The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the story of the NBA thus far. Coming into the season as the second youngest team in the league, the Thunder’s average age is just over 24. Yet as of today, they have a 34-15 record and are tied for the 1st seed in the West. The league has started to take notice. And with a plethora of draft picks in the coming years, many reports around the league believe the Thunder trade targets are swirling.

The general NBA audience says the Thunder need a center for some size come playoff time. However, people in and around the organization really believe in Jaylin Williams, and no not that Jalen Williams. We’re talking about the other Williams, the overlooked 2nd year center out of Arkansas. In which case, the Thunder might pivot and look for more shooters to surround Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Here are 5 players they could possibly target before the trade deadline on February 8th:

Cam Johnson SF Brooklyn Nets

The first of the Thunder trade targets is a bit out there. Johnson did just sign a 4-year $94.5 million contract with the Nets. Even so it’s gotten off to a rocky start. His points per game, rebounds, free throw rate, and steals are all down compared to last year. The Nets current record is 19-28, good for 11th in the East. They seem like a team in prime position to sell a guy who just hasn’t taken that next step as a core player to build around. As for his fit with the Thunder, Johnson could start immediately, and the pressure would be taken off of him to produce as much. He would become the 3rd or 4th option offensively like he was back in Phoenix.

Dorian Finney-Smith PF Brooklyn Nets

A name that certainly doesn’t jump off the paper, but don’t overlook DFS. He’s a 6-7 forward who’s been a solid role player throughout his 7-year career. Finney-Smith has been reportedly linked to the Thunder for a while now. He also has playoff experience that the Thunder desperately need if they have hopes of making a deep playoff run. While he most likely wouldn’t crack the starting rotation, he could be valuable depth for the second unit.

Alex Caruso SG Chicago Bulls

Caruso is in year-3 of a 4-year $36.98 million contract. Originally, Caruso signed with the Thunder after going undrafted in the 2016. He’s now a former 2020 NBA champion of the Lakers. Caruso is a proven pest who made the all-NBA defensive team last year. He can also hold his own offensively. While the Thunder already has a plethora of guards, they would find minutes for Caruso. It could end up not moving the needle much, but if they want to upgrade on what they already have in Cason Wallace, Caruso is the guy to go after.

PJ Washington PF Charlotte Hornets

Washington did just sign a 3-year deal with the Hornets. But the Hornets are in such a bad spot as a franchise that they could start selling anyone not named LaMelo Ball (as we’ve already seen with the Terry Rozier trade). Currently averaging around 14 points, 5 rebounds, and a block per game, Washington could be a solid depth addition for the Thunder. He can shoot, play defense, and has shown an ability to pass the ball well at times.

Lauri Markkanen PF Utah Jazz

While it’s hard to believe the Jazz would want to trade in division, there have been reports linking Markkanen to the Thunder. Markkanen, who’s in the final 2 years of his contract, would be the homerun of all Thunder trade targets for Sam Presti. Adding him into this young core of players would make them an instant title contender. Markkanen has been playing the best basketball of his career since being traded to Utah. Over the last 2 seasons he’s averaging 25 points and close to 9 rebounds per game, while shooting 50% from the field. He’s an all-star caliber player. And while it would cost a lot to get him, he’s worth taking the chance on.

Players that the Thunder could end up sending away include Davis Bertans, Aleksej Pokusevski, and Ousmane Dieng. Bertans and his massive $17 million contract will most certainly be moved. Along with these players the Thunder have a whopping 15 first-round picks before 2030, along with 22 second-rounders.

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