Thunder Turn to Former Players as Injuries Thicken

The Oklahoma City Thunder are evaluating reacquisitions of former players after injuries hollowed out their roster.

Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the previous core remains available. Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe now play for other teams. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace may be out for the season due to injuries. Alex Caruso is managing a sprained ankle. Chet Holmgren sat out the recent game against Dallas with right knee patellar tendinitis. Ajay Mitchell was questionable for that contest with a right ankle sprain.

ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst noted that any acquisition would likely be a familiar face. He said it would not be a surprise if the Thunder signed someone they have already had. This approach fits the franchise preference for cultural fit. Reacquiring a known quantity carries less risk than adding a newcomer.

NBA rules block some immediate options. Teams cannot reacquire players traded in the previous offseason. This rule eliminates Dort, Joe, and Wiggins from consideration. A narrow exception exists if a player is traded again and waived, but that scenario is unlikely for those three. Domantas Sabonis is too expensive. Kevin Durant is vital to the Houston Rockets.

Other alumni present complex trade-offs. Jerami Grant and James Harden have high salary tags or stylistic mismatches. Steven Adams is affordable but faces injury concerns and positional redundancy. General Manager Sam Presti gave a non-committal answer when asked about bringing back Russell Westbrook. Westbrook is a high-usage player whose age and defensive consistency make him a high-maintenance addition.

Chris Paul is 41 years old and has shown limited interest in returning to the league after a recent stint with the Clippers. Victor Oladipo is 34 and has not played since the 2022-23 season, though he fits the defensive culture. Al Horford is available through trade exceptions, but the Thunder have ample frontcourt depth. Paul George is a distant possibility that would require a complex trade involving Jalen Williams.

Josh Giddey and Dennis Schroder are less sensible options but remain possible. Giddey has improved his shooting in Chicago, but his salary is difficult to match without hitting cap hurdles. Schroder could be acquired for second-round picks to serve as a backup ball-handler. The team may prefer current personnel unless performance declines further.

Ousmane Dieng and Ty Jerome are the two most viable candidates for a reacquisition. Dieng was drafted ahead of Jalen Williams in 2022 but struggled to find a role. He has thrived with extra playing time for the Milwaukee Bucks. He is technically eligible for trade after December 15. His availability makes him a logical fit for the Thunder needs at forward.

Ty Jerome is viewed as the most likely target for a significant move. The 29-year-old guard is having a breakout season with the Memphis Grizzlies and is approaching All-Star caliber. Durability concerns and his expiring contract make him an attractive rental. His salary is manageable, and the Thunder have experience managing such workloads.

The decision hinges on whether the Grizzlies view Jerome as a long-term asset or a player to sell high. The Thunder possess surplus draft capital and can afford to make a move if the opportunity presents itself. They aim to reorient their roster around offense to maintain their title window.