It has been a rather depressing summer in Oklahoma City. Not only did the Thunder trade Paul George, but they also parted ways with franchise icon Russell Westbrook, signaling a complete rebuild in OKC.
The Thunder don't even resemble playoff contenders right now, and there also seems to be a good chance they make some other moves between now and the February trade deadline to clear some more salary.
So, here are five bold predictions for Oklahoma City for the 2019-20 NBA campaign.
5. They'll Keep Chris Paul
The Thunder would almost surely trade Chris Paul if they can find a taker, but that's the hard part: no one is going to be all that willing to take on Paul and the massive amount of money remaining on his contract unless OKC attaches some assets in a deal.
Chances are, Oklahoma City will end up holding out to Paul throughout the season, as he is scheduled to make $38.5 million, an exorbitant amount for a declining point guard who can't stay healthy.
It won't necessarily be the worst thing in the world, as Paul can help mentor young guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and might actually make the Thunder somewhat respectable as far as not being completely atrocious like the New York Knicks were this past year.
4. They'll be a Solid Defensive Team
With Paul, Steven Adams, Terrance Ferguson and Gilgeous-Alexander seeming likely to be four of the Thunder's five starters heading into next season, Oklahoma City should actually be a decent defensive team.
The Thunder also have Nerlens Noel and, if he can ever get healthy, Andre Roberson.
I'm not saying OKC will be an elite defensive ballclub, but the Thunder might be a bit better than middle-of-the-pack provided that they stay healthy, and it should at least allow Oklahoma City to remain in games.
3. They'll Trade Danilo Gallinari
The Thunder picked up Danilo Gallinari in the George deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, and while he is making a pretty hefty $22.6 million this coming season, he is good enough where another team might be willing to take on his salary.
It also helps that Gallinari is entering the final year of his deal, so at the worst, he could represent an expiring contract for some other team.
For that reason, Oklahoma City does not have to trade Gallo, but because he actually has some value and is 31 years old and the Thunder are a rebuilding team, it makes sense for OKC to deal him and recoup some value.
There are plenty of clubs around the league that can lead an efficient scorer and floor spacer, and Gallinari could end up representing one of the top trade chips at the deadline as a result.
2. They'll Try to Trade Steven Adams
Oklahoma City traded away both George and Westbrook this summer, which obviously means the Thunder are in full rebuild mode, and it's hard to see how Adams factors into the team's future.
To be fair, Adams just turned 26 years old, so it's not like he's ancient, but he is more of a very good complementary player than a piece you build around, so if OKC can get enough value in return for Adams, it will move him.
That's the thing, though. Adams has two years and over $50 million remaining on his current deal, and while he isn't grossly overpaid, it is going to be difficult to find a package where salaries match.
That's not to say there won't be any interest in Adams. He is a terrific defender and rebounder and is a phenomenal locker-room presence. Plus, while he isn't a scorer, he does a heck of a lot offensively to be a positive force on that end of the floor.
The Thunder will almost surely explore the market between now and February to see if they can find any takers and continue adding to their ever-growing stable of draft picks.
1. They'll Keep Billy Donovan
Billy Donovan hasn't exactly been a top-tier head coach since taking over the Thunder back in 2015.
Oklahoma City has won 50 games just once since Donovan assumed the reins on the sideline and has been knocked out of the first round of the playoffs each of the last three years.
So, naturally, you would think Donovan would be on the hot seat, but right now, he probably has some breathing room.
No one expects the Thunder to be anything more than a lottery team in 2019-20, so you have to think that Sam Presti and the rest of OKC's front office will at least give Donovan a chance to mold this young roster.
If Oklahoma City doesn't show any progression by 2020-21, then maybe OKC will decide to find a different coach, but his job actually seems safe for at least this next year.
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