The Oklahoma City Thunder made their first trade of what's expected to be a busy offseason for the franchise.
Monday's trade sends ten-time All-Star guard Chris Paul and reserve forward Abdel Nader to the Phoenix Suns. Paul averaged 17.6 points, 5 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game for the Thunder last season, while Nader averaged 6.3 points per game.
The trade ends Paul's second stint in Oklahoma City, where he also spent his first two years in the league following the New Orleans Hornets' temporary relocation due to Hurricane Katrina.
"We want to thank Chris for the contributions he has made to the Thunder and the Oklahoma City community both this season and during his initial tenure in 2005-06 with the Hornets," Thunder General Manager Sam Presti said in a statement. "Chris has been the consummate leader and has left a tremendous legacy in a short period of time."
In return, the Suns send OKC forward Kelly Oubre, guard Ricky Rubio, reserve guards Ty Jerome and Jalen Lecque and a 2022 first-round draft pick. Oubre averaged 18.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for Phoenix last season, while Rubio averaged 13 points, 4.7 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game.
It's the beginning of an expected rebuilding phase for OKC, based around young players.
And it may not be the last trade OKC is involved in this week. ESPN reports reserve guard Dennis Schröder is on the move to the Los Angeles Lakers. That deal is expected to be finalized Wednesday night.
The Thunder now hold 16 first-round draft picks over the next seven NBA drafts, including the 25th pick in Wednesday's draft.
