Thunder named landing spot for Lakers, Warriors' $112 million target

With the San Antonio Spurs eliminating the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, it’s only right to begin speculating about the potential offseason trades the franchise could make to position itself for a title run in 2026-27. 

Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley didn’t waste time naming the Thunder as a top landing spot for the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors' $112 million trade target. 

“While the Thunder could probably afford anyone on the trade market, they just don't seem like the type to overpay for an established star,” Buckley wrote shortly after the Thunder’s season-ending 111-103 loss to the Spurs. “The idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo moving to the Sooner State is beyond fascinating, but the reality is probably much too murky to make it happen.”

“If OKC wants to splurge, then a near-star like (Trey) Murphy would probably be the preference. He wouldn't require schematic changes to fit and would align perfectly with the timeline of this nucleus. He is sort of a turbo-charged version of the three-and-D archetype. His bag runs deeper than the label implies, but he's a play-finisher on offense and a versatile, disruptive stopper on defense.”

“He'd be costly to pry away from the (New Orleans) Pelicans, but OKC could afford to splurge. It could realistically acquire him without wrecking its asset collection in true rich-getting-richer fashion.”

Murphy will have several trade suitors ready to poach him from the Pelicans this summer, with the Lakers and Warriors expected to be two of them. The one thing preventing Murphy from receiving the attention he deserves is his environment.

Murphy has only reached the postseason twice with the Pelicans in five years, causing many to overlook the Virginia product’s high-level contributions. 

Joining the Thunder would allow Murphy to shine with a franchise poised to compete for championships each year and provide Oklahoma City with a do-it-all wing who would be a seamless fit in their system. 

Essentially, a trade would be a win-win for both parties, making it wise for Buckley to link Oklahoma City to a blockbuster deal for Murphy.

More NBA news:

• Warriors urged to reunite with $54 million NBA champion forward who was replaced by Kevin Durant

• Nuggets trade idea swaps Aaron Gordon for $186 million ex-Lakers superstar, NBA champion

• Warriors predicted to cut ties with Draymond Green, acquire $133 million Nuggets NBA champion