Thunder early 2024 NBA trade deadline predictions

Lauri Markkanen sure would be a quality trade deadline addition for the Thunder…

In the lead-up to the NBA trade deadline in 2024, the Oklahoma City Thunder are a thrilling team to watch. Oklahoma City has the salary and a ton of extra draft money to make a significant move.

With an 18-8 record so far, the Thunder sit second in the Western Conference. Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who keeps getting better as a player, is leading them.

Gilgeous-Alexander was named to the NBA’s First Team the previous season. Following that, he has averaged 30.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.8 steals per game this season, placing him in the running for MVP. The 25-year-old guard is making 31.3 percent of his three-pointers and 53.4 percent of his field goals.

 

Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are the remaining components of the core. Holmgren is averaging 17.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game in his outstanding rookie campaign. The twenty-one-year-old center shoots 38.1 percent from downtown and 53.1 percent from the floor. In his second season, Williams is averaging 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, which is having a big impact. The 22-year-old’s field goal percentage is 49.7% and 35.4% from the rear of the arc.

Josh Giddey is another young, gifted player for Oklahoma City. Giddey’s future circumstances are unknown, though, as he is being investigated for having an improper contact with a minor. He hasn’t shown himself to be a good fit with the team’s three core players as of yet, either.

 

The contracts and draft money held by the Thunder allow them to land a star

before the deadline. Here are our Thunder early 2024 NBA trade deadline predictions, having said that.

Thunder make a trade for a star

With its youthful core, Oklahoma City is suddenly in a win-now period. They have

players around Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the finest guards in the league, who

can help them win. With their large amount of draft capital, they might be

serious contenders for the crown if they add a star.

 

One player the Thunder may be interested in is star forward Lauri Markkanen. It’s been claimed that the

Utah Jazz are selling at the deadline, and Markkanen might be available. The 26-

year-old All-Star is shooting 38.1 percent from beyond the arc and 48.4 percent

from the field, averaging 23.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

Markkanen could replace Williams and Holmgren in the lineup as a power

forward, instantly improving Oklahoma City’s lineup on both ends of the court.

With a dynamic multi-level scorer like Markkanen, the attack may have greater potency. He is an adaptable defender who can play a variety of positions and contribute at the rim. Markkanen has an incredible contract that runs through this year and the following year.

 

Oklahoma City may also be interested in stars like Pascal Siakam, Donovan Mitchell, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan. The Thunder should act to take advantage of their opportunity since they have the wages and draft resources to make a big impression at the deadline.

Thunder go all-in, add role players around new star and core

Oklahoma City should add depth with role players in addition to the possibility of landing a star at the deadline. With Andre Drummond, an improvement at backup center is an option. There has been reference between Drummond and the Thunder. In 13.5 minutes, the 30-year-old is averaging 6.4 points and 6.8 rebounds.

One of their main needs in order to give the rotation more depth is this. As of right now, Jaylin Williams is the backup center. In roughly 13 minutes per game, Williams is averaging 4.3 points and 3.4 rebounds. At 6’9″, he is undersized and more of a stretch big man than a center. When Holmgren is not on the court, the Thunder might benefit quickly by trading for a conventional backup center.

 

Another option would be to try adding additional forward depth. The Thunder may be interested in any of the several forwards that will be available. In addition to a star, Oklahoma City’s front staff needs to acquire role players by the deadline.

 

With a few changes, the Thunder might go up to contend for the championship before the cutoff. With the most assets in the league, they have the potential to make a significant trade deadline move for a marquee player.