The Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to remain patient on the trade market, with a blockbuster move before the deadline considered unlikely despite their significant draft-pick resources.

ESPN’s Zach Kram, Bobby Marks and Tim MacMahon reported that general manager Sam Presti will prioritize smaller opportunities rather than pursue a major midseason acquisition. Oklahoma City recently addressed its wing depth by acquiring Nique Clifford, but further roster changes remain possible.

“Presti will be patient,” MacMahon wrote. “Oklahoma City will explore the market for opportunities to upgrade over the next few months, but a big splash would be a big surprise.”

The Thunder have several reasons to monitor the market. Injuries have depleted their rotation, particularly on the perimeter, where Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace are unavailable.

Jalen Williams has appeared in only three games this season before suffering a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula. Wallace has also played three games and requires surgery after tearing the labrum in his left shoulder.

Chet Holmgren is another significant absence after undergoing treatment for a small patellar tendon tear. He is expected to miss at least eight to 10 weeks, according to the supplied injury report.

Clifford, acquired on November 8, provides another option on the perimeter. However, Kram noted that the sophomore guard does not appear to be a playoff difference-maker, leaving Presti potentially interested in another defensively minded wing.

Oklahoma City has considerable assets to facilitate another transaction. According to Marks, the Thunder own seven tradable first-round picks, including three in June, and 19 second-round selections.

They also have three trade exceptions worth $5.8 million, $11.3 million and $17.7 million. Nikola Topic’s $5.4 million expiring contract and Thomas Sorber’s $4.9 million salary could provide additional trade flexibility.

However, the Thunder are above the first apron. They cannot take back additional salary in a trade involving Topic or Sorber, limiting how they could use those contracts.

Financial considerations also matter beyond this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s salary is projected to rise to $61.6 million in 2027-28, while Holmgren and Jalen Williams are each projected to earn approximately $44.5 million.

MacMahon pointed to Presti’s history as another reason not to expect a major deadline move. Oklahoma City’s last significant midseason trade came in 2011, when the Thunder acquired Kendrick Perkins.

The Thunder entered Thursday with an 8-4 record despite their injury problems. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.7 points, while Ajay Mitchell has contributed 18.5 points per game in 11 appearances.

Oklahoma City visits the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, November 13, before traveling to Sacramento to face the Kings on Sunday, November 15.