Ben McLemore (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder could explore a deal with the Sacramento Kings involving shooting guard Ben McLemore.
The Thunder have a great chance of making the playoffs, with the team currently secured at the seventh spot in the West. But if the Thunder are wanting to make a deep run in the postseason, exploring the trade market for a shooter could be an option.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report explored a trade scenario that would allow OKC to provide Russell Westbrook with a complementary shooter. In Favale's proposed deal the Thunder send Cameron Payne and Anthony Morrow to the Kings for Ben McLemore and Omri Casspi, giving Oklahoma added firepower on the offensive end.
"Oklahoma City was dangling Cameron Payne in proposals for Rudy Gay as of late December to help address this issue, according to The Vertical's Chris Mannix. Gay's season-ending Achilles injury ruined that idea, but Omri Casspi and Ben McLemore make for a nice backup plan," Favale wrote.
This deal would benefit the Thunder as they badly need shooters suitable to play alongside Westbrook. McLemore, who is averaging 11.6 points on 43.9 percent shooting in the last 10 games, would appear as the best fit due to his versatility on both ends of the floor. It is unclear what Sacramento would want in any potential deal, but considering the team's need of a playmaker, Payne could be an enticing piece for the Kings.
ESPN's Marc Stein reported last month that McLemore has emerged as one of the few players likely to be dealt by Sacramento.
"Given Gay's long-term unavailability and Sacramento's well-known hopes of convincing DeMarcus Cousins to sign for the long term, two wings have emerged as the most likely Kings to be dealt: Ben McLemore first and foremost, followed by Arron Afflalo," Stein wrote.
However, Rudy Gay's season-ending injury could change any plans of moving the 24-year-old, especially with the Kings in position to crack into the top eight in the Western Conference.
It is also unlikely that the Kings would make a deal with a playoff contender like the Thunder. But if opportunity knocks on OKC's door, McLemore would be a very nice addition for the Thunder.
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