The Oklahoma City Thunder are still a team for the future, and with time, their progress on both a team and individual level should make them favorites to win the championship.
The team may, however, move more quickly with that strategy this summer because of their future draft picks, which may help align value in trades, as well as the $30–35 million in free agency they may have available.
This summer, the Thunder should aim for three targets, even if two of them will require a sizable portion of their available assets.
The squad could need an infusion of skill at power forward and at the off-guard position, since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren currently fill the guard, wing, and center positions.
The Portland Trail Blazers’ Anfernee Simons would help take the Thunder to a whole new level. Despite being among the league’s top three-point shooting teams, the team’s volume was never quite high enough; they attempted just 34.2 three-pointers per game, which was 16th in the league.
Playing next to three guys who can provide him better opportunities within the flow of the offense, Simons, who is known for his ability to make three-pointers at a high rate (8.5 attempts per game over the last three seasons), may contribute to the efficiency. During the aforementioned time period, Simons, who has made 38.8% of his outside shots, has made 42.7% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers this season. As a Thunder player, he would likely lean more on these kinds of shots.
The Blazers won’t give up on him easily, of course. Few players in his price range can shoot as well as Simons can, averaging over 22 points each game. There are little over $53 million left on Simons’ two-year contract.
