The Oklahoma City Thunder are approaching a crossroads, or rather, are they on the cusp of taking advantage of a golden opportunity?
Both James Harden and Serge Ibaka will be receiving monstrous contracts next summer. But will both those deals be handed out by the Thunder?
Oklahonma City already has a boatload of money committed to not only Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, but Kendrick Perkins as well. And is a moderate-sized market team compared to invest even more coin into its already expensive roster?
The prevalent sentiments throughout the basketball sphere indicate no, the Thunder cannot afford to keep both Harden and Ibaka after this upcoming season. So why not parlay one or both of them into Dwight Howard, right?
Per John Rohde of the Oklahoman:
OKC could throw its name into the Howard hopper and offer Kendrick Perkins, James Harden and Eric Maynor in a Howard sign-and-trade with Orlando, but doing so would abandon the Presti Plan and give the perception he had gone about things all wrong.
Then again, it potentially could result in an NBA title or two with a starting lineup of Howard, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Thabo Sefolosha and Serge Ibaka, not to mention a season record for blocked shots and a high-dollar existence above the league’s luxury tax.
Rohde is correct, the Thunder could absolutely make a strong push for Dwight Howard, and it might only cost one of Harden and Ibaka. Fantastic, right?
To a certain extent, yes, but if Oklahoma City was prepared to pay Howard and either Harden or Ibaka, why not just pay Harden and Ibaka, and leave Howard to his shady dealings in Orlando?
Howard is a terrific defender and as prolific a two-way big man as there is in the league, but he’s fresh off back surgery, and presents an unnecessary risk for a Thunder team with apparently two perfectly good disposable stars.
Regardless of whether or not Oklahoma City re-signs Harden and Ibaka or trades for Howard, they’ll still be paying heavy luxury tax penalties. And if you’re going to pay such steep penalties, why not ensure its for something that’s already proven effective?
The Thunder advanced all the way through to the NBA Finals only this season while Howard has proven to be a cancer and a symbol for all that is wrong with the league. Why waste any time, money or effort on a player who could potentially disrupt the devoted dynamic that has been working so well for the past three years?
You shouldn’t, not willingly anyway.
So, while Howard is a prolific two-way talent, the Thunder shouldn’t be attempting to land his services. If they’re prepared to empty their savings, spend it on a foundation that is familiar with one another and already shown it can win together.
Otherwise, if finances are an issue, Oklahoma City should just move forward with as much of its core intact as possible.
Without Howard.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
