Oklahoma City Thunder
Jordan Clarkson began his college career at Tulsa University before transferring to Missouri. Returning to Oklahoma City would be a homecoming of sorts, and the Thunder would love to have him.
Watching Russell Westbrook put up triple-doubles on an almost nightly basis was a lot of fun to watch. But it was clear that the Thunder need to add more help around him. Victor Oladipo was a nice addition last offseason, but he doesn’t nearly push the needle enough, especially when you are attempting to replace Kevin Durant as well.
Clarkson would bring a lot of punch to a Thunder bench that didn’t have much to offer last season. They didn’t have a player capable of spelling Westbrook for stretches at point guard. Look no further than the series against the Houston Rockets. If Westbrook wasn’t running the offense, Oklahoma City was run off the court.
Clarkson would be an excellent addition to their second unit, or as the starting shooting guard. He and Oladipo would give the Thunder multiple players that can initiate the offense to help take pressure off of Westbrook.
Oklahoma City doesn’t project to have much if any, cap space this summer, especially if they want to retain their free agents. But, they do own the 21st selection in the 2017 NBA Draft. That could be something that interests the Lakers in a return package.