The Oklahoma City Thunder have been linked to Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III as potential trade options following devastating injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace. But ESPN’s Tim MacMahon has reported that rival executives have identified the Pelicans’ wings as possible targets if Sam Presti wants to pursue a deal.

But MacMahon also specifies that these are not confirmed active negotiations. That distinction does matter, but the basketball fit is pretty clear: the Thunder have lost two important perimeter defenders and need additional support around reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Williams suffered a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle, while Wallace suffered a shoulder labrum tear. Both have lengthy recovery timelines and are expected to return sometime in March. Neither has been ruled out for the season, but the Thunder cannot build their immediate plans around a guaranteed return at full strength.

MacMahon reported that the Pelicans have maintained a substantial asking price for Murphy, with multiple first-round picks required to actually generate some serious interest. The Thunder have the draft capital to explore the possibility. Their collection of future selections gives Presti flexibility, although protections and conditions affect which individual picks can convey and which can be included in any particular transaction.

But the bigger issue has to be salary. Murphy earns approximately $27 million this season and is owed another $60 million over the following two years. And according to ESPN, matching his salary would require the Thunder to include a core player.

Jones is less expensive initially, earning approximately $14.9 million this season, but his three-year, $67.6 million extension begins next season, which creates a massive commitment for a team that’s already facing an enormous payroll.

ESPN reported that Oklahoma City’s projected salary and luxury tax bill could exceed $500 million in 2027-28, and potential new contracts for players such as A.J. Griffin and Jared McCain could complicate their outlook even further.

This makes it more than just a question of the Thunder having enough picks. They must determine whether an addition improves their championship chances enough to justify the outgoing players and further spending.

Jones could restore defensive versatility, while Murphy could provide size and perimeter scoring next to Gilgeous-Alexander. Neither would automatically replace everything Williams and Wallace contribute, but they could address important weaknesses.

But still, some executives feel Sam Presti will prioritize internal development.

“That’s not who they are,” one Eastern Conference executive said. “I think they’d rather play their young guys and see what they have.”

There is a reasonable argument for greater urgency: Shai is still playing at an MVP level, and the Thunder have enough assets to create options when circumstances have changed. Losing two major contributors is precisely the kind of development that should prompt a serious examination of those options.

That does not mean sacrificing Williams or Wallace while they recover, or rushing Mitchell or McCain into a package without considering long-term value. The Thunder should actively explore long-term upgrades now, even if completing a trade takes time. Their priority should be finding dependable production at a reasonable cost.

Jones and Murphy definitely deserve a look, but the right move must strengthen Oklahoma City’s current chances without creating a larger problem for the future.