Analyzing Big Men the Thunder Could Trade For Amidst Rebounding Struggles

A trade this season is highly unlikely, but the Thunder could certainly use some rebounding help.

Oklahoma City is 8-4 to start the season, and there’s not much to complain about. The offense is firing on all cylinders and the team’s young core has continued to improve. Most importantly, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still looks like an MVP candidate.

The Thunder has benefitted greatly from Chet Holmgren’s addition to the lineup, and since Kenrich Williams returned from injury the team has received a massive boost. The front court doesn’t have much depth but has battled game in and game out. What they give up in size, they make up for in speed and athleticism. The team has been a nightmare to guard recently.

The rebounding issues have been glaring to start the season, but the team is finding a way to win. While it’s not as big of a problem as people are suggesting, it’s still possible the Thunder try to add a big man via trade. Oklahoma City certainly won’t go all in to compete for a championship this year, so a big trade is highly unlikely, but it’s always fun to envision what type of frontcourt player the Thunder could add to pair with Holmgren.

Here are a few options:

Nikola Vucevic

The Bulls could be hitting the reset button soon, and selling on Vucevic around the trade deadline would make sense. He’s a walking double-double and an unbelievable rebounder. His offensive game is creative, and he would help space the floor for the Thunder. This season, Vucevic is averaging 17 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.

Karl Anthony-Towns

This would be a blockbuster, and highly unlikely. KAT has a massive contract, and the Thunder might opt to stay away from something like that. However, his fit in Minnesota is a bit awkward, and he doesn’t quite fit with budding superstar Anthony Edwards. Anthony-Towns is averaging 21 points and 9.3 rebounds this season, proving he can still produce at a high level.

Robert Williams

This trade wouldn’t help the Thunder this season. It’s reported that Williams will opt for a season-ending injury, so he won’t be available during 2023-24. For next season, however, his rebounding prowess could prove massive. He’s already accepted a bench role in Portland, so that wouldn’t be a problem for him. His fit makes sense, but the question would be about the timeline.

Daniel Gafford

Gafford certainly isn’t as big of a name as the others but it would be a value add at a low cost. He won’t play heavy minutes and can pull down rebounds when the Thunder needs help. He’s averaging 8.6 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 72.9% from the floor this year. With Washington looking to add any sort of draft capital for its rebuild, this trade could make sense for both sides.

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