With just over a week left until the NBA trade deadline, it’s time for everyone in the league to try and predict what might happen. There are many buyers and a few sellers, but it is not yet known which teams fall into which categories.
On Monday morning, The Ringer’s Michael Pina suggested five teams that should act before the deadline. One of those teams he was the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It looks like the Thunder will likely be pretty quiet on Deadline, but the proposed trade idea would make quite a splash.
In this mock trade, Oklahoma City trades with the San Antonio Spurs to push a play-in.
Oklahoma City gets: Jacob Poeltl
San Antonio gets: Mike Mascara, OKC’s Protected 2023 First Round Pick in the Lottery and LAC’s Unprotected 2024 First Round Pick
If Thunder made this deal, it would be pretty shocking. After all, GM Sam Presti preaches patience during rebuilding and this is the opposite. If Oklahoma City can get Poeltle for cheap, it makes sense. But for the major veteran and his two first-rounders, the deal makes no sense as one of them is unprotected.
Additionally, Poeltl is entering the final year of his contract. Thunder will risk him walking this summer if he can’t get a deal to keep him. He was 28 when the season started.
Poeltl is fun at OKC and could really help the team reach the playoffs, but in the current state of Thunder’s rebuilding, this move is premature.
Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on Facebook, follow me on twitter Get all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
