2. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder were 19-24 and on the outskirts of a playoff spot at one point in the season, but they engaged in what could only be described as an egregious tank job. After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury, the Thunder sat Al Horford in order to play young players, and they won just three games in the rest of the season while losing 22.
Sam Presti and OKC are building for the future, which is clear given their historic haul of first-round picks. However, rostering that many first-rounders is unlikely, meaning that Presti might sell those picks to acquire a star. However, the Thunder have a lot of work to do, meaning that the multi-pick trade might not come just yet.
The Raptors and Thunder could do business.
While their direction is still anyone’s guess, one certainty is that Horford will be traded. One of the few teams in the NBA that could make a trade for Horford, considering both financials and the need for a player with his skill set, is Toronto, as he could be an instant upgrade at the center spot.
On the flip side of that coin, if the Thunder decide the time is right to surround Gilgeous-Alexander and their first-round pick this year with more talent, they could trade away first-round picks for role players. Toronto could be the beneficiary of such a philosophy.
Presti will be working the phones aggressively, and Masai Ujiri and the front office need to work out a deal with him.