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NBA • 10 months ago

5 Free Agents the Oklahoma City Thunder Should Target This Offseason

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Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

5 Free Agents Billy Donovan and Thunder Should Target this offseason:

5 Free Agents Billy Donovan should ask Thunder to target — There's a pool of talent is this offseason's NBA free agency. Here are five free agents the Oklahoma City Thunder should target.

There's a pool of talent is this offseason's NBA free agency. Here are five free agents the Oklahoma City Thunder should target.

5. Udonis Haslem

5. Power forward Udonis Haslem. Last played: Miami Heat

Haslem has the same pedigree as Cole, as they were teammates with LeBron, but Haslem does provide that all important defensive backup power forward mentality. One of the major weaknesses in Oklahoma City is the backup role to Serge Ibaka (power forward), and Haslam would not only plug this hole, but also give that much needed second team a defensive nasty enforcer. You do need grit to win a NBA Championship.

4. Center Meyers Leonard. Last played: Portland Trailblazers - restricted free agent

Leonard could be stretch five for Thunder

4. Center Meyers Leonard. Last played: Portland Trailblazers - restricted free agent

Leonard is an interesting pick, but his versatility on offense would give OKC a much different look coming off the bench. And, given how many teams spread the floor now, it might not be a bad idea to sign him as an insurance policy. Imagine him on the floor with Serge Ibaka; Westbrook could drive the lane literally all day. The spacing would be absolutely incredible!

3. Power forward Jared Sullinger. Last played: Boston Celtics - restricted free agent

Sullinger could give Thunder flexibility off the bench

3. Power forward Jared Sullinger. Last played: Boston Celtics - restricted free agent

This could be a wild card pickup, but Sullinger’s shooting range could greatly help spread the floor for Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. His defensive skills will help, as well as his wide body to control the paint. If OKC can convince Sullinger to come off the bench behind Ibaka, we could see a formation of the best front court in the NBA. The only other thing holding them back, is the fact that Sillinger is a restricted free agent.

2. Small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Last played: Charlotte Bobcats

Kidd-Gilchrist could give Thunder athleticism and defense

2. Small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Last played: Charlotte Bobcats

Kidd-Gilchrist has never really totally flourished as a #2 overall pick in 2012 yet, but his defensive mentality is well-known already. If you add his perimeter defense off the bench, great things can happen. It’s also note worthy to say that Gilchrist's perimeter shooting is still improving significantly. He would be a great add for a OKC team that loves to run.

1. Point guard Norris Cole. Last played: New Orleans Pelicans

Cole can add perimeter intensity off the bench

1. Point guard Norris Cole. Last played: New Orleans Pelicans

Cole has that well-known Championship pedigree with the Miami Heat coming off the bench, and his tenacious style of play on both ends of the court will be a very welcome site in Oklahoma City. More specifically, his defense ability will greatly help the Thunders' lack of perimeter defense. For this to happen though, the Thunder must part ways with the more offensively gifted, yet erratic, DJ Augustin.

Samuel Martell is Oklahoma City’s beat writer at www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @sram1027, or add him to your network on Google.

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Samuel Martell is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.

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