Haven't heard any breaking news on possible Thunder trade moves as we slowly approach Thursday's deadline. Remember when OU's Blake Griffin others including Trae Young and Buddy Hield all made their splash in the NBA. Would loved to have seen any of these three former OU players on our Thunder's roster.

Dunno…the Mavs seem to share my opinion.

You say I’m not giving Luka his due but in fact I have clearly stated in multiple posts that he is “on his way to greatness,” as you put it. I’ve not disagreed that he has strong potential to be a generational player.

But if he’s not willing to exhibit the discipline and to put in the hard work to gain the edge he needs to get over the hump and win a ring, he’s simply NOT a generational player. Generational talent and generational player are two totally different things. There are people who will tell you that Joe Hammond might have been one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game. Have you heard of him? If not, look him up.

Will Luka get there? Probably. But he’ll also probably have to give up the cheeseburgers. Or WHATEVER it is that made the Mavs stop believing in him.

with the cheeseburgers or whatever he averaged .. 33.9 9.8 and 9.2 last season .. and took his team to the NBA finals .. .. he is in the tiny group with 5 first team all NBA's by age 25 ....


(Doncic becomes the third player with five first-team All-NBA selections before turning 26, joining Tim Duncan and Kevin Durant.)

why would he think he needs to change ANYTHING ....................

Steve Kerr Bids FAREWELL to Buddy Hield: "Wishing Success at THUNDER" | nba news warriors
Any truth that the Thunder acquired Buddy Hield in a 6 team trade.



Just some more evidence for the Dead Internet Theory . lol

DunnoÂ…the Mavs seem to share my opinion.

Even if they share your opinion, the reality is that the NBA market does not. How Dallas did not receive more back (and even gave up a pick, lol) is what makes no sense. Even if Nico Harrison believes what he's saying, even if he ends up being 100% correct about Doncic (and Davis), he did not get market value for Doncic, because he didn't put him on the market.

I think everyone here, including myself, agrees that the trade was puzzling, at the very least. Some folks apparently believe that it’s either an absolute bone-headed fumble by a guy (Nico) who until now has generally been regarded as one of the brightest minds in the game by most, while others seem to think it’s some sort of vast conspiracy in a fully-rigged NBA.

I’m just saying that the most logical explanation is that the Mavs know something about Luka that the rest of us do not. And based on what has leaked out of their camp regarding especially the conditioning and injury issues - combined with what anyone SHOULD be able to see with their own eyes - it sounds pretty plausible.

If he does know something about Doncic that no one else knows, then he must have negotiated against himself and validated Pelinka's reservations (genuine or not) that allowed LA to roll back FRPs, Knecht, and possibly more.


combined with what anyone SHOULD be able to see with their own eyes - it sounds pretty plausible.

Well, what MOST people have seen with their own eyes is a dude who finishes games strong and puts teams on his back to take them to the NBA finals just last year. If he can't pass a physical, then fine, it's a concern. But 1) he's always looked out of shape compared to who he's playing but 2) still beats who he is playing and 3) if he is a conditioning project, just about every team would and should be willing to take that on based on what the "out of shape" Luka has produced already,

The conditioning and injury issues don’t hold water because Luka does not have a history of injury and, in fact, plays a ton. To me, my best guess based on the evidence that’s come out is that Nico Harrison has a massive ego and prefers players he has relationships with. Almost all players he’s acquired fit that mold. Nico couldn’t control Luka and so that got to his ego. And more stories are coming out suggesting that Nico does not listen to other perspectives, but surrounds himself with yes men.

Also, none of the conspiracies about ratings or Vegas make sense with any scrutiny. I think it’s just Nico Harrison has an ego, which was very on display at his press conference.

If he can't pass a physical, ,

then the trade would be rescinded.

then the trade would be rescinded.

Right. I just meant that as a benchmark on the spectrum of his health, as in, if he can pass a physical, but he is out of shape, most teams would take on that project based on what we've seen so far and pay well for that chance, more so than what LA gave back in most cases.

(Nico) who until now has generally been regarded as one of the brightest minds in the game by most,

I don't think that is Nico's rep ..

It is also now being widely reported .. that the original version of this trade had both the lakers 1st round picks and Dalton Knect (and maybe reaves) . and the Lakers GM talked him out both of those things

I mean, folks can obviously believe whatever they'd like, but it's not like I'm making any of this up (https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks-fired-multiple-staffers-luka-doncic-liked-over-conditioning-concerns#:~:text=Per%20Tim%20MacMahon%20and%20Ramo na,that%20Doncic%20enjoyed%20working%20with.):


Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison did the unthinkable when he decided to trade Luka Doncic, the face of the franchise, to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Not only did Harrison ship away the most beloved basketball player in the city during his prime, but he did so without getting the return many believe Doncic warranted.

Instead, the Mavericks got Davis, Max Christie, and one first-round pick back from the deal. In comparison, the Sacramento Kings got a total of six draft picks, including three first-rounders during their three-team trade with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls on Sunday.

Though Doncic is a generational superstar, Harrison had growing concerns about his conditioning and habits off of the court. Doncic would experience significant weight fluctuations throughout a season, a problem the organization attempted to address.

To try and take action, the Mavericks started making changes around Doncic in hopes that they would benefit him and make his conditioning more consistent. Per Tim MacMahon and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Mavericks fired former director of player health and performance Casey Smith in 2023, and fired strength coach Jeremy Holsopple and manual therapist Casey Spangler after last season—all staffers that Doncic enjoyed working with.

"They get rid of everybody I like," Doncic told an ESPN source.

The Mavericks’ firings did not work. Per ESPN, Doncic wound up hiring his own personal staff before last season, bringing in Slovenian national team strength coach Anže Maček, physiotherapist Javier Barrio Calvo and Real Madrid nutritionist Lucia Almendros. This only increased the frustrations in the Mavericks organization while not improving Doncic's health.

According to the ESPN report, Doncic's weight had reached over 260 pounds, when Dallas believed his ideal weight was 245 pounds. With Doncic already missing 27 games this season, including 11 days to lose weight, Harrison ultimately decided to pull the plug and trade him to the Lakers.

In turn, the Lakers reportedly used the Mavericks concerns against them during trade negotiations. The original trade saw the Mavericks getting Dalton Knecht and multiple first-rounders for Doncic, but Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka reportedly convinced Harrison that these concerns made Doncic a risk, lowering the trade return for the Mavericks.

What NBA player doesn’t have an injury? Luka has been healthy and playing big minutes the last 5 years.That includes a trip the Finals AND then playing for Slovenia in the Olympics over the summer. Ignoring that history and focusing one injury that’s about 1 month long is missing the forest for the trees. Also, do we have verification that Luka missed games “to lose weight”? Where was that reported? Again, Luka was playing good basketball in December.

A lot of these stories about Luka’s conditioning are clearly coming from Nico leaks to the press to justify an indefensible trade.

I mean, folks can obviously believe whatever they'd like, but it's not like I'm making any of this up (https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks-fired-multiple-staffers-luka-doncic-liked-over-conditioning-concerns#:~:text=Per%20Tim%20MacMahon%20and%20Ramo na,that%20Doncic%20enjoyed%20working%20with.):

and all of that was annoyance ... by them nothing to do with how he actually plays basketball ..

What NBA player doesn’t have an injury? Luka has been healthy and playing big minutes the last 5 years.That includes a trip the Finals AND then playing for Slovenia in the Olympics over the summer. Ignoring that history and focusing one injury that’s about 1 month long is missing the forest for the trees. Also, do we have verification that Luka missed games “to lose weight”? Where was that reported? Again, Luka was playing good basketball in December.

A lot of these stories about Luka’s conditioning are clearly coming from Nico leaks to the press to justify an indefensible trade.
Not true. Team sources were bitching about his weight issues going back to last season. Here is a much more in-depth article (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43676830/how-stunning-luka-doncic-anthony-davis-trade-came-together-los-angeles-lakers-dallas-mavericks) than the one that you apparently didn't click on above, which has more details on the games he missed to weight loss, which at the time was attributed to a wrist sprain. In part:


If Doncic wasn't going to change his ways, the Mavericks figured they would prod him by making changes around him. In August 2023, the team fired former director of player health and performance Casey Smith, who has since been hired by Jalen Brunson's New York Knicks. After last season, the Mavs fired strength coach Jeremy Holsopple and manual therapist Casey Spangler. All three had been with the team since before Doncic was drafted and had strong relationships with him.

"They get rid of everybody I like," Doncic griped in recent months, one source said.

The plan backfired.

Before last season, Doncic hired a full-time "body team" -- Slovenian national team strength coach Anže Maček, as well as physiotherapist Javier Barrio Calvo and nutritionist Lucia Almendros from Real Madrid -- that he paid for out of his own pocket.

The changes didn't result in a healthier or more available Doncic, and the internal frustration only increased as team sources complained about poor communication between Doncic's team and the Mavs' staff this season.

Over the previous six seasons, Doncic had played an average of 67 games. This season, he has sat out 27 games, including the past six weeks since straining his left calf for the fourth time in three years. He gained weight while he was out, which frustrated team officials, sources said. The primary reasoning for an 11-day absence in late November, officially attributed to a right wrist sprain, was to provide Doncic time to shed weight after he had ballooned into the high 260s, sources said. He had a similar shutdown in December 2021, early in the first season of the Harrison-Kidd regime...

and all of that was annoyance ... by them nothing to do with how he actually plays basketball ..
HOW he plays basketball? or WHEN he plays basketball? He's missed 27 games so far THIS SEASON. We aren't even to the All-Star break.

And Luka can lose weight. Davis can not lose years.

For comparison, Luka has missed 91 games in 7 seasons and Davis has missed 232 games in 13 season. Davis missed 108 in his first 7 years. Not a huge difference. It's not like he's trading away an injury prone star for one of formidable health.

I think Harrison just likes Davis and Pelinka played him to get Doncic below market.

Not true. Team sources were bitching about his weight issues going back to last season. Here is a much more in-depth article (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43676830/how-stunning-luka-doncic-anthony-davis-trade-came-together-los-angeles-lakers-dallas-mavericks) than the one that you apparently didn't click on above, which has more details on the games he missed to weight loss, which at the time was attributed to a wrist sprain. In part:

none of this changes the fact that he is a generational talent .. that averaged 34 10 and 9 last season and took his team to the NBA finals and has 5 first team all NBA's as a 25 year old and the 3rd best scoring average of all time ..

^^^^^^^^^
Sounds to me like he peaked last season. Good time for a fire sale.

^^^^^^^^^
Sounds to me like he peaked last season. Good time for a fire sale.

:) it worked out great for me ..

Haha I figured you'd be happy about it as a Lakers fan. ;)

Saying they traded Luka due to injuries for a guy with the nickname "Street Clothes" is not very smart. I don't care how much Luka weighs, if he is still a top 3 player in the entire NBA (albeit unwatchable due to his whining), let him do him! Now, if he falls out of the top 10 players and reaches 300 pounds, then there might be a problem (unless he is 35 by this time, then he's too "old" anyway).

The test for being grossly overweight 'When you go to take a leak and you can't see your own junk when you urinate.'

Luka (IMO) will be okay. I don't think he will flunk the piss ^ test.

Clearly there are personalities involved here. And this was a long time coming, for whatever reason.

Luka has cost himself something like $50 million that he cannot ever replace in NBA salary, regardless of career length. The 5 year, $350 million contract that could allow him to be paid 35% of the salary cap was only possible if he stayed with the Mavericks. Now, he cannot be eligible for that type deal until career year 10 or 11, if I read correctly. There is no way, even if he does the LeBron style "opt out-opt in every year" renewal.

Clearly there are personalities involved here. And this was a long time coming, for whatever reason.

Luka has cost himself something like $50 million that he cannot ever replace in NBA salary, regardless of career length. The 5 year, $350 million contract that could allow him to be paid 35% of the salary cap was only possible if he stayed with the Mavericks. Now, he cannot be eligible for that type deal until career year 10 or 11, if I read correctly. There is no way, even if he does the LeBron style "opt out-opt in every year" renewal.

he cost himself 6 million dollars ... plus the difference in Taxes ..(more games in california ) (he will just have to sign 2 contracts instead of 1)

he cost himself 6 million dollars ... plus the difference in Taxes ..(more games in california ) (he will just have to sign 2 contracts instead of 1)

I don't think he cost himself anything. He did nothing to indicate he wanted to be traded or leave Dallas at all. The Mavs organization did this to themselves. I'm sure a lot of fans refunded their tickets after this. It'd be like us trading Shai, it makes zero sense unless you are a really cheap owner or are purposely tanking the team for some other reason.

I don't think he cost himself anything. He did nothing to indicate he wanted to be traded or leave Dallas at all. The Mavs organization did this to themselves. I'm sure a lot of fans refunded their tickets after this. It'd be like us trading Shai, it makes zero sense unless you are a really cheap owner or are purposely tanking the team for some other reason.

i should have said IT cost him 6 mil in contract ..money .. the other numbers are over blown ..

As of this morning, Mavs are offering money back discount to season ticket holders.

I don't think he cost himself anything. He did nothing to indicate he wanted to be traded or leave Dallas at all. The Mavs organization did this to themselves. I'm sure a lot of fans refunded their tickets after this.

I doubt they are giving out refunds, but I'm sure renewal is coming up soon and that's where they'll know if there will be any real effect on ticket and game revenue. And will if affect corporate support in the same way?

It will be interesting to watch, because their starting line up should be pretty good. But will it be good enough to win over disgruntled fans over the next couple of months?

EDIT:


As of this morning, Mavs are offering money back discount to season ticket holders.

Wow. I guess that's their immediate retention plan. I wonder if you have to renew to get the discount.

I do feel a bit bad for AD. He didn't really have a say in this and now goes into a franchise where people don't really care about him. He is a good player but the injuries always plagued him.

^^^^^^^^^
Sounds to me like he peaked last season. Good time for a fire sale.

Yeah, he peaked right before his prime. That makes sense. /s

Do you realize that you just pointed out that the Mavs complained about his weight last season... and then he led them to the NBA Finals? It's almost like the weight issue is being dramatically overblown by the front office trying as Luka has been playing at an elite level anyway.


I do feel a bit bad for AD. He didn't really have a say in this and now goes into a franchise where people don't really care about him. He is a good player but the injuries always plagued him.

AD seems fine with this trade. He's friends with Nico (which it seems like Nico's primary goal as GM is to get his friends on the team), and he even waived his trade kicker. I don't think Dallas fans will hold it against him. They're all mad at Nico.

NBA Injury status: Phoenix Suns @ Oklahoma City Thunder - TV: ESPN - 8:30 PM


Suns:

Kevin Durant - Day-to-day

Thunder:

Cason Wallace - Out
Jalen Williams - Day-to-day
Chet Holmgren - Out
Nikola Topic - Out
Ajay Mitchell - Out

Source: ESPN NBA Injury status

JDub is back!

Per a Thunder Insider on X.

There has been a lot of reporting that Kevin Durant wants to go back to Golden State Warriors (He's a masochist to Draymond Green's torture chamber :D. Beat KD, beat KD
and call him cheap.)

His so-called injury status for tonight's game is Day-to-day. Thunder fans giving him an un-welcome every time he return to
OKC wearing a visiting team's jersey is a grim reminder of KD betrayal of the OKC Thunder fan base. It's a lasting stain that will
keep KD's jersey from the rafters of current Paycom Center and Paycom Center 2028.

Add Dallas Mavericks to the list of teams pursuing Kevin Durant.

We just traded for Daniel Theis (a 3rd center) and draft compensation (haven't heard the full trade yet).

We just traded for Daniel Theis (a 3rd center) and draft compensation (haven't heard the full trade yet).




https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/2023-08-09_Deutschland_gegen_Kanada_%28Basketball-L%C3%A4nderspiel%29_by_Sandro_Halank%E2%80%93115.j pg/220px-2023-08-09_Deutschland_gegen_Kanada_%28Basketball-L%C3%A4nderspiel%29_by_Sandro_Halank%E2%80%93115.j pg

Daniel Theis, 6'8" - 245 lb., Power Forward, Age: 32 - NBA playing career:


2017–2021 Boston Celtics
2021 Chicago Bulls
2021–2022 Houston Rockets
2022 Boston Celtics
2022–2023 Indiana Pacers
2023–2024 Los Angeles Clippers
2024–present New Orleans Pelicans

Big body arms race on either side of the Red River LOL

Yeah, he peaked right before his prime. That makes sense. /s

Do you realize that you just pointed out that the Mavs complained about his weight last season... and then he led them to the NBA Finals? It's almost like the weight issue is being dramatically overblown by the front office trying as Luka has been playing at an elite level anyway…
Yep. Perfect time to get out, before he starts piling up chronic injuries and is truly washed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPEzSYx9BZw

We just traded for Daniel Theis (a 3rd center) and draft compensation (haven't heard the full trade yet).




https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMwF_fLwPUPduSAfV8TXim74IJCd5-oM0v-g&s

$2,087,519

Source: Oklahoma City Thunder Roster 2024-25 https://www.espn.com/nba/team/roster/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/2023-08-09_Deutschland_gegen_Kanada_%28Basketball-L%C3%A4nderspiel%29_by_Sandro_Halank%E2%80%93115.j pg/220px-2023-08-09_Deutschland_gegen_Kanada_%28Basketball-L%C3%A4nderspiel%29_by_Sandro_Halank%E2%80%93115.j pg

Daniel Theis, 6'8" - 245 lb., Power Forward, Age: 32 - NBA playing career:


2017–2021 Boston Celtics
2021 Chicago Bulls
2021–2022 Houston Rockets
2022 Boston Celtics
2022–2023 Indiana Pacers
2023–2024 Los Angeles Clippers
2024–present New Orleans Pelicans




Dude moves around a lot. He must have week-by-week arrangements with Motel 6.

Jimmy Butler to GSW for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick.

GSW got jobbed.

Phoenix Suns 109 @ Oklahoma City Thunder 140



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8sRMRGDWz8

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401705290



Attendance: 17,451

Boy this team really can explode in a hurry. What a 2nd half that was.

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2024/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_IE.jpg

Friday, February 7, 2025
Toronto Raptors 16-35 @ Oklahoma City Thunder 40-09
Paycom Center, OKC
TV: FanDuel Oklahoma - 7:00 PM

We just traded for Daniel Theis (a 3rd center) and draft compensation (haven't heard the full trade yet).

My guess is that Theis is not on the team after today, and Presti was just taking on a pick or needed another salary for another trade.

Chet's back.

Chet re-entering the line up on Friday night per Shams and Chet. Thunder officially with the best deal of the trade deadline lol.

https://x.com/shamscharania/status/1887508656054296603?s=46&t=7SyiZk5KdTcgVjJhYS-3KQ

The rich get richer. Can't wait.

Heck yea, fingers crossed he remains healthy from here.

Chet back. Schroder might be back. I would get him on the cheap in the buyout market. We need something to run the second unit. The start of the second Qtr yesterday vs the Suns was ugly. He just needs 8 minutes a game when SGA is not on the floor.

Detroit is acquiring Dennis Schroder from the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN.

Will be his 9th or 10th team in the league. Guy is only 31 and has already surpassed $100 million in career earnings. Pretty incredible what one can pocket averaging 14/5/2. Can probably play another 5-7 years if he wants to.

Well, Daniel Theis didn't last long...

Well, Daniel Theis didn't last long...

Spot will probably go to AJ Mitchell or someone in the buyout market but other than a back up point guard we really don't need anything. Mitchell can be the backup just not sure as a rookie who only played half a season he is ready yet for the playoffs.

Chet back. Schroder might be back. I would get him on the cheap in the buyout market. We need something to run the second unit. The start of the second Qtr yesterday vs the Suns was ugly. He just needs 8 minutes a game when SGA is not on the floor.

no chance schroder is back

no chance schroder is back

We will give the spot to AJ. He's probable better at this point in his career with a much brighter future than Dennis, and a lot longer shelf life... definitely cheaper, too.

We will give the spot to AJ. He's probable better at this point in his career with a much brighter future than Dennis, and a lot longer shelf life... definitely cheaper, too.

also not a race-baiting moron


“It’s like modern slavery,” Schröder said. “It’s modern slavery at the end of the day. Everybody can decide where you’re going, even if you have a contract.

https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/dennis-schroder-trade-deadline-modern-slavery/1825751/

also not a race-baiting moron



https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/dennis-schroder-trade-deadline-modern-slavery/1825751/

Please don't bring your partisan takes to this thread. Thank you. I know the pastime of this country is to get angry at comments they see on the internet, but Dennis was great while he was here. It's pretty easy to see how he'd be frustrated after being traded several times in one day. You read one comment by him and now you've discounted everything he did for OKC while here and you've shoved him in your little partisan box of enemies.

Please don't bring your partisan takes to this thread. Thank you. I know the pastime of this country is to get angry at comments they see on the internet, but Dennis was great while he was here. It's pretty easy to see how he'd be frustrated after being traded several times in one day. You read one comment by him and now you've discounted everything he did for OKC while here and you've shoved him in your little partisan box of enemies.

partisan takes?? lollollollol what are you talking about .. did you read the quote .. the NBA trade deadline is modern day slavery??????

that is not partisan ..