2. Oklahoma City Thunder
The only team with comparable draft capital to the Pelicans is the Thunder. After massive packages for Paul George and Russell Westbrook, most expected the Thunder to enter a rebuilding stage. Instead, the team positioned itself in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.
It’s not inconceivable, though, that the Thunder remain focused on building for the future this off-season. Danilo Gallinari is set to be a free agent. Chris Paul’s contract may never be more tradeable than this off-season. Dennis Schroder, a Sixth Man of the Year favorite, will be an expiring contract and a player that could have a big market.
It all could add up to a new focus next season. And while Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is the guard for the future, a backcourt of Ball and Alexander would be as good a young backcourt as any in the league. The Thunder would have the means to move up in the draft and Ball would have the appeal to be another face of the team’s rebuild.