Thunder Big Man Becoming Trade Candidate (With 3 Potential Landing Spots)

The big-time arrival of big man Chet Holmgren for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the arrival of the entire team in general as a true contender, has seemingly spelled the end of the line in OKC for former first-round pick, and intriguing big man himself, Aleksej Pokusevski. 

Poku was a revelation early last season, starting 25 games of his 34 contests, running the floor as a 7-footer, hitting threes at one end and blocking shots at the other end. He was extremely fun to watch in over 22 minutes a night. 

Then came a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture in his left leg that knocked him out of the lineup in December, and the 7-foot beanpole (190 pounds) never recovered his role in the rotation. This season, he's gotten into just six games, averaging only six minutes per night. 

With that, Poku is a prime trade candidate for the Thunder, as they've become a serious playoff contender in the West, and will look to offer up the intriguing big man to get a piece to help take them to the next level in the postseason.

Teams we'd like to see bring in the soon-to-be 22-year-old Serbian:

San Antonio Spurs: Imagine teaming Poku up with 7'4" Victor Wembanyama. Who wouldn't want to see what that looks like? 

Portland Trail Blazers: A young team still trying to figure things out (just like Pokusevski), the Blazers have plenty of minutes and patience to work with a project like this. 

Toronto Raptors: An organization known for developing prospects, and a team that could use another 7-footer in the frontcourt. 

We'll keep an eye on Poku as we head towards the trade deadline.

Photo: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports