Why OKC Thunder should probably avoid making a big splash before NBA trade deadline

In this edition of the Thunder mailbag, we answer reader questions about potential trades, signings and surprise NBA teams:

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@MoneyMikeCooper: Hey, never reached out but it needs to be discussed soon. Should OKC trade for Pascal Siakam before the Dec. 30 deadline? Would have to extend him, and probably trade him again later. His +\- over the years is amazing and was a big part in the Toronto championship.

I’ve been on record saying that I’m not sure Oklahoma City should make a big splash. I also don’t know that the organization would want to do anything but see how this core group plays out into the postseason (perhaps with a few smaller, rotational deadline changes, not Lauri Markkanen).

That includes Pascal Siakam. Crazy enough, I don’t think the package for the Raptors forward would be as hefty as one for Markkanen. Mostly because of how bullish Jazz CEO Danny Ainge seems to be on retaining Markkanen. Despite Siakam being a really good player, Markkanen might be more pluggable in more places right now, especially for teams with serious aspirations. Either is probably the third best player on a team hoping for deep playoff success, which is probably what either would be here by the time OKC approaches that point.

Markkanen, while only connected by fans and gossip, just makes sense. Too much sense. That’s the only big splash the Thunder should be aiming for if and when the opportunity presents itself. But again, I especially don’t see it happening before the trade deadline, and it would probably better suit the Thunder to see what it has right now in a playoff series.

If the concern is whether another team can contend for Markkanen, it shouldn’t be. OKC seems to be the team with the assets to pry the Finnish forward from Ainge’s grasp if it chooses.

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Blake Burkhart: What do you think about picking up Kenneth Lofton Jr. for situational defensive matchups and being able to still spread the floor and also run some high/low action with Chet like they did in the closing minutes of the U-19s against France a couple of years ago?

For his sake, I wish Lofton entered the league 15 or 20 years earlier than he did. He just plays such a niche role in today’s NBA behind his unique build and skill set.

Let’s just throw down the facts. He’s 6-foot-6, 275 pounds and essentially an isolation big man. He’s not uber talented, though exciting to watch in the right setting given how different he plays from so many of his peers. In the lineups he’s most effective with, there are probably the right combination of shooters, off-ball movers and maybe a creator to bail him out. Mostly a group that’ll let him cook.

He’s not an exceptional defender. His build comes with obvious physical limitations. But in the right setting, he’ll act on his post presence and being twice as heavy as most defenders to make something happen offensively and find teammates out of doubles as a relatively solid passer.

That probably wouldn’t be against NBA starters or even a good chunk of legitimate rotation players. While I think the Thunder probably could utilize him better than Memphis did, I don’t know what that’s worth.

You said it — his role would be dependent on certain situations. He’d probably be looking to steal potential minutes from Jaylin Williams, who’s been fine and immediately fits better. And because post touches and elbow appearances are a lot of what deem Lofton effective, he’d probably be mucking up a few possessions or taking shots from other guys.

He’s not your traditional screener or roller. He doesn’t have a consistent sample size as a capable spot-up shooter. Despite what I’d imagine being a cheap bet, I don’t know that a team trending toward serious postseason aspirations has room to gamble on a player like him.

Even if he is better than Aleksej Pokusevski.

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@wendellsjr_: What team has been most surprising to you this season? Can be good or bad.

I’m not a gambling man, but somebody has to show me their preseason ticket that features Minnesota and OKC atop the West. Their surprising early starts — both of which seem real — have been talked about enough, though.

Is it time to talk about the Warriors yet?

It’s still early, and no team with Stephen Curry feels like a good bet to count out (players like him are why I don’t gamble). But the Warriors have been underwhelming, man. At the time of this writing, they sit at 11th in the West, fresh off a home win over the Celtics that felt like more of an indictment on Boston than worthy of celebration for Golden State.

The Warriors’ offense and defense have both been middling. Klay Thompson is declining, Andrew Wiggins was seemingly struck by lightning. Draymond Green has become The Undertaker. They’re trying out the Chris Paul thing, which I still believe in. They’re depending on their young core more than ever, which I’m not entirely sure coach Steve Kerr believes in.

It felt like some of its momentum was lost in last year’s playoffs. But probably not this much. There are too many games left, but it feels like barring any deadline changes, the league might finally be able to watch Golden State without one eye closed in fear.

I say this now and it’ll probably match up with the Thunder in a 2-7 playoff matchup (Golden State’s most electric ball has seemingly come against OKC). Still, it’s been stunning to watch.

To make future editions of the mailbag, email questions to jlorenzi@oklahoman.com or message him on Twitter @jxlorenzi.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder should avoid making a big splash before NBA trade deadline