Maybe the timing of Chet Holmgren’s return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup, on the morning of NBA trade deadline day, was coincidental. Maybe it wasn’t.

How does the Lakers landing Luka Doncic affect the Western Conference hierarchy after the NBA trade deadline? Can anyone catch the OKC Thunder?

With Theis gone, the Thunder now have an open roster spot. They could use it to convert Ajay Mitchell to a standard deal. The two-way rookie has played well despite toe surgery likely knocking him out for the rest of the regular season. No need to risk exposing him to restricted free agency.