NBA Trade Deadline: OKC Thunder Expected to 'Hold Off' on Major Trades
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The NBA trade deadline is just around the corner, and it's essentially a second wave of free agency, this time just happening before the All-Star break. Typically, the Oklahoma City Thunder is inactive during the trade deadline, and they've been more active in the buyout market, which is a fallout of players who were moved on to situations that don't make sense.
The past few years, the Thunder has been slightly more active at the trade deadline. They've acquired a plethora of draft picks and young talents over the past few years and now have that to work with at the deadline.
This has seen the Thunder naturally roped into rumors and discussions around many, many trades big or small. They've got contracts to match most players and the draft compensation to pay a steep enough price to complete most trades. Still, the Thunder might be content with their current roster and trades might come at a later date.
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported that the Thunder is unlikely to make any big moves at the trade deadline, which could have been expected.
“The Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to hold off on making any major roster additions at this time, sources said. Sam Presti and Co. will evaluate their options pertaining to Davis Bertans' contract and Josh Giddey's future based on how this year's team finishes the season," Siegel reported.
A big part of the process of building a contender is patience -- a message Sam Presti and the Thunder have been keen on sending since the beginning of the rebuild. It has a new meaning now, though. Getting real playoff experience is the best way the Thunder can evaluate what they truly have and what moves should be made.
So, it should come as no shock that the Thunder won't be making any big moves, but this doesn't mean the offseason or next trade deadline will be the same. Right now, the name of the game is patience and truly evaluating this team and their postseason fit.
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