Thunder rumors swirl around center needs. But is it shooting, not size, that truly unlocks their playoff potential?
With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Oklahoma City Thunder are once again popping up in league wide rumors. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently noted that the Thunder are believed to be “in the market” for center help, which naturally raises the question: should they actually make that move?
The short answer is no. At least not as a priority. If Oklahoma City is going to spend real assets at the deadline, shooting should be the focus, not adding another big body to a rotation that already reflects how this team wants to play.
The Thunder’s biggest offensive issue in high leverage games hasn’t been size or rim protection. Even though their rebounding has been an issue lately, that’s more so due to health and effort.
It’s been shooting and overall shot making. When defenses load up on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, wall off drives, and force the Thunder into halfcourt possessions, the lack of reliable, high volume shooting can stall the offense. That’s where upgrades matter most, especially for a team that wants to make a deep playoff run.
The problem, of course, is that shooting is expensive. Two way wings and stretch players who can defend, shoot, and stay on the floor in the postseason don’t come cheap. They cost first round picks, young prospects, or both, and the Thunder have shown no urgency to overpay just to make a splash.
If Oklahoma City can’t find shooting at a price they’re comfortable with, then center help becomes a more realistic fallback option. But even then, it’s fair to ask: how much does it actually move the needle?
The Thunder already have Isaiah Hartenstein, a non-shooting center who provides physicality, rebounding, screening, and passing. Adding another traditional big would create redundancy, not clarity.
It’s hard to envision Oklahoma City wanting two non-shooting centers in a rotation when their identity is built around pace, ball movement, and five-out principles, even if they don’t always play five shooters.
Mark Daigneault has consistently leaned into small lineups, switching, and speed over size. Chet Holmgren at the five unlocks the Thunder’s best spacing and offensive flow, even if it comes with occasional rebounding sacrifices. Any center addition would have to fit within that philosophy, not pull the team away from it.
That’s where the idea of a shooting big enters the conversation and where things get complicated. Stretch centers who can defend enough to stay playable are among the most valuable archetypes in the league.
They’re scarce, highly coveted, and priced accordingly. If the Thunder weren’t willing to pay that cost in the offseason, it’s unlikely they suddenly will now.
So yes, center help could provide marginal benefits: more lineup flexibility, insurance for Hartenstein, and situational answers against bigger frontcourts. But marginal is the key word. It doesn’t solve the Thunder’s most pressing issue, and it doesn’t dramatically raise their ceiling.
Unless a deal falls into their lap at the right price, Oklahoma City’s best move may still be patience. This team is still the best team in the league, comfortable playing small, and already has a non-shooting center they trust. If they’re going to push their chips in, it should be for shooting, even if that means waiting longer to find the right one.