The trade deadline is approaching and the Thunder are considered to be one of the most-active teams in the league.
What moves could Oklahoma City make?
Here are two players the Thunder may have in mind:
Aaron Afflalo, Nuggets, G
Why this move makes sense: Afflalo would give the Thunder a real perimeter defender who can also score.
Signs point to the Thunder's Andre Roberson as being productive, but Roberson is limited offensively and Roberson's spot in the starting lineup significantly hampers the Thunder's offense, particularly until Steven Adams is able to return.
Not only can Afflalo score, but he would be a perfect fit for the Thunder if they were to take on Golden State in the first round of the playoffs. Golden State relies heavily on its outside shooters, so Afflalo would be a natural complement to the lineup. He averages 14.5 points per game and is shooting 42 percent this season.
A number of sources have pointed to the Thunder having strong interest in the shooting guard, which happens to be the weakest position for the Thunder. Meanwhile, if Reggie Jackson gets traded, Oklahoma City will need backcourt help.
Why the Thunder should think twice: Afflalo's contract has a player option after this season, so there's a chance the Thunder could lose him if he does wind up in Oklahoma City. He would also command some draft picks as compensation, so the Thunder may be wary of giving up too much for a short-term rental.
The Thunder are pretty full-up at shooting guard right now with Jeremy Lamb, Reggie Jackson, Dion Waiters and Roberson. You'd think they could get by with a combination of those four without having to disrupt the chemistry of the team.
Of course, if the Thunder are able to land Afflalo, they'll have to give up something, too. Jackson and Lamb as well as Perry Jones seem like natural pieces to move.
Brook Lopez, Nets, C
Why the move makes sense: The Thunder have always had issues getting offense from the center position and Lopez is a skilled offensive weapon.
OKC needs an offensive-minded big to make up for the loss of Adams, who is out for the next few weeks with a broken finger. Mitch McGary isn't consistent enough at this point and that leaves an aging Kendrick Perkins to play extended minutes. Perkins has almost no offensive attributes.
Lopez is averaging 15.3 points per game and his addition to the Thunder lineup would make Oklahoma City one of the best offensive teams in the league, likely free up the Thunder's guards and leave a lot more space for Durant and Westbrook to drive to the basket. Can you imagine that offense? Pretty incredible.
Why the Thunder should think twice: If the Thunder are going to use McGary, now's the time. He showed signs before the All-Star break and could flourish if given a specific role. If McGary is able to be successful, there's little need in trading for Lopez.
Also, the Thunder don't need to trade for offense just for the sake of offense. When Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook play well it's more than enough to win. OKC has the offense necessary to keep up in the Western Conference without Lopez.
Follow Andrew Gilman on Twittter: @andrewgilmanOK
