After a disappointing 2014-15, The Oklahoma City Thunder missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2009-10 season. Kevin Durant only played 27 games, and Serge Ibaka and Russell Westbrook missed a combined 33 regular season games. However, there was a bright side to the injuries. They forced GM Sam Presti to make trades and shake up the roster.

Presti traded Reggie Jackson to the Detroit Pistons and was able to get to quality players in Kyle Singler and D.J. Augustin. Singler recently agreed to a five-year, $25 million deal in order to stay with the Thunder. He has shot 37.8 percent from 3-point range over his career. With weapons like Westbrook and Durant, shooting is always needed because stars always draw a lot of attention.

Augustin provides the Thunder with a cheap option at the point guard position. Since Jackson was becoming a problem in the locker room because he wanted an increased role, Augustin is the perfect fit because he knows his role and plays the way a backup point guard is supposed to play.

Another deal that Presti made was trading for Enes Kanter. Although the team lost a locker room leader in Kendrick Perkins, Perkins’ performance on the court had been declining and the Thunder needed more help. In 22 games with the Thunder, Kanter averaged 18.7 PPG and 11 RPG. His defense still needs to improve, but a low post presence for the Thunder elevates them to another level. The team also traded Perry Jones to the Boston Celtics and signed draft pick Cameron Payne to a rookie deal.

The Thunder already have all the pieces they need to win a championship. They now have four legitimate offensive weapons (Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, Kanter) for the first time since the James Harden days. With Singler, Augustin, Dion Waiters, Mitch McGary, Steven Adams, Anthony Morrow and Nick Collison, the Thunder also have a deep bench.

But when Durant returns to the lineup next season, things will be a lot tougher for the Thunder. The Golden State Warriors won the NBA championship, the Los Angeles Clippers finally added a good small forward, and the San Antonio Spurs won the LaMarcus Aldridge sweepstakes. There are now four legitimate championship contenders in the Western Conference. Also, the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies are still strong playoff teams.

With Durant’s 2016 free agency decision looming and the continued rise of the Western Conference, the Thunder organization and players shouldn’t look to rest on their laurels. The team should continue to look for ways to improve and not only impress Durant, but Westbrook as well. Next season will be perhaps the most important season in the history of the franchise.

Oklahoma City Thunder 2015 Free Agency Grade: B+

Frank Ewere is a Beat Writer for the New Orleans Pelicans on www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheFrankEwere, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.