Thunder chase former player amid injury crisis

The Oklahoma City Thunder are navigating a severe shortage of healthy players this season.

Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from last year’s core rotation remains available for Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace are out with season-ending injuries, while Alex Caruso sits with a sprained ankle. Chet Holmgren is also missing due to knee tendinitis, and Ajay Mitchell is questionable with a foot injury. In total, 11 players contributed at least 900 minutes for the team last season, and the current absence of most of them has intensified trade speculation.

ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst suggested on his Hoop Collective podcast that the Thunder might acquire a player they have previously employed. Windhorst stated that it would not be a surprise if the team re-signed a former player, citing the organization’s strong culture and asset surplus. The Thunder have ample draft capital and roster spots, allowing them to be selective in their pursuit of a difference-maker.

Several former Thunder stars are off the table due to league rules or financial constraints. The NBA prohibits reacquiring players traded during the current season, which blocks Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe. Veteran players like Domantas Sabonis, who holds a $45.5 million cap figure, and Kevin Durant are too expensive or vital to their current teams to be feasible targets. Jerami Grant’s $34.8 million salary also presents a difficult matching requirement for the Thunder.

Among the remaining options, Ty Jerome of the Memphis Grizzlies represents the most likely candidate. Jerome is 29 years old and is on an expiring contract with a cap figure of approximately $9 million. He is having a breakout season, but his durability concerns align with the Thunder’s experience managing players like Alex Caruso. His shooting ability fits easily into the Thunder’s system, and the Grizzlies may be motivated to sell high before next summer.

Ousmane Dieng of the Milwaukee Bucks is another plausible option. The Thunder drafted Dieng one pick before Williams in 2022, but he never secured a permanent role. He has seen increased playing time for Milwaukee but remains on a short-term deal that prevents trade until December 15. His availability at forward addresses a current depth issue for Oklahoma City.

Other former All-Stars like Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul are considered unlikely due to age, role limitations, or past performance issues. Victor Oladipo, who has not played since the 2022-23 season, could accept a smaller role but carries injury risks. Al Horford is theoretically available on a smaller scale, but the Thunder currently possess sufficient frontcourt depth.

The Thunder’s front office is weighing these options as they attempt to stabilize a roster that has lost most of its primary contributors to injury this season.