Staying Put Thunder’s Best Move After Last Year’s Failed Trade

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been atop the Western Conference for nearly the entire season.

At 37-9, they own a 5.5-game lead over the second-place Houston Rockets and six-game lead over the third-place Memphis Grizzlies.

Teams, including the Thunder, always do their due diligence as the NBA trade deadline comes and goes.

They ask if making a move will improve their championship chances.

The way the Thunder have played, it certainly is possible that they can win it all without making a trade.

One has to wonder if last years deadline move by Oklahoma City may cause them to get cold feet towards making a move this year.

Staying Put Thunders Best Move After Last Years Failed Trade Thunder Didnt See Gordon Hayward Trade Work Out At last years trade deadline, the Thunder were 35-16.

The top of the Western Conference was extremely tight.

Entering February 8, 2024 , the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets had the same 35-16 record as Oklahoma City, creating a three-way tie for best record.

The Los Angeles Clippers were just a half-game behind at 34-16.

A move to slightly improve any of those teams on the trade deadline could go a long way towards championship aspirations (it was actually the Dallas Mavericks who were 28-23, eighth in the Western Conference at the deadline, who reached the NBA Finals).

The Thunder did decide to make one trade at the 2024 trade deadline.

The deal involved the Charlotte Hornets.

Oklahoma City acquired forward Gordon Hayward in exchange for Davis Bertans , Tre Mann , Vasilije Micic , and two second round picks.

It seemed like a lot for a soon-to-be 34-year-old at the time who had an injury-plagued last few seasons.

Still, none of the three players dealt by the Thunder were necessarily key rotation pieces.

Perhaps Hayward could stay healthy and help the team reach the NBA Finals.

While Hayward mostly remained healthy, Oklahoma City didnt reach their ultimate goal despite entering the playoffs as the Wests top seed.

They lost in the second round to the eventual Western Conference champion Mavericks in six games.

In Haywards 26 regular season games with the Thunder, he posted averages of 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

Playing 46 minutes over seven playoff outings, the 6-foot-7 forward went scoreless, only attempting three shots.

Hayward was eventually taken out of the playoff rotation, and subsequently retired after the season.

Staying Put May Be Best Option This season, the Thunder have looked even better when compared to last, as there are just five short days from the trade deadline passsing.

Theres no doubt that they are one of the title favorites regardless of whether they make a move or not by February 6.

One could say that Chet Holmgren can almost be seen as a trade deadline addition.

Last seasons Rookie of the Year runner-up, the 22-year-old last played on November 10.

A right iliac wing fracture has sidelined Holmgren for nearly three months.

While its not exactly clear when he will return, it should be soon enough.

Not every trade deadline deal for title contenders ends up panning out.

The Thunders certainly didnt last year.

Standing pat and getting Holmgren back may just be all that is needed.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..

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