NBA Rumors: Terrance Ferguson could exit the OKC Thunder this summer
What's the rumour?
Terrance Ferguson has just enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder, although according to Dan Favale of Beacher Report, Ferguson could be used as trade bait this summer:
The Thunder don't have many ways of improving their roster. They're capped out, weighed down by pricey contracts and light on intriguing prospects. Terrance Ferguson is a default inclusion for any package Oklahoma City tries to build. He pairs nicely with a future pick and larger salary, and Andre Roberson's prospective return from a torn left patellar tendon renders him expendable.
In case you didn't know...
Ferguson was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Opting against playing College basketball, Ferguson spent a year overseas in Australia playing for the Adelaide 36ers, and his performances were enough to encourage his hometown team to take him with their first-round pick.
The 20-year-old played 61 times (12 starts) in his rookie season, and his career took off this season thanks to the absence of Andre Roberson. Roberson's ongoing injury issues allowed Ferguson to establish himself as a starter in Billy Donovan's team, and over 74 appearances, the guard averaged 6.9 points and 1.9 rebounds in 26.1 minutes per game.
The heart of the matter
Ferguson's performances have improved immensely over the past 12 months, although the Thunder are still in desperate need of additions to the roster. OKC's window to win with Paul George (29), and Russell Westbrook (30) is narrowing, and if the departure of Ferguson can help the team secure a third star, the Thunder should be willing to trade away their promising shooting guard.
What's next?
The Thunder hold the 21st pick in the upcoming NBA draft, and the franchise also needs to address the futures of Nerlens Noel, Raymond Felton, and Markieff Morris.