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Sam Presti, Billy Donovan, OKC Thunder (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) +

Not all trades are made equal

Whether or not Oklahoma City have a realistic shot at one of the most prized possessions in the NBA remains to be seen. In an ideal world, AD just falls in Sam Presti’s hands and the Thunder have to virtually give up nothing to get him but this is the NBA, not fantasy basketball.

However, previous trades for stars in the past haven’t necessarily netted the farm. DeMarcus Cousins was traded for Buddy Hield, Langston Galloway, Tyreke Evans, and a future first-round pick while Paul George was sent to OKC for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. The San Antonio Spurs traded Kawhi Leonard for only DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 first-round pick (protected 1-20) to Toronto.

Despite the trades working out for all teams involved, they’re not spectacular deals by any stretch. The Lakers traded four mediocre players, the rights to Marc Gasol and two first-round picks for Pau Gasol in 2008. The players above are arguably better and teams got far less.

Final Thought

While AD appears to be a different animal, don’t be surprised if the return to New Orleans isn’t as great as most people think. Boston and Los Angeles will dominate the headlines but there will be teams making a play at the deadline. Will Oklahoma City be one of them?

If there is one thing for certain, Sam Presti will have his nose in there.