The Oklahoma City Thunder have never been the team to make blockbuster moves, but with whispers about Steph Curry's pursuit of a fifth championship, they might want to reconsider their strategy.
Stephen A. Smith recently stirred the pot on First Take, suggesting that Curry's future with the Golden State Warriors might not be as bright as his past.
"[Golden State] is not good enough. They've got no shot at the championship...
Curry deserves a better situation... Does Steph need to leave the Warriors to win another championship?
The answer to that is 'yes,'" Smith declared.
This comes during another underwhelming season for the Warriors, where Curry's main support has been from an injured Jimmy Butler and an aging Draymond Green. Since their last title in 2021-22, the Warriors have struggled to break into the top playoff seeds.
Could Curry and the Thunder be the perfect pairing?
Even as Curry approaches the twilight of his career, he remains a force, averaging 27.2 points per game with a 39.1 percent clip from beyond the arc. His illustrious career gives him the leverage to decide his future with Golden State.
If Curry were to consider a trade, the Thunder might just be the ideal landing spot.
Before trading for Jared McCain, OKC was tied for the most first-round picks in the league. Even after the trade, they still boast a treasure trove of assets.
Sam Presti has masterfully managed the Thunder's financials, maintaining flexibility despite the new tax apron rules. Acquiring a superstar like Curry would require some financial maneuvering, but it's within reach.
Curry's fit with OKC is seamless. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander attracting defensive attention, the Thunder thrive on perimeter shooting to capitalize on double teams. That's why they brought in McCain.
Adding the greatest three-point shooter ever would create havoc for opposing defenses. With SGA's improving range, McCain on a rookie contract, and Curry's unmatched shooting, OKC could become a three-point powerhouse.
A Curry-SGA duo could be a beautiful narrative, with Curry passing the torch to the Thunder's rising star as he nears retirement. While it might sound like a long shot, the pieces align almost perfectly. It ultimately hinges on whether Curry's loyalty to Golden State outweighs his ambition to solidify his legacy.
With Curry still shooting lights out, any move he makes would send shockwaves across the NBA.