Still, while OKC has largely maintained its talent-level \u2014 if not gotten better with two first-round additions \u2014 other teams have seemingly improved with trades and signings. There\u2019s been plenty of movement on the trade front, especially in the last few days.<\/p>\n
The splashiest moves was the Portland Trail Blazers grabbing former All-Star guard Ja Morant from Memphis, sending out Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Devin Carter was dealt to Atlanta Monday, and Sunday featured a trade between Charlotte and Phoenix.<\/p>\n
Only one trade has truly affected OKC in any capacity, or at least has the potential to: LaMelo Ball\u2019s trading to Minnesota.<\/p>\n
Days ago, the Hornets offloaded former All-Star guard LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves in exchange for forward Naz Reid and draft capital. It was an out-of-nowhere move for Charlotte, who is now moving in a new direction.<\/p>\n
The Timberwolves have been on line of true contenders, having made multiple conference finals in the last few seasons, though never able to get over the hump. There\u2019s no guarantee that Ball will be a massively positive addition for them, but he certainly could be given their need for handling, play-making and shooting next to superstar Anthony Edwards.<\/p>\n
Ball hasn’t been the most available star, but with high-end shot-creation and play-making ability, he can certainly offer stardom on any given night. Reid didn’t cause OKC problems, but Ball certainly could on a hot night.<\/p>\n
Due to that, the Timberwolves are certainly a name to watch through next year\u2019s regular season, making it a notable trade for OKC.<\/p>\n
So far, no other moves have massively shifted contenders in the West, or the league as a whole. The Trail Blazers are far more interesting, but shouldn’t be able to contend with a squad like OKC’s. Still, there are more moves to be made as the NBA continues through trade season and free agency.<\/p>\n
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