Thunder have pieces to make push for Raptors' Bosh

[NJNJ]

http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/2010/news/features/art_garcia/01/17/bosh.thunder/p1_bosh-011710.jpg

 

Kevin Durant and Chris Bosh on the Thunder frontline together. By Feb. 18? Why not?

 

Oklahoma City is loaded. With talent. With picks. With cash. When pondering future seasons of a Thunder program that starts but doesn't end with Durant, visions surface of a serious Western Conference contender.

 

But why can't it be this season? Isn't this franchise in position to make a major move in a conference that has more of its share of quality teams though none, outside of the defending champion Lakers, are overwhelming.

 

OKC is hanging in the playoff race and has beaten plenty of big boys with a college-age roster. Imagine that roster with Bosh or Joe Johnson or Dwyane Wade right now. (We're realistic enough not to throw LeBron James in the mix.) As far-fetched as it sounds, the Thunder own the assets to make a deal like Bosh work before the trade deadline next month.

 

If the Raptors felt compelled to move Bosh, and there are plenty of rumors out there to support such a notion, Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti could make a serious play for the lefty power forward. Not only is OKC comfortably under the salary cap, but the franchise has another two first-round draft choices this June and nice pieces to export across the border.

 

Would a deal of, say, ever-improving third-year forward Jeff Green, a pair of No. 1s and another youngster with potential, Serge Ibaka or D.J. White, interest Toronto? If Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo was certain Bosh was walking this summer, does such a package from OKC make sense?

 

Thunder players would certainly welcome a player the caliber of Bosh. Bringing in a three-time 25-year-old All-Star who has averaged 20 and nine for his career may accelerate the Thunder's contending process by a year or two.

 

Would there be a better set of forwards in the West now and five years from now than Durant and Bosh?

 

"I've never thought about that, to be honest," said Durant, 21. "Of course I love these guys in the locker room. I feel if we keep these guys around and stick together for a long time, we'll be all right. But I've never thought about getting a guy like Chris Bosh or Dwyane Wade or anyone else."

 

CONTINUE READING

[The Regime]

Durant+Bosh+young surrounding cast with alot of potential

 

That's easily a top 3 team in the west imo.

Edited January 18, 2010 by Confidence

[CaptainGreenGanja]

I don't see it happening, we wanted to go after Lee but the Thunder are probably going to save their money to give Durant, Westbrook and Green some extra cash. Can't say they don't deserve it but I wouldn't mind seeing Durant and Bosh together lol

[Doc]

If he does say he isn't coming back.I would welcome a trade to OKC anyday. Maybe Green and Hardin

[CaptainGreenGanja]

If he does say he isn't coming back.I would welcome a trade to OKC anyday. Maybe Green and Hardin

 

Harden isn't leaving. I actually like Green at PF, I think he's a pretty good rebounder.

 

I'd love Bosh to come in and play Center though.

 

Westbrook/ Maynor

Harden/ Thabo

Durant/ Thabo

Green/ White

Bosh/ Kristic

 

Solid 9 man rotation.

[Built Ford Tough]

Harden isn't leaving. I actually like Green at PF, I think he's a pretty good rebounder.

 

I'd love Bosh to come in and play Center though.

 

Westbrook/ Maynor

Harden/ Thabo

Durant/ Thabo

Green/ White

Bosh/ Kristic

 

Solid 9 man rotation.

 

And what, the Raptors trade Bosh for Collison and Ollie?

 

No way would I trade Bosh to OKC if I wasn't getting Harden + both of the Thunder's picks in this draft at the very least.

Edited January 27, 2010 by Built Ford Tough