NBA Trade Deadline: OKC Thunder Has Third-Best Odds to Land Toronto Raptors Forward

Could the Oklahoma City Thunder make a move to land the Toronto Raptors forward?

The NBA trade deadline is soon to pass, meaning the next day will see plenty of movement across the NBA, as is normal for the league at this time of the year. The last few years have seen a massive ramp-up of trade deadline moves, making it feel like an extension of the offseason.

Happening just before the All-Star break, the deadline comes at a good time for teams to get a small break and gear up for the backend of their schedule with their newly acquired player. 

This time of the year is usually quiet for the Oklahoma City Thunder in particular, though. They're not normally active in the trade market and typically shop in the buyout market. 

With the amount of draft assets the Thunder has, though, the inactivity at the trade deadline could soon change for the team. They've got a combination of a top record in the Western Conference, young talent and more than enough draft compensation to land nearly any player in the entire NBA.

Given the current situation for the Thunder, they aren't immune to making a small trade for a consistent, win-now role player, though they're unlikely to make a huge trade.

One player to watch in the trade market is Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown. He was traded from the Indiana Pacers in a trade that included Pascal Siakam heading to the Pacers, and the veteran forward remains a viable trade option for any team in the league.

According to Bodog, the Thunder has +700 odds to be Brown's next team, should it not be the Raptors for the remainder of the season. They trail the New York Knicks (-120) and Los Angeles Lakers (+300) in the odds, while being tied with the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings. 

Brown helped the Denver Nuggets to their championship win a season ago, and has proven his value in the NBA. His ability to cut and play a slasher role in a smart way would perfectly complement the Thunder's offensive system, while he's also affordable contract and asset-wise for the team.

Michael Grange of Sportsnet reported that the Raptors are asking for and have been offered a first-round pick for Brown in a trade, though the Thunder could easily outbid that if they want to make a trade.

Again, the Thunder making a small move for a role player that could make a big impact is much more likely than cashing in their chips for a star player. Clutch Points' Brett Siegel reported that the Thunder is likely to hold off on any big-name players or huge trades, but this trade doesn't fall into those parameters. 

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