3 Under the Radar OKC Thunder Trade Targets That Would Matter in the Playoffs

The Oklahoma City Thunder have enough resources to make a trade to improve their team ahead of the playoffs.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:55pm

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The Oklahoma City Thunder, who own a 38-11 record and lead the Western Conference, could look to make a trade before the February 5th NBA Trade Deadline to bolster their roster for the playoffs. While there are many high-profile trade targets being discussed, the article examines three under-the-radar options that could make an impact - Ayo Dosunmu of the Chicago Bulls, Kevon Looney of the New Orleans Pelicans, and Jevon Carter, who was recently waived by the Chicago Bulls.

Why it matters

The Thunder are looking to capture their third straight #1 seed in the Western Conference and make a deep playoff run. Adding the right complementary pieces could give them an edge, especially with some key players dealing with injuries. These under-the-radar moves could provide depth, shooting, and defense without disrupting the team's chemistry.

The details

The article outlines how each of the three trade targets could fit with the Thunder. Dosunmu would provide elite 3-point shooting to complement the team's scoring stars. Looney would add size and rebounding as a low-cost bench option. And Carter, if he clears waivers, could be signed for the veteran minimum to provide defensive intensity and outside shooting off the bench.

  • The NBA Trade Deadline is on February 5, 2026.
  • The Thunder currently own a 38-11 record and lead the Western Conference.

The players

Ayo Dosunmu

A guard for the Chicago Bulls who is shooting 45% from 3-point range this season.

Kevon Looney

A bench big man for the New Orleans Pelicans known for his rebounding and defense.

Jevon Carter

A free agent guard who was recently waived by the Chicago Bulls after being part of a three-team trade.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's superstar guard and leading scorer.

Jalen Williams

The Thunder's All-NBA swingman.

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What’s next

The Thunder will need to decide which, if any, of these under-the-radar trade targets they want to pursue ahead of the February 5th deadline.

The takeaway

The Thunder have the resources to make a strategic trade to improve their roster for the playoffs, and these three under-the-radar options could provide valuable depth, shooting, and defense without disrupting the team's chemistry.