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NBA Trade Rumors: Oklahoma City Thunder Are Trying To See Beyond Westbrook Era; Will They Get Players Of Their Choice?

By Shubham Ghosh | Update Date: Nov 19, 2016 05:38 AM EST

The Oklahoma City Thunder have raised their game with two back-to-back wins after a temporary slide in between and it looks they are giving the idea of reshuffle a serious thought. Placed fourth in the Western Conference with eight wins and five losses, it's not that the Thunder have the alarm bell ringing, but the team certainly doesn't have an assured mind with just one superstar in Russell Westbrook - be it in terms of winning the title this year or the team's future.

According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, Westbrook is just two years short of 30 and has already had a number of knee surgeries. The man also has just one year left in his contract. Hence, as Lowe asked: "The Thunder face a deadline: can they vault back into contention during Westbrook's prime, and before he starts looking elsewhere for his best shot at a ring?"

Not a point to overlook.

Besides Westbrook, there is also Victor Oladipo who joined the Thunder this season and the young point guard is considered a useful talent. But as Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report said, the Thunder need more talent.

According to HoopesHype, the Thunder are interested in Rudy Gay of the Sacramento Kings. Lowe said in his report: "They acquired Oladipo with the idea of making him a sixth man -- the new Harden -- instead of jamming him alongside Westbrook into a starting five with zero proven above-average NBA 3-point shooters."

"They remain interested in bigger wings, including Rudy Gay, sources say, in part because such a player would slide everyone down to their intended spots: Oladipo to the bench, and Andre Roberson back to defending shooting guards." 

Gay is averaging 21.3 points and shooting 42.4 percent from three this season, Bailey said, adding that having the player "stalk stalk the perimeter as a kick-out option for Westbrook's drives would make it harder on collapsing defenses." A line-up comprising Gay, Andre Roberson, Steven Adamas, Oladipo led by Westbrook would be powerful in offense but not so much in defense.

In his analysis on Thunder, Lowe also said there is little chance of Blake Griffin returning to his home from the Los Angeles Clippers. This too makes the Thunder's plan for the future harder to implement soon enough.

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