3 Trades the Thunder Need to Make for Big Man Depth After Chet Holmgren Injury

An Unfortunate Blow to a Promising Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder's hopes of making a significant leap this season took a major hit with the news that Chet Holmgren, their highly touted rookie, would miss the entire 2022-23 campaign due to a Lisfranc injury to his right foot. The 7-foot-1 center was expected to be a cornerstone of the team's young core alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, but his absence leaves a glaring hole in the Thunder's frontcourt.

With Holmgren sidelined, the Thunder are left with a thin and inexperienced group of big men. Mike Muscala, a veteran center, is the only player on the roster with significant NBA starting experience. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, a second-year player, has shown promise but is still raw. Isaiah Roby and Jaylin Williams are both unproven commodities.

Trades to Address the Issue

To address their lack of big man depth, the Thunder should consider making some trades. Here are three potential deals that could help them fill the void left by Holmgren's injury:

1. Trade for Jakob Poeltl

The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly open to trading Poeltl, a 7-foot-1 center who is averaging 12.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season. Poeltl is a solid defender and rebounder, and he would provide the Thunder with a much-needed veteran presence in the frontcourt.

A potential trade package for Poeltl could include Muscala, Roby, and a future first-round pick.

2. Trade for Myles Turner

The Indiana Pacers are another team that could be willing to trade their starting center. Turner is a 6-foot-11 shot-blocking machine who is averaging 17.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game this season. He would be a major upgrade for the Thunder's defense.

A potential trade package for Turner could include Muscala, Giddey, and a future first-round pick.

3. Trade for Deandre Ayton

The Phoenix Suns are reportedly exploring trade options for Ayton, a 6-foot-11 center who is averaging 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season. Ayton is a young and talented player, but he is reportedly unhappy with his role in Phoenix and could be looking for a fresh start.

A potential trade package for Ayton could include Gilgeous-Alexander, Roby, and multiple future first-round picks.

Conclusion

The Thunder have a number of options to explore in order to address their lack of big man depth. By making one or more of the trades discussed above, they could add a veteran presence, a defensive anchor, or a young and talented center to their roster. Any of these moves would help the Thunder compete for a playoff spot this season and beyond.