How This Trade Impacts Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the early parts of a rebuild but could look to start building a more competitive roster. With the Western Conference looking a little weaker than anticipated thus far, the Thunder could make a push for the NBA Play-In Tournament.
If that is the route they take, they will need some help earning a spot there. One player that could help them do that is Myles Turner.
The Thunder is actually a solid defensive team, ranking 15th in defensive rating according to Basketball-Reference. It is their offense that is slacking, which Turner could help improve as well as pushing them toward a top-10 defensive rating.
Turner is having the best shooting season of his career and has shown that he has the potential to do more than just space the floor as a 3-point shooter. He has some moves going to the basket after a pump fake from the perimeter and his offensive repertoire would expand being involved in more action, the role Domantas Sabonis occupies in Indiana.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Mavericks-Pacers Trade Sends Myles Turner To Dallas
The price to acquire him seems steep, as the Thunder are sending two first-round picks to the Pacers for him. But, when you have as many draft picks as Sam Presti has compiled, surrendering two for an elite rim protector with offensive upside is a drop in the bucket.
Derrick Favors is someone Oklahoma City would likely look to flip sooner than later and Kenrich Williams is a solid glue guy. But, neither should deter the Thunder from acquiring Turner should this deal be offered.