It seems crazy, but the NBA trade deadline is already less than a month away.
March 25 is the final day teams will be allowed to make trades. That means that the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup could be looking a bit different over the next 30 days.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks took a dive into the needs of each team and their most-likely trade possibilities. Oklahoma City, who is not expected to be a serious playoff contender despite their competitive play over the first two months, should be selling.
Marks listed George Hill, Mike Muscala and Trevor Ariza as three players likely to be moved.
Hill makes just under $10 million this season, and only $1.2 million of his $10 million contract next year is guaranteed. He’s a good 3-point shooter, good leader and has years of playoff experience. Marks wrote:
“Despite the injury, Hill checks the boxes on what a playoff team looks for: veteran leadership, playoff experience (127 career games), can start or come off the bench and has a contract that fits within the budget.”
Additionally, the Thunder would probably like to keep Theo Maledon’s minutes high as the second-round draft pick emerges as a solid NBA player. He has been starting in place of Hill since the veteran injured his thumb.
Even with the injury, teams should come calling about Hill.
Muscala accepted his $2.3 million player option for this season, and his production has made that price tag look silly low. He is a stretch-5 that can drain 3s, and Marks noted that the Thunder do not have to take back salary, so they could shed him for a second-round pick if they so choose.
“Muscala is an under-the-radar trade prospect because of his ability to stretch the floor and most important his $2.3 million contract.”
Ariza did not join the Thunder after Oklahoma City acquired him in a three-team trade. Marks wrote that he’s more likely to get bought out than traded.
“The forward is more likely to get bought out of his contract than traded. He is owed $4.3 million at the time of the trade deadline.”
Oklahoma City’s decision-making process will be aided by the enormous trade exceptions they hold. From trades this offseason, they have exceptions worth $27.6 million, $19.6 million and $7.4 million.
A rebuilding team is unlikely to use such large exceptions, though they could use it for an expensive player like Blake Griffin if their trade partner attaches enough assets on top of the deal. Additionally, they could simply use them to match lower salaries and not use the full exception.
Notably, Marks left center Al Horford off his trade review for the Thunder. That implies that the team either isn’t actively shopping him or is not expected to this season.
With two more years on Horford’s contract, Oklahoma City has time to work out a deal for him during the offseason, if they so choose.
Trade season is once again here. After a frenetic offseason, will general manager Sam Presti and the Thunder make any moves this month?
This post originally appeared on OKCThunderWire. Follow us on Facebook!