The 2021-22 season hasn't even started, but the Oklahoma City Thunder are probably already looking forward to the 2022 NBA draft. Heck, they might also have their sights set on the 2023 NBA Draft, where they can get four first-round picks and two second-round selections. Thunder GM Sam Presti has gone in the business of collecting a boatload of draft capital, including 14 first-round picks, over the next five years. At some point, Presti could cash in on all of those assets when the Thunder makes some progress towards being a playoff team. OKC's main goal this upcoming 2021-22 campaign is to continue developing their young squad. Likewise, they could also use this season to see which of them will be part of their future moving forward.
Training camp is already underway. While not many trades are expected to happen this close to the new season, there may be some potential deals that make sense for the Thunder at this point of the preseason. If OKC is going to make a trade, it's likely for a young player with high upside who can be part of their core in the future. With that said, here are two potential trade candidates for the Oklahoma City Thunder as they go through training camp.
1. Collin Sexton
The Cleveland Cavaliers are still mulling whether they want to give Collin Sexton a massive extension next summer when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. If the Thunder want to acquire a certified and dynamic scorer, Sexton may just be the guy for them.
As mentioned earlier, Sam Presti will likely use those picks at some point to bring in a proven contributor instead of a prospect with an uncertain ceiling.
At the same time, that player must also make sense of their forward-looking outlook. Sexton fits the bill as a potential target, considering the Cavs are thinking about shopping him, too. A first-round pick (and maybe even a second-rounder), as well as one of their young wing players, should be enough to land the 6-foot-1 guard from Cleveland.
Oklahoma City already committed itself to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by extending him to a 5-year, $172 million deal. They could trade for Sexton and secure him with a long-term deal to lock up their backcourt for the future. On paper, Sexton and SGA seem to complement each other well in the backcourt.
In just three seasons, the Canadian-born guard has proven to be a high-level defender, as well as an efficient scorer. With his length and athleticism, Gilgeous-Alexander should be able to cover Sexton's deficiencies on defense. Meanwhile, Sexton gives the Thunder another scorer that could help ease the offensive load off SGA.
If the Thunder are able to trade for Sexton, this move will at least help in giving the Thunder some direction for the future.
2. Marvin Bagley
Marvin Bagley has yet to live up to the billing of being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. After three disappointing seasons so far, the Sacramento Kings may just be ready to swallow the pill and move on from the 6-foot-11 lefty. If the Kings decide to shop Bagley, the Thunder should definitely consider trading for him. At least a future first-round pick or two would probably need to go Sacramento's way in a potential deal for the incoming fourth-year big.
After a promising rookie campaign where he made the All-Rookie First Team, Bagley has largely struggled to stay on the floor over the last couple of years due to various injuries. The former Duke standout appeared in just 56 total games in his second and third seasons. Missing so much time has really hampered his development, while his peers from his draft class, such as Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and Deandre Ayton, have become key pieces for their respective franchises. Nonetheless, he is just 22-years old. Perhaps a change in scenery could finally get his career on the right trajectory.
Bagley makes a lot of sense for Oklahoma City. Not only does he fill a need right now, considering the Thunder only have Derrick Favors as their lone true center on the roster, but he also fits the timeline for this young squad. OKC has done a good job stacking up its roster with talented young players, especially from the guard and wing positions. However, what they do not have is a high-upside big man that could be a core piece for them down the line.
Despite his injury struggles, there's no questioning Bagley's talent. In many ways, he has the foundation and the skillset to be a modern-day NBA big man. He and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be a solid inside-outside combination the Thunder could build on for the future.
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