Predicting the Oklahoma City Thunder Starting 5 if They Trade Chris Paul

Chris Paul may be on the Oklahoma City Thunder right now, but it sounds as though they might not be his final destination before the 2019-20 season begins. Rumors have swirled that the Thunder are still looking to move the aging point guard and his burdensome contract. If they manage to ship him out before the season starts, here's what their lineup might look like.

5. Steven Adams

Oklahoma City Thunder v Denver Nuggets / Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Steven Adams now finds himself as one of the few remaining bedrock players remaining in OKC following the deals to ship out both Russell Westbrook and Paul George. He'll still be plenty useful at center, though. He averaged 13.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game last year, and with the box score-stuffing Westbrook gone, those numbers will likely improve. And did you know he's still only 25?

4. Danilo Gallinari

Los Angeles Clippers v Golden State Warriors - Game Two / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Danilo Gallinari was an important piece for the Thunder to secure in return for sending George to the Clippers. He averaged 19.3 points per game last year while shooting 43.3% from beyond the arc last season, the best campaign of his career. He's movable as an expiring contract, but the Thunder may be better off keeping him around and seeing what he's capable of.

3. Andre Roberson

Oklahoma City Thunder Media Day / Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Andre Roberson missed all of the 2018-19 season with after rupturing his left patellar tendon mid-way through 2017-18. He's on track to be a full participant at training camp, though, and he should find himself a spot in the starting lineup. One of the best defensive stoppers in the league when healthy, he's

2. Terrance Ferguson

Houston Rockets v Oklahoma City Thunder / J Pat Carter/Getty Images

Terrance Ferguson is entering his third year in the NBA, and it's shaping up to be his second as a full-time starter. After suiting up for 74 games last year and shooting at a 36.6% clip from beyond the arc, Ferguson will be called upon again to play a starting role for Billy Donovan's team.

1. Dennis Schröder

Portland Trail Blazers v Oklahoma City Thunder - Game Four / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Dennis Schröder was a spark plug off of the bench last year, but he'll have to step it up a notch at point guard in the upcoming season if CP3 doesn't stay. He averaged 15.5 points and 4.1 assists per game last season, and if Paul does end up getting traded, he'll split duties at the point with Shai-Gilgeous Alexander-- but can argue for starter's duties based on seniority.