NBA Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder Should Strongly Consider Trading Kendrick Perkins

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By @JosephMCrevier

Oklahoma City Thunder

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About two weeks ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder received devastating news that the reigning MVP Kevin Durant suffered a fractured foot that could sideline him until midway through the regular season. The explosive Russell Westbrook will now be forced to shoulder the load until Durant returns, which could spell doom for this Thunder team that has serious deficiencies outside of its “big three” of Durant, Westbrook and Serge Ibaka.

In such a loaded Western Conference, there is simply no possible way that Oklahoma City is able to stay above water the way they are currently constructed. With their big offseason acquisition being Anthony Morrow, who has never played a moment of relevant NBA basketball in his career, this Thunder team is in trouble of falling so far down the Western Conference totem pole that they will be forced to make a trade during the season. The fall guy should ultimately be Kendrick Perkins.

Upon his arrival during the 2010-11 season, Perkins was expected to act as the enforcer down low, much like he was with the Boston Celtics in previous years. He was fairly successful, averaging seven rebounds per game and performing up to par defensively. Oklahoma failed to take into account that 2011 was a contract year for Perkins, so when he was handed a hefty five-year, $40 million extension that summer, his production dipped drastically.

In the past three years, Perkins has averaged a whopping 4.2 PPG and 5.8 RPG as his playing time has diminished year after year.

Perkins’ contract has killed the Thunder by clogging up any flexibility to chase after the marquee free agents. Luckily, the big man’s deal is finally set to expire following the conclusion of this season, making him an extremely valuable trade chip for a franchise seeking to unload a longer deal.

The one guy who makes the absolute most sense is David West of the Indiana Pacers. Coming off a devastating Paul George injury and Lance Stephenson‘s departure, Indiana has no real incentive to hold onto West, who is owed about $24.6 million over the next two seasons. At the advanced age of 34, West brings leadership, toughness and an incredible competitiveness that could propel Oklahoma City to remain competitive until all the pieces come back.

Past that, West would play a valuable role for Oklahoma City throughout the playoffs and could possibly be enough to push the Thunder back to the NBA Finals.

As beloved a teammate that Perkins is, his lack of production should lead to his departure sooner rather than later. In the waning years of his career, West has proven to be very productive averaging 14 points, seven assists and three rebounds last season, something that Perkins has failed to do.

Joseph Crevier covers the New York Knicks for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, @JosephMCrevier, and Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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