OKC Trade Rumors: Oklahoma City Looking for a Shooter, Morrow Leaves Pelicans for Thunder

By Don Pittman
Anthony Morrow
Anthony Morrow NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder are just one piece away from getting past the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs, and into the finals. The obvious goal this offseason will be to find that important missing part.

Darnell Mayberry, the senior Basketball reporter for the Oklahoman shared the team's greatest need, finding someone who can spark the team's bench. Mayberry pointed this out during a chat with fans last week, identifying what he thought to be possible trade targets.

"I think the biggest need offensively is a shooter, someone who can alleviate pressure from Westbrook and Durant as an outlet. I love the idea of an Anthony Morrow to be a specialist off the bench. Mike Miller is a solid choice as well," Mayberry said.

"Inside scoring threat is going to have to be developed in-house. Those guys are super expensive as free agents. The best you can hope for there is the Thunder getting lucky and landing someone in the draft who can develop as a low-post scorer," he continued.

The 28 year old Marrow averaged 8.4 points and shot almost 46 percent shooting, including 45 percent from 3-point range. It is widely believed he will not be in  New Orleans Pelicans next season, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Miller, 34, was a valuable sharp-shooter for the Miami Heat during their last  two NBA title runs. He spent this season with the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 7.1 points and shooting 48 percent, including a 46-percent mark from downtown. Miller has a player option for the 2014 season.

The Thunder may be more inclined to make a trade for a shooter, according to Mayberry, too. There are some low-cost free agents, but one name to keep an eye on is Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo.

"This free agent class is weak sauce," Mayberry said.  

"There are a couple of intriguing names, like Trevor Ariza. But he's probably going to net a deal that nets him $6 million to $8 million per. You have to remember the Thunder doesn't get in the free agency game with the bigger names," Mayberry said, referencing past deals.  

"They'll throw minimum money at role players. But overbidding in free agency has never been this team's approach. I think the more likely route is trades. That Kevin Martin TPE is dangling out there, and a guy like Arron Afflalo is just counting down the days until someone comes and rescues him from Orlando. Something to watch," he continued.  

Ariza, 28, is coming off a career year with the Washington Wizards. He averaged 14.4 points per game with a field-goal percentage of 45 percent. According to reports, Ariza has the Wizards on his"short list" of destinations this summers.

Afflalo, 28, is under contract for two more years in Orlando. But he's been mentioned in trade rumors this offseason. Afflalo averaged a career-high 18.2 points per game and shot almost 46 percent from the field this season.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo