Oklahoma City made a splash deal at deadline that came as a surprise to some. Most people expected the Thunder to stand pat and ride it out with the young team, seeing how the core fares in the playoffs. Others thought Sam Presti might chase a big man and solve the team’s rebounding issue. Neither happened though, and the Thunder ended up going in a different direction — one that could pay off in a big way.
Presti struck a deal with the Charlotte Hornets, bringing in a former All Star in Gordon Hayward and only giving up pieces on the end of the bench. Hayward gives the Thunder another veteran leader, a voice in the locker room, and a big time scoring option. In 25 games with the Hornets this season, he averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 46.8% shooting and 36.1% from 3-point range.
The dust has now settled, and the consensus around Oklahoma City’s deadline move is very positive. Because the Thunder moved three bench players in return for Hayward though, the team now has a few open roster spots to fill. Of course, the two-way guys will get a look — Lindy Waters III in particular who has played in a handful of games this season. But the Thunder could also explore the buy-out market. It’s usually a bit more star-studded than it is this year, but Oklahoma City doesn’t need a volume shooter or someone expecting to start. Management would likely target very specific players.
That’s why veteran big men Robin Lopez and Thaddeus Young make sense for the Thunder.
Lopez, a 35-year old journeyman in the NBA, gives the Thunder a massive body on the roster at 7-foot-1 and even if he never plays meaningful minutes for the team, could provide practice battles for Chet Holmgren. Over the course of his career, Lopez has been highly regarded as the perfect locker room voice and a great leader. The Thunder could use his playoff experience, size and influence on its young core.
Young has also been around the block a few times, too, and brings playoff experience. The real sell with him, aside from being a veteran presence in the locker room, is his positional versatility. He can play center, but he’s not a big 7-footer that only rebounds. He fits into small ball lineups, is a solid passer, and is more creative on offense than most. Young’s best season in recent memory came with Chicago in 2020, where he averaged 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He can do a little bit of everything and slots in at the center spot.
The buyout market could be difficult for the Thunder considering two important reasons. First of all, many veterans on the buyout market are looking for guaranteed playing time and a shot at big minutes. Second of all, Oklahoma City’s biggest free agent signing in franchise history is Patrick Patterson.
If the buyout market is the way to go and veterans are attracted to the team’s playoff positioning and ceiling, Lopez and Young could be prime candidates to help the Thunder down the stretch.
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