The Oklahoma City Thunder have an explosive young roster that they are hoping is good enough to win an NBA title this season.
If the Thunder fall short, it will be due to inexperience.
The question, is will OKC’s GM Sam Presti feel the need to acquire another veteran presence this summer if the team doesn’t deliver this postseason?
Presti is a master of setting his franchise up for the future, but at some point, you should consider cashing in your chips in a win-now move.
Presti isn’t likely to go after another superstar on the market — that would require giving up too much draft capital or young talent.
But he might be interested in acquiring someone in their mid-30s with championship experience; perhaps a recent All-Star past his prime who still has a couple of quality years left to offer.
The other thing to consider is basketball fit. The Thunder definitely don’t need a ball-dominant player to take touches away from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, nor do they need a center, presuming both Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein stay healthy.
What OKC could use is a veteran wing who can shoot the heck out of the ball and who thrives away from the point of attack as a secondary scoring option.
Such a player might be hitting the market in the form of former Milwaukee Bucks NBA champion and three-time All-Star Khris Middleton.
Middleton, traded to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma this season, has a $34 million player option for 2025-26.
Middleton may very well exercise that option. But he also could opt out and sign a longer-term deal with another suitor if one comes along.
Middleton is a year or two younger than most people expect. He turns 34 in August and doesn’t rely heavily on athleticism to be effective.
Put him on the wing for OKC and imagine all of the open looks SGA would generate for him. It’s a great fit.
Keep an eye on Middleton’s situation this offseason, especially if the Thunder are hungry to mix the roster up after another disappointing playoffs.
Middleton could also be pursued by the Golden State Warriors, so Presti should have an offer ready ASAP if he harbors any real interest in bringing Middleton aboard.
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