NBA Trade Deadline 2018: 5 big trades the Thunder would have to consider

4. Magic send Simmons to Thunder for Patterson

Patrick Patterson has played minimally for the Thunder this season. Patterson is averaging a career low 3.4 points-per-game while seeing the fewest minutes during his eight-year career. He spent the last two seasons with the Toronto Raptors. He was supposed to be the key acquisition for the Thunder bench this season but has played well and struggled with injuries. However, for a team like Orlando, he could be valuable on a very reasonable contract if he can return to form. Oklahoma City just doesn’t have time to wait.

Jonathon Simmons is a tall, athletic guard with humble beginnings. The Houston grad began his career with the Sugar Land Legends of the American Basketball League. Simmons reportedly spent thousands on an Austin Toros tryout, and it paid off. Two seasons later, The San Antonio Spurs rolled the dice and were not regretful.

Currently, Simmons is shooting over 30 percent from the 3-point line in 28 minutes per contest. He has been one of the few bright spots for the Magic. The Thunder could use a spark of offense. Even though they have three elite scoring threats, everyone needs a little help.

Orlando’s general manager John Hammond, may not want to sacrifice potential talent. On the bright side, both players are under 30. Contracts are similar and talent level is comparable. With the Magic going nowhere in 2017-18, acquiring Patterson would be a low-level risk at best.

As discussed before, the Thunder will gear up for a dark-horse playoff run in the West.  Simmons has experience with three straight trips to the playoffs with San Antonio.

Perhaps a draft pick or cash will be the difference maker in this potential trade deadline transaction.