Did the Thunder Address All of its Needs at the Trade Deadline?

Gordon Hayward was the Oklahoma City Thunder's newest and only addition at the NBA trade deadline, but it may have needed more to solidify itself as a top contender.

Trade season is officially over in the NBA world.

The trade deadline is the final opportunity for teams to make upgrades to their rosters, which the Oklahoma City Thunder took advantage of by acquiring Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets.

It's a win-now move, adding a veteran with ample amounts of playoff experience to a young Thunder roster that lacks exactly that. It doesn't necessarily need more wing depth, but having that is never a problem for a contending team.

Hayward's ability to space the floor and convert catch-and-shoot opportunities will also help smooth out Oklahoma City's offense, who is averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in 25 games. He hasn't suited up since Dec. 26, but is expected to play very soon for the Thunder. 

That being said, adding Hayward wasn't the only concern for Oklahoma City as the trade deadline approached.

The backup center position has been an issue all season, especially in the rebounding front. Jaylin Williams can give solid minutes behind rookie Chet Holmgren, but the Thunder could have used a larger-sized big man who can matchup better with bruisers in the paint. 

The name floating around primarily included Andre Drummond, a veteran center who has solidified himself as one of the NBA's best rebounders for the past decade. The Chicago Bulls decided to stand pat, and no deal was made between the two parties. 

It's a concern that definitely could've used fixing ahead of the playoffs, especially when matching up against some of the dominant big men in the Western Conference. As great as Holmgren is, the rookie learning curve has hit him at times and very well could in the playoffs.

Although grabbing another backup center would've been a nice addition, it wasn't an absolute necessity. The Thunder doesn't play a style that demands a traditional center that needs to clog the paint, instead relying on floor-spacing and athleticism. Drummond may be a great rebounder, but the rest of his game doesn't mesh well the personnel Oklahoma City has.

The only issue stemming from the Hayward trade is now the hole left at the backup guard position, where Cason Wallace only really fits into. An increased role makes a lot of sense for the rookie, who has made a huge impact on the defensive end. But by losing both Mann and Micic, the depth is paper thin. 

This could pave the way for Josh Giddey to move to the second unit and take control there, while Hayward is inserted into the starting lineup. The 21-year-old has struggled this year, but clearly plays better with the ball in his hands and as the lead guard. It could give him the opportunity to get back to a consistent level of play, as well as adding a boost to the bench lineup. 

To answer the ultimate question, the Thunder didn't directly address all of its needs, but those needs were also not essential. Getting Hayward alone is enough to help improve its ceiling this season, while a backup center or guard would've been the icing on the cake. 

Whether Oklahoma City should have added the icing will only be decided once the playoffs roll around, but until then, the focus is on what Hayward can bring to the organization. 

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