The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently at the top of the Western Conference, boasting a stellar 53-12 record and positioning themselves as formidable contenders for the NBA Finals. Central to this meteoric rise is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the league in scoring with an impressive 32.7 points per game, solidifying his case as the favorite for the Most Valuable Player award.
While the Thunder’s current roster has propelled them to the top, the front office remains vigilant in trying to build a long-term superteam. Armed with a treasure trove of draft picks and promising young assets, Oklahoma City is positioned to explore some moves that could transform their championship window into a dynasty.
As the Thunder set their sights on winning an NBA championship this year and also maintaining long-term dominance, blockbuster trades could be on the horizon. Let’s provide the top trade target for the OKC Thunder as we look ahead to the 2025 offseason.
1. Kevin Durant
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2028 First-Round Pick (Dallas Swap), 2031 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2026 Second-Round Pick, 2028 Second-Round Pick
Bringing Kevin Durant back to Oklahoma City would be a monumental move, symbolizing a full-circle moment for both the player and the franchise. Durant’s scoring and championship experience could provide the Thunder with the offensive versatility needed to complement SGA’s dynamic play.
However, considering Durant’s contract situation ($54,708,608 next season before free agency hits), this trade would essentially be a one-year rental, adding a layer of risk to the deal. Still, the Thunder could go all-in for a chance to win a title with a dynamic core.
For the Suns, acquiring a package that includes Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso adds depth and defensive tenacity to their roster. The inclusion of multiple draft picks aligns with Phoenix’s potential pivot towards a rebuild, offering flexibility for future moves. While losing a superstar like Durant is significant, this trade could set the foundation for the Suns’ long-term goals around Devin Booker.
2. Kawhi Leonard
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, Nikola Topic, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2031 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Acquiring Kawhi Leonard would inject a championship pedigree into the Thunder’s lineup. Leonard’s two-way excellence and playoff experience could be the catalyst for Oklahoma City’s title aspirations.
However, Leonard’s injury history and the substantial assets required to secure him make this a high-risk, high-reward proposition. After all, Leonard will make $50,000,000 and $50,300,000 over the next two seasons, but the Thunder could make a shocking move to form the best team in the West by far.
The Clippers, in return, receive a versatile defender in Luguentz Dort and a promising prospect in Nikola Topic. The addition of draft capital provides Los Angeles with the means to retool their roster or facilitate future trades. This move could signify a strategic shift for the Clippers, balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term planning.
3. Lauri Markkanen
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, Nikola Topic, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2031 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Lauri Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting makes him an intriguing fit alongside SGA. His versatility in the frontcourt could enhance the Thunder’s offensive schemes, providing spacing and scoring options.
Integrating Markkanen into the lineup would necessitate adjustments to maintain defensive integrity, but his offensive upside is undeniable. Markkanen is posting 19.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this season but is only two seasons away from making the All-Star Team.
For the Jazz, this trade offers a blend of defensive grit and future assets. Luguentz Dort’s perimeter defense aligns with Utah’s emphasis on stopping opposing guards, while the draft picks facilitate a potential rebuild or serve as trade assets. This move could represent a strategic pivot for the Jazz, focusing on long-term competitiveness.
4. Zion Williamson
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2028 First-Round Pick (Dallas Swap)
Zion Williamson’s explosive athleticism and paint dominance could elevate the Thunder’s offense to new heights. Pairing him with SGA would create a formidable inside-outside threat, challenging opposing defenses. However, Williamson’s injury history raises concerns about his long-term availability and the sustainability of his impact.
The Pelicans, in this scenario, acquire a defensive specialist in Luguentz Dort and sharpshooter Isaiah Joe, enhancing their perimeter play on both ends. The inclusion of draft picks provides New Orleans with assets to either build through the draft or leverage in future trades. This trade could signify a shift towards a complete blow-up after they traded Brandon Ingram earlier this season.
5. Franz Wanger
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Franz Wagner
Orlando Magic Receive: Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, Jaylin Williams, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2028 First-Round Pick (Dallas Swap)
Franz Wagner’s improved offensive game (24.5 PPG this season) makes him an attractive target for the Thunder. His ability to play multiple positions and contribute on both ends aligns with Oklahoma City’s dynamic style of play. Integrating Wagner could enhance the Thunder’s adaptability and depth, providing Coach Mark Daigneault with more lineup options.
The Magic, in return, receive defensive stalwarts in Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso, bolstering their perimeter defense as both players fit into their playing style (1st-ranked defense with 106.1 OPPG). Jaylin Williams adds frontcourt depth, and the draft picks offer Orlando flexibility in shaping their future roster. This trade could represent a strategic move for the Magic, focusing on defensive identity and asset accumulation.
6. Bam Adebayo
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Bam Adebayo
Miami Heat Receive: Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, Jaylin Williams, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2031 First-Round Pick (OKC)
The Thunder acquiring Bam Adebayo would be a seismic move, giving them a defensive anchor and elite playmaker in the frontcourt. Adebayo’s ability to guard all five positions, facilitate offense, and set hard screens would make him the ideal big man to complement SGA and Chet Holmgren.
He’s averaging 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists this season, proving his all-around impact. OKC would become an absolute nightmare defensively with Bam, Chet, and Jalen Williams forming a versatile, switch-heavy trio. The only question is whether the Thunder should part with both Dort and Caruso, two of their best perimeter defenders, for a non-shooting big.
For Miami, this move is only justifiable if they’re truly ready to shake things up and retool around Tyler Herro following Jimmy Butler’s ugly departure this season. Losing Adebayo would hurt, but the return of two defensive stoppers in Dort and Caruso, plus a promising young big in Jaylin Williams, could help the Heat maintain their defensive identity while adding some much-needed depth.
The first-round picks give them flexibility for further moves. If the Heat sense their championship window closing, this deal could be the beginning of a larger reset.
7. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Luguentz Dort, Cason Wallace, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2031 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Jaren Jackson Jr. to OKC? That would be terrifying. The former Defensive Player of the Year, alongside Chet Holmgren, would form an elite defensive frontcourt with unlimited shot-blocking and switchability.
JJJ is putting up 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game this season, proving he can score while still being an elite rim protector. His ability to stretch the floor (35% from three) would give OKC a unique frontcourt dynamic, allowing Holmgren to play inside or outside as needed. Adding him to a team already dominating the West would make the Thunder nearly unbeatable defensively.
For Memphis, this trade would signal a shift toward a more balanced, perimeter-oriented team around Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. Dort gives them an elite defensive guard who can take on tough assignments, and Cason Wallace is an intriguing young piece who could develop into a high-level two-way player.
The two first-round picks provide the Grizzlies with assets to retool or make additional moves. If Memphis wants to reset while still competing, this could be an interesting direction.
8. Naz Reid
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Naz Reid (Sign-and-Trade)
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Alex Caruso, Nikola Topic, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2031 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Naz Reid has become one of the best-shooting bigs in the league, and at just 25, he’s proving he could be a full-time starter. He’s averaging 14.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 39.2% from three, making him one of the most versatile big men available.
OKC could use a rugged, scoring-minded center who can stretch the floor, especially if they want to play Holmgren in a more roaming, defensive role. Reid is looking for a major contract extension as he aims to reject his $15 million player option, so this would be the Timberwolves’ chance to move him without having to worry about paying him in a sign-and-trade deal.
For Minnesota, the motivation would be financial flexibility and asset collection. The Timberwolves are locked into expensive deals with Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, making Reid an expensive luxury.
If they want to free up money while adding a veteran defender in Caruso and a talented young guard in Nikola Topic, this could be a move worth considering. The two first-round picks also give them the ability to make future moves if needed.
9. Trey Murphy III
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Trey Murphy III
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Luguentz Dort, Nikola Topic, 2028 Second-Round Pick
Trey Murphy III would be a sneaky good pickup for OKC. He’s a 6’9″ sharpshooter who plays strong defense, making him an ideal fit next to SGA. He’s shooting 38.3% from three over his career on high volume, providing the Thunder with another deep-range sniper who can space the floor.
With Jalen Williams thriving as a do-it-all wing, adding Murphy would give OKC another long, athletic perimeter player who can defend and hit threes at a high clip. This would be a low-risk, high-reward move that strengthens OKC’s depth.
For New Orleans, this trade would be about maximizing the value of Murphy before his major contract extension starts at a minimum of $25 million per season until 2027-28. Dort would give them an elite perimeter defender to pair with Herb Jones, forming a defensive duo that could lock down opposing wings.
Nikola Topic is a high-upside young guard who could eventually develop into a key piece for the Pelicans. This is more of a strategic swap than a blockbuster deal, but it could benefit both sides, especially if the Pelicans want to blow it all up.
10. Marcus Smart
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Marcus Smart
Washington Wizards Receive: Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, 2028 Second-Round Pick
Bringing Marcus Smart to OKC would be a full-circle moment, as he’s an Oklahoma native who would add instant grit and toughness to the Thunder’s backcourt. Smart is averaging 8.9 points and 3.4 assists this season while continuing to play tenacious defense despite suffering a turbulent season in terms of injuries and playing time.
His leadership and playoff experience would be invaluable for a team looking to make a deep postseason run. He’s not the scorer he once was, but his defensive intensity and ability to guard multiple positions would give OKC a veteran edge.
For Washington, this trade is about moving off Smart’s contract ($21,586,856 next season) while adding some younger assets. Isaiah Joe is a quality shooter who could thrive in an expanded role, and Kenrich Williams provides depth for a rebuilding Wizards team.
The second-round pick isn’t a massive asset, but it gives Washington additional flexibility in their rebuild. This is a small-scale move, but one that makes sense for both sides.
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