Does this trade make sense for the Oklahoma City Thunder?
General manager Sam Presti is always wanting to acquire draft picks, which is why he could be interested in getting involved in this Grizzlies-Pelicans trade. Kenrich Williams is nothing more than a role player for this team and while they would be getting a low second-round pick in 2024, the Thunder would also get a young, athletic wing in Jarrett Culver.
Drafted 6th overall in 2019, Culver has yet to impress at the NBA-level but is still an athletic and versatile talent nonetheless. Getting to Oklahoma City and being able to play with other young, athletic players could really bring out the most in a guy like Culver, hence why the Thunder would be willing to take a chance on him.
They really have nothing to lose in terms of moving Williams for Culver and for an extra second-round pick, why not make this deal if you are the Thunder?
Sam Presti has acquired a total of 35 draft picks through the 2028 NBA Draft and the Thunder are a young team on the rise in this league. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City has a plethora of youthful, athletic talents on their roster and they are only going to be adding more through the years.
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In the final year of his rookie contract, Jarrett Culver could possibly work out with the Thunder, but if he is not someone they do not want to invest into long-term, they could simply let him go in free agency following the year and still make out with a future second-round pick.
There is really nothing for the Thunder not to like about this deal, but we should expect something bigger over the next year or so.
Oklahoma City acquired all of these draft picks for a reason and it is not crazy to believe that they will target an All-Star of their own in a trade either this season or next offseason.
This organization has a ton of potential to grow into something special in due time, which is why they could end up going all-in for one of the next All-Star talents that hits the market.
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Whether it be someone like Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard or Brandon Ingram, expect the Thunder to pursue a very well-known name over the next few seasons.
