Hornets: Oklahoma City Thunder players to target in free agency

As a part of our ongoing series detailing which players the Charlotte Hornets should target during free agency, today our attention shifts to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder finished with a 24-58 record, which earned them a 14th-place finish in the Western Conference. OKC has plenty to look forward to, however. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey locked in as the backcourt of the future, the Thunder are a piece or two away from making noise in the West.

One of their key pieces, Luguentz Dort, could be heading to free agency. Although he is expected to have his team option picked up, he could demand a pretty price tag during the free agent market. As a proven defender and capable scorer, Dort would make an excellent addition to Charlotte’s roster if he were to somehow enter free agency this season.

Also on club options, Isaiah Roby and Mike Muscala should be returning for another season with the Thunder. The bigs are at opposite ends of their respective careers, and neither would necessarily fit with the LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges-centered offense.

The only other players potentially hitting the open free agent market would be Derrick Favors and Melvin Frazier. Frazier is a restricted free agent, and Favors has a player option valued at $9.7 million. Frazier would not crack the rotation in Charlotte. On the other hand, Favors might provide a veteran presence in the locked room on a young, hungry Hornets squad desperate for playoff experience.

If Favors declines his player option, I could see the Hornets reaching out to the big man. If Dort’s option is somehow declined, Charlotte should absolutely try to snag the 3-and-D wing as soon as possible.

Despite the Thunder having no unrestricted free agents this offseason, there are a few players that the Hornets may be eyeballing on Oklahoma City’s roster.