NBA trade deadline: 3 backup centers the OKC Thunder could target

Posted by author January 31, 2025 NBA

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are halfway through the season and have cleared themselves as a title contender. They comfortably sit in first place at the Western Conference headlined by the All-Star duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

As Chet Holmgren nears a return, the Thunder will enter the playoffs with championship ambitions. The NBA trade deadline will give OKC one last chance to make outside additions to improve its roster.

There’s no such thing as the perfect NBA squad. There are always areas to improve upon. With that in mind, here are three backup centers the Thunder could target by the Feb. 6 deadline:

Kelly Olynyk

Second time is the charm. Thunder fans wanted them to pursue Olynyk during last year’s deadline, but he was ultimately shipped to the Raptors. Considering their rebuild, they’d likely be willing to listen to trade offers for the veteran center. He’s averaged seven points on 51% shooting, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He’s shot 48.6% from 3 on 1.7 attempts.

Even though the Thunder have Isaiah Hartenstein now, Olynyk could still fill a backup center role. He’d be an upgrade over Jaylin Williams and has playoff experience. He can facilitate and stretch the floor. He’s much more of a skilled big than a brute center who uses his sheer size to create advantages.

The 33-year-old is on a two-year, $26.3 million deal. It’s a team-friendly deal that fits perfectly with OKC’s payroll timeline. He fits the Thunder’s mold for a role player and could spot-start when needed.

Guerschon Yabusele

Six years after his first NBA stint, Yabusele has taken advantage of his second chance in the league. He’s been one of the few bright spots for the Sixers. He’s averaged 10.4 points on 50.2% shooting, 5.5 rebounds and two assists. He’s shot 39.3% from 3 on 3.8 attempts. He’s started half his games as the Sixers dealt with constant injuries.

The Thunder could upgrade their third backup big spot. Yabusele could fill that role. He has serious size at 6-foot-8, 265 pounds. He’d provide OKC a curveball for what it could use with its centers. They have the best big-man duo with Holmgren and Hartenstein, but both have missed notable times this season.

Yabusele is on an extremely team-friendly contract. He’s on an expiring $2.1 million deal. The 29-year-old will likely be a rental as his market will be too rich. The Sixers will hope to get back their top-six protected 2025 first-round pick, but they realistically should be happy with a couple of second-round picks.

Larry Nance Jr.

Nance Jr. is a career journeyman. He’s contributed in a bench role for most of his career. He’s done that again on the Hawks. He’s averaged 8.5 points on 50.9% shooting, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists. He’s shot 45% from 3 on 3.3 attempts.

Nance Jr. could be a strong third-string center. The 32-year-old isn’t the athletic freak he used to be, but his outside shot has vastly improved this season to compensate for that lack of burst. The Thunder could use that at the end of his bench, along with his rich playoff experience in the locker room.

If the Hawks decide to sell, it should be easy to acquire him. He’s on an expiring $11.2 million deal. Nance Jr. would be a rental for the Thunder.