OKC Thunder Trade Rumours: 3 players they should avoid ahead of the trade deadline
After suffering a disappointing first-round playoff defeat to the Utah Jazz last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder's window of opportunity to win an NBA Championship looked to have closed. The team were set to be weighed down by Carmelo Anthony's inflated contract, while many expected Paul George to link up with LeBron James in LA.
Despite the understandable cause for concern among OKC fans, the Thunder pulled off a stunning coup to keep George in Oklahoma City, while Melo was offloaded in return for Dennis Schroder.
The Thunder's off-season moves have led to a strong campaign so far, and the team currently sit third in the Western Conference standings. Despite their success though, the Thunder are still expected to be in the market ahead of the trade deadline and here we look at three players they should avoid trading for.
#3 Channing Frye
There have been reports that the Thunder may be interested in acquiring Channing Frye ahead of the trade deadline. Frye is a seasoned veteran who has amassed a wealth of experience during his more than decade career in the NBA, although the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers are now looking towards younger options.
Frye is only contracted to the Cavs until this summer, and the veteran is also available on a veterans' minimum deal. Nevertheless, Frye has struggled during his limited time on the court this season, shooting a career-low 34% from the field, and the 35-year-old is also contributing just 3.4 points per game in 10 minutes of action.
The Thunder are already struggling to give good minutes to the impressive Nerlens Noel, so it makes little sense for the team to add a third senior center. In the event of an injury to either Noel or Steven Adams, Jerami Grant can slot into the position, so they clearly have no use for the Cavs veteran.