As analysts speculate about what's next for Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti after losing Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace to long-term injuries, NBA insider Marc Stein floated what a quality player might cost. Memphis Grizzlies' Ty Jerome has been linked to the Thunder as a potential move, as has New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones, amidst a diminished role in 2026-27.

For a team seeking draft capital, the Pelicans would ask the Thunder for two future first-round picks as the price for Jones, according to Stein on the All NBA podcast.

“I imagine that Herb Jones' name will be suggested as a dream target. And look again, the Thunder have picks galore to offer because teams have been trying to pilfer for Herb Jones from the Pelicans for ages now,” Stein said. “And New Orleans last season basically was telling teams, trade Trey Murphy and Herb Jones if they are not untouchable; it's pretty dang close. You're going to have to offer us three firsts for Trey Murphy or two firsts for Herb Jones.”

With seven first-round picks over the next three years, including potentially up to three in 2027 alone, the Thunder can afford to move on Herb Jones or Trey Murphy before this year's deadline. However, a Disabled Player Exception move for Murphy wouldn't work, while a trade for Jones would, since he's making just under $15 million ($14.8 million) this season.

The Thunder also carry three trade exceptions from summer trades, valued at $17.8 million, $11.3 million, and $9.2 million, respectively. However, Jones' three-year, $67.5 million extension kicks in next season, when his salary spikes up to $20.8 million.

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For a team that traded away Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins to stay below the second apron, Oklahoma City would face a hefty tax bill as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace's max deals kick in for the 2027-28 season. The Thunder could look to acquire a player on an expiring deal as a short-term solution to losing Williams for the rest of the season and Wallace for most of it.

Still, it's in Thunder GM Sam Presti's best interest to wait it out, as NBA teams continue their evaluation period at the start of the regular season. Other potential targets will arise weeks before the trade deadline, as they do every season. Meanwhile, the Thunder will have a clearer sense of what their roster lacks between now and then.