Why This Trade Makes Sense For The OKC Thunder

Draft picks, cap space and young talent. These are the three things GM Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder front-office are looking to get, which is why this trade makes sense for them. 

Alfonzo McKinnie is 28-years old and is in his 4th year in the league, but he has never really been given an opportunity to prove himself. He did get a fair amount of time with the Warriors and Cavs from 2018-2020 and was actually a really decent role player. 

Given that Oklahoma City is always looking to play new talent and mix things up rotation wise since they have nothing to lose this season, McKinnie could actually turn himself into a reliable wing for the Thunder. During the 2018-19 season with the Warriors, he was a key bench player in their run to the NBA Finals, averaging 4.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and shooting 48.7% from the floor in about 14 minutes per game. 

Given more time and opportunities, he could turn himself into a solid role player off-the-bench in OKC’s second-unit. However, the only thing that really matters about this trade for the Thunder is the first-round pick they get in 2025. 

RELATED: NBA Trade Rumor: This Magic-Thunder trade gives Mo Bamba a fresh start

In this scenario, it would be protected if the pick lands in the top ten of that draft, but the protections could always be changed and there may not even be any protections on it since OKC has all the leverage in this trade. The Lakers could use Muscala and the Thunder could care less if they kept him, giving OKC all the say in this trade. 

The first-round pick sets OKC up for more success moving forward and the chance to build another championship contending roster. The possibilities on how to build this roster in Oklahoma City moving forward are endless and GM Sam Presti is going to have a lot of fun assembling what looks to be a very promising and exciting roster in OKC over the next few years.