The Oklahoma City thunder suffered a disappointing playoffs loss to the Memphis Grizzlies while trying to get back to their second straight NBA finals and to make up for it, general manager Sam Presti might be looking to make a big move in the NBA draft.
According to ESPN Insider Chad Ford, the Thunder have been actively looking to trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the number one pick in the draft. Cleveland has already said that they are open to trading the pick and teams like the Timberwolves, Hawks and others have been mentioned as potential partners. The Thunder have the number 12 pick in the draft after making a trade last year and with that pick, number 29 and 32, they are looking to make a jump.
The Thunder is a team in perfect position to move up, as they have three picks and while the Cavaliers still have not been swayed in moving the pick that could change with just days left leading into the draft. The Blazers have also inquired about the pick and they would also be looking to take Nerlens Noel, which the Cavs are rumored to want to do. Alex Len is also moving up draft boards as a possible first overall pick and if the Thunder move up, it is likely that Noel or Len would be the selection.
The Thunder need more size as they may lose Kendrick Perkins eventually and the playoff run also exposed some weaknesses for the team going forward, including scoring behind Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. The report from Ford says that the Cavs have not decided who they will select and that they are actively engaged in talks with teams for a trade. The Cavs feel they have a good core with Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson and that by adding more talent by trading the pick could speed up the rebuilding process.
Noel and Len's injuries could be issues for the Cavs, which is why they may move the pick, but so far no team has offered a package that the team feels is worth the trade. Noel is still looking like the number one pick, but Len has quickly been the player that is moving up the fastest after teams have looked at his potential as a rebounder and shot blocker. Both players have size and defensive skills and it is a toss-up for most teams between the two.
Len has met with a number of teams, including the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Bobcats and if he gets past number one, he will likely go very quickly. The Thunder know they need to make a big move this offseason after dealing with Russell Westbrook's injury and this could be the way to do it to get back to the finals next season.