After two impressive victories against the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers to begin their campaign in the 2016–17 National Basketball Association regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder eventually had a reality check, losing four consecutive games, the latest of which is a 104–88 beatdown at the hands of the surging Detroit Pistons.
OKC losing All-Star Kevin Durant in the offseason was the league's biggest story, but the team didn't show that in the first couple of games in the season, with Russell Westbrook tearing apart any kind of defense teams were throwing at him. However, there now is the sad reality that this team needs more firepower, even though Westbrook himself has been substantially dishing more assists than before. He may be the new face of the franchise, but he needs help.
Along with the Thunder's struggles come rumors and speculations about the team searching for trade prospects, the purpose of which is to bolster a lineup that lacks another offensive option. A report from ESPN last week said that the acquisition of former Philadelphia 76ers young big man Jerami Grant in exchange for veteran Ersan İlyasova is a clear indication that the front office does not see an ideal roster as of the moment.
Therefore, it's easy to speculate that the team will continue searching for players whom they can trade for to not just help them win, but also convince Westbrook that the organization is doing enough to offset the loss of Durant. Even though he is definitely more comfortable having the ball in his hands most of the time, it also is no secret that Westbrook wants to win. But he can't do it without someone who can come off the bench and score for the team. At the moment, the secondary option is newly-acquired shooting guard/small forward Victor Oladipo. But then again, Oladipo is no Durant, that's a fact.
