The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to strengthen their roster following a sensational campaign that saw them claim the top seed in the highly competitive Western Conference.
The team is now focusing on acquiring three big men from rival teams to complement their star big man, Chet Holmgren, who will enter his second official season in the league in 2024-25.
Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets, Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks, and Jonas Valančiūnas of the New Orleans Pelicans are potential targets for the Thunder, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The Thunder swept the Pelicans in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, but they were eliminated in six games by the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals.
All three players mentioned are set to become free agents in the summer, and Claxton is expected to command approximately $20 million to $25 million annually in the open market.
Jonas Valenciunas unlikely to return to the Pelicans
Valančiūnas is unlikely to remain with the New Orleans Pelicans, as he is not perceived as a suitable fit alongside their star player, Zion Williamson.
The Lithuanian center earned $15.4 million during the 2023-24 season.
Meanwhile, Hartenstein is coming off a deep playoff run with the Knicks as they lost in seven games against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. During this series, he averaged 9.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
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