As Draft night approaches, abrupt trades involving recognizable names recently stirred the NBA landscape.

The most notable transaction saw the Los Angeles Lakers clear roster-space for purported #2 overall pick Lonzo Ball, while availing its payroll for future off-season upgrades, by sending D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Nets for Brook Lopez and the #27 pick in Thursday’s draft.

Many Lakers supporters decried this move, as Russell, 21, ranks among the NBA’s top young guards. Though, with Paul George explicitly stating he will not re-sign with Indiana following next season, LAL President of Operations Magic Johnson has clearly set a stage to pursue George, and perhaps LeBron James, in summer 2018.

Meanwhile, ahead of a contract year, Brooklyn sheds Lopez’ remaining $22 M salary while absorbing Mozgov’s leftover near $16 M annual pay through 2020.

Sources: Lakers trade D'Angelo Russell to Nets as part of cap-clearing move. @WojVerticalNBA report. https://t.co/quK1swpdXv — The Vertical (@TheVertical) June 20, 2017

Tuesday’s other headline saw Dwight Howard and the upcoming #31 draft position shipped from the Atlanta Hawks to Charlotte for Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli and Thursday’s #41 pick.

Signed to a three-year $70.5 M contract by Atlanta last summer, Howard averaged 13.5 PPG, 12.7 RPG, and 1.2 BPG during his one-year stay with the Hawks.

This move helps bring Charlotte closer to post-season contention. Meanwhile, following an impressive ten-year run of playoff appearances, Atlanta now embraces a full-rebuild.

Atlanta unloads Dwight Howard to Charlotte. Story on @TheVertical. https://t.co/QcGrmQfUkQ — Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 21, 2017

With these notable deals highlighted, here is a look at relevant Oklahoma City Thunder news ahead of the off-season’s busiest hub.

WTLC examines Ojeleye’s upside and also considers a free-agent backup option for Russell Westbrook.

Jenni Carlson of NewsOK considers how past and present “superteams” may influence Westbrook’s next professional steps.

If so, given the Thunder’s cap situation, does this interest make sense?