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With the NBA trade deadline approaching, many people are speculating that the Oklahoma City Thunder will try to deal Kenrich Williams.
It makes sense from the Thunder's perspective, since he is one of their most valuable trade assets, and for a rebuilding club like the Thunder, he could easily be someone who gets a good return. He's proved to be one of the league's top defenders, and he can stretch the floor at an above-average rate. He hit over 44 percent from 3-point range last season, and he now shoots 36.7 percent from beyond the arc, which is more than adequate.
According to reports, the Thunder are only looking for a first-round pick back in exchange for him, which they may be able to get more value for if they try, but getting a first-round pick back for this type of player is definitely something that the Thunder would be interested in, so it makes sense that they are looking for that.
Williams is the most likely candidate to be dealt with a contending team since he possesses all of the qualities that contending teams need. When a competitive team can get a player who can both play defense and spread the floor, that's generally what they'll be searching for at the deadline.
Let's look at three teams who might benefit from the addition of Kenrich Williams.
While all of these trades could be tough, some contending teams are going to overpay and due to the players’ salary, they will have to give back a certain package. Not all of these trades are likely, but contending teams are going to be doing everything they can to get better, which could cause some wild trades to be done, as we have seen in the past. Teams in a rebuild type of situation will also attempt to move some key players, and at times, for less than what they are worth.
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Kenrich Williams Trades
3. Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies aren't in a position where they need to make a move, and there's a strong case to be made that they won't because they're happy with their current situation. They have a number of young guys on their roster who have far outperformed expectations this season, and given the structure of their squad, disrupting that harmony wouldn't be the greatest decision.
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The fact is that if the Grizzlies want to win an NBA title this season, which they have shown they can accomplish if things fall into place at the right moment, they'll have to make a move or two before the deadline. Kenrich Williams wouldn't necessarily put this team over the top, but he's a more-than-serviceable player who can come in for 20 to 25 minutes in the playoffs while stretching the floor and playing high-level defense.
2. Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are playing like one of the top teams in basketball this season, and there's an argument to be made that if Brook Lopez returns, they'll be a team that returns to the NBA finals, where they'll almost certainly face the Phoenix Suns, whom they played last season.
The most obvious thing Milwaukee is lacking this season is a center. They would have perhaps the best record in the NBA if they were healthy this season, but it isn't that big of an issue for them because Brook is anticipated to return for the playoffs and they're still the Eastern Conference's second seed.
PJ Tucker is another player who isn't playing for Milwaukee this season. PJ Tucker was a tremendous player for this organization, and it's still unclear why they decided to trade him. Kenrich Williams wouldn't be able to fully replace PJ Tucker, but he would fill a comparable role for this Bucks club, which is something they will be interested in. Given his height of six foot seven, Kendrick Williams would most likely be tasked with attempting to stop players like Kevin Durant during the playoffs.
Milwaukee, unfortunately, does not have many draft picks, so this transaction may be difficult to complete. They may elect to trade one of their younger players, such as Donte DiVincenzo or Jordan Nwora, but this may not be in their best interests unless they truly believe that Kenrich Williams will help them win a championship this season.
1. Raptors
On the Toronto Raptors, Kenrich Williams would be intriguing because he is a high-level defender, which Nick Nurse adores. If you want to play on this Raptors squad, you'll have to do everything you can on defense and give it your all, which Williams does. He'd be a wonderful match for Coach Nick Nurse's defensive methods, which is something the Raptors are likely to be interested in before the deadline.
