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The Oklahoma City Thunder certainly did not anticipate such a challenging start to their season. While the team is not necessarily struggling to secure victories, the absence of multiple key contributors is beginning to weigh heavily on the roster.
In the opening weeks alone, OKC has already lost several of its top players. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace could potentially be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Both starters suffered long-term injuries during the Thunder's 108-101 win over the LA Clippers on Sunday night.
General manager Sam Presti announced on Monday that guard Jalen Williams will undergo surgery for a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula, while guard Cason Wallace will have surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. According to ESPN, both players are expected to miss several months.
Additionally, Chet Holmgren is dealing with his own injury and is projected to miss at least the next two months. The team announced on Friday, Oct. 30, that the All-Star center will be out for at least two months due to a small patellar tendon tear in his right knee. The Thunder stated that Holmgren underwent a "biological treatment" to address the issue and is expected to make a full recovery, with a timeline of 8-to-10 weeks, as reported by USA Today's Lorenzo Reyes.
Amid these injury woes, Sports Illustrated's Blake Silverman believes the Thunder will trade Nikola Topi for Derrick Jones Jr. Jones, a veteran forward, makes considerable sense for the Thunder from a contractual standpoint. He is on an expiring $10.5 million deal and will become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
OKC could acquire Jones while avoiding the second apron by sending out a smaller salary player like Nikola Topi. The Thunder already declined Topi's option for next season, which will make him an unrestricted free agent, Silverman noted. This move would provide OKC with much-needed size on the perimeter and help its defense compensate for the losses it has suffered.
Jones plays as hard as anyone in the league and is a legitimate high flyer. This would be a relatively easy move for the Thunder to execute, especially given Topi's uncertain future with the team. If OKC and Jones develop a strong relationship, it could incentivize the veteran forward to re-sign with the team this summer.
Key Analysis
The proposed trade addresses the Thunder's immediate need for depth and defensive versatility following a spate of injuries. Jones's expiring contract offers financial flexibility, and his athleticism could inject energy into a depleted lineup. While the loss of Williams, Wallace, and Holmgren is a significant blow, acquiring a player of Jones's caliber might keep Oklahoma City competitive in the short term and potentially beyond.
Originally reported by yahoo.