Photo: Oklahoma City Thunder/X

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been mentioned as a potential destination for various players rumored to be on the trade block ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

Among the names most frequently linked to the Thunder is Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets, whose skill set and versatility make him a hot commodity.

Despite these rumors, Oklahoma City appears to be prioritizing internal growth and continuity over outside acquisitions.

The Thunder are focused on the return of key injured players, including rookie big man Chet Holmgren and center Isaiah Hartenstein.

With the team sitting at the top of the Western Conference standings, there is little desire to disrupt the chemistry that has propelled their strong performance this season.

The organization provided an update this week on Holmgren’s recovery, noting significant progress.

He is expected to be re-evaluated in three to five weeks as he continues to recover from a fractured pelvis.

Meanwhile, Hartenstein is dealing with a left calf strain, which will sideline him for at least another week.

The anticipation of both players returning has the Thunder’s coaching staff and front office more focused on reintegrating them into the lineup than pursuing trades.

Head coach Mark Daigneault will face important decisions regarding how to utilize the two big men when they are fully healthy.

One possibility is pairing Holmgren and Hartenstein in a twin-tower lineup, leveraging their size and complementary skill sets.

Alternatively, Daigneault could adopt a starter-backup rotation, ensuring that one of the two is always on the floor to anchor the team’s interior defense and rebounding.