bench, he will be a lock for this team moving forward. The Thunder should also look to extend Bazley, securing him for the foreseeable future.

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