With the NBA Trade Deadline right around the corner, the 35-16 Oklahoma City Thunder are in a position to make a move to improve their roster. With the Indiana Pacers grabbing Pascal Siakam earlier this season, a frontcourt logjam could open the door for the Thunder to trade for Jalen Smith.
Notable Stats and Skills
Jalen Smith has already been part of a trade in his career after starting with the Phoenix Suns before being shipped to the Pacers during the 2021-22 season. This year, Smith is averaging 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and a stock per game, shooting 62 percent from the floor, 47 percent from beyond the arc, and 70 percent at the charity stripe.
Contract Situation
Jalen Smith is owed $5 million this season, with a $5.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the Summer of 2025.
Thunder Fit
Smith is one of the best fits for the OKC Thunder who could be available at Thursday's deadline. At 6-foot-10, his floor-spacing ability allows him to seamlessly join the Thunder's five-out, motion-heavy offense.
According to Synergy, the Pacers forward is shooting 44.6 percent on catch-and-shoot looks, which ranks in the 89th percentile. Smith also converts at a 74.7 percent clip at the cup.
As a high-level transition threat, pick-and-roll man, and cutter to finish off plays to go along with 27 put-back buckets this season for the Pacers off the bench.
An ultra-efficient offensive weapon that can play away from the floor and command respect for opponents is a welcomed sign for the Thunder's bench mob.
There is also reason to believe that, surrounded by much better defenders in Oklahoma City, Smith would vastly improve on that end of the floor.
Market Value
The Market for Smith is tricky; given that he can become a free agent after this season, you do not want to give up too much for him. However, no law says the Pacers have to trade the productive role player, so it has to be worth it for them, too, even with the logjam up front.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a plethora of first-round picks and 20 tradeable second-round picks; the Thunder can beat any draft compensation for a trade. The more interesting aspect is what Indiana would want as a sweetener. How many packets of Splenda does it take to make a cup of coffee? Is Tre Mann enticing enough? Any interested in an Aleksej Pokusevski experience? Without having a valuable disposable player, the Thunder would likely need to woo the Pacers with draft picks.
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