NBA Free Agency 2017: One trade every team should make
Oklahoma City Thunder
The clock is ticking on Russell Westbrook. I’m sure Sam Presti is acutely aware.
It feels like since the dawn of time, the Thunder have unfruitfully searched for a 2-way backcourt partner for Westbrook. They’ve filled the slot with guys who can defend but can’t shoot, guys who can shoot but can’t defend, and guys who can’t really do either.
In a perimeter-oriented league, shoring up the spot opposite Westbrook should be top priority.
I know Westbrook and Patrick Beverley have a history, but people normally fight with those who are the most like them. Finding each other on the same side of the brawl would probably make them fast friends.
Beverley is used to fitting the parameters of a point guard, but hardly ever touching the ball. Going from playing with James Harden to Westbrook would be old hat. He’s known for his dogged defense but dramatically improved his 3-point shooting, putting up percentages beyond the arc of 38.2 in the regular season and 40.4 in the playoffs. He’d finally give the Thunder a player they wouldn’t have to take concessions with on either side of the ball. Beverley is small of course, but Westbrook has the length and strength to matchup with bigger guards, allowing the pairing to flourish.
Trevor Ariza would also provide a stable 3-and-D veteran to lean on as a secondary option. Hopefully, he’d be able to take Oklahoma City’s coterie of swingmen under his wing and teach them consistency.
You don’t normally see embroiled conference foes make trades with each other. For that reason, the Thunder really have to sweeten the pot for the Rockets to comply.
Steven Adams would give the Rockets a reliable option in the pivot and an injection of some sorely needed toughness.
Victor Oladipo never really found himself in a great situation thus far in his career. He’s just 25 though, and getting immersed in the invigorating waters of the Houston system should be revitalizing. Essentially swapping Ariza for Oladipo gives Houston a chance to develop a similar player who’s seven years younger.