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5 Early-Season Trade Targets For The Oklahoma City Thunder

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5 Early-Season Trade Targets For The Oklahoma City Thunder

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With the NBA season in full swing, the contenders in each conference are separating themselves from the rest of the pack. Now boasting a healthy squad, the Oklahoma City Thunder may begin to look for an additional piece via trade to push the team over the edge in a tough Western Conference. Here are five potential targets that Thunder GM Sam Presti may swoop in and nab before the Feb. 19 trade deadline.

5. Jeff Green

Jeff Green Boston Celtics
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5. Jeff Green

Jeff Green Boston Celtics
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The Boston Celtics have already unloaded Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks, signifying that Green may be the next expensive veteran on his way out. With two years left on his deal, Oklahoma City may view him as a nice sixth man option. If he is convinced that Reggie Jackson will leave, Presti may try and replicate his 2011 trade and swap Green and Kendrick Perkins in a package deal once again.

4. Iman Shumpert

Iman Shumpert New York Knicks
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4. Iman Shumpert

Iman Shumpert New York Knicks
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Shumpert has been in Thunder trade rumors for years now, and the New York Knicks are still looking at options to unload him. Oklahoma City once offered a first-round pick for the guard, but the asking price would not be nearly as high this time around. Presti might be able to pry Shumpert from the Knicks for a second-round pick and Perry Jones III.

3. K.J. McDaniels

K.J. McDaniels Philadelphia 76ers
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3. K.J. McDaniels

K.J. McDaniels Philadelphia 76ers
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This one could be frustrating for Thunder fans, as Oklahoma City could have just drafted McDaniels with their late first-round pick during this season's draft since they were so high on him then. Instead, they took Josh Huestis and stashed him in the D-league. The Philadelphia 76ers are in the middle of a gigantic rebuild, and McDaniels could probably be acquired for a second-round pick.

2. Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas Phoenix Suns
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2. Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas Phoenix Suns
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Goran Dragic might be a better option, but the Thunder would have no hopes of re-signing him come this offseason. If they really do believe that Jackson will walk, including him in a package to acquire the electric Thomas isn't a bad option. Thomas has an affordable four-year contract that is less than what Jackson will command and would also provide a great spark when Russell Westbrook needs a break.

1. Wilson Chandler

Wilson Chandler Denver Nuggets
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1. Wilson Chandler

Wilson Chandler Denver Nuggets
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Oklahoma City's interest in Chandler has been well documented, and he is by far the most realistic option. The next couple of weeks will tell whether or not the Denver Nuggets can still compete in the West, and if they continue to lose, it is likely that they will trade their veterans for younger assets. Perkins and a young player would have to be involved in this trade, which would also likely net the Thunder Nate Robinson or J.J. Hickson.

For all things Thunder and much more, follow Dan McLoone on Twitter @CoachMcLoone or add him to your network on Google+.

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